Ever wondered if getting dental crowns or veneers means you can say goodbye to cavities for good? Well, even though crowns and veneers do a great job at protecting your teeth, they don’t make them bulletproof against cavities. Let’s break down how cavities can still sneak in, even with these protective restorations.
How Cavities Develop
Cavities occur when bacteria in your mouth get busy making acids that wear down tooth enamel. This process, known as demineralization, creates tiny holes in your teeth as bacteria feast on the leftover food bits and sugars hanging around on your teeth.
Dental Crowns
Think of dental crowns as helmets for your teeth. They cover up and guard the whole visible part of a tooth. Yet, cavities can still start at the crown’s edges where it meets your natural tooth. Poor brushing habits or a crown that doesn’t fit quite right can let plaque and bacteria set up shop along the crown’s borders (called a margin). This can lead to decay sneaking in underneath. Also, if the crown gets damaged or there’s a tiny gap between it and your tooth, bacteria have a perfect hideout to cause trouble.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are like the stylish jackets of dentistry. They’re thin covers that stick to the front of your teeth to make them look amazing. But just like crowns, they can get cavities around their edges or underneath if you slack off on brushing and flossing. Letting plaque and bacteria build up around veneer margins is a no-go if you want to keep decay at bay and your teeth in top shape.
Advanced Dentistry in Arlington, TX
While dental crowns and veneers are tough against cavities, they’re not invincible. Keeping up with your oral hygiene game is key to fighting off cavities and keeping your dental work in prime condition. Need a hand with your restorations or thinking about getting some new ones? At Fielder Park Dental, we are committed to providing exceptional advanced dentistry to our patients!