How to Know If Your Dental Crown Is Infected? How to Take Care of the Crowns?

Getting a dental crown can truly feel like a fresh start for your smile. It restores strength, function, and appearance after damage or decay. But just like natural teeth, crowns need care. Without proper attention, problems such as infection can still develop. If you’ve ever wondered, “Do I need a dentist near me to check if my crown is infected?”—this guide will walk you through the signs, causes, and prevention tips.

Key Signs Your Dental Crown Might Be Infected

Crowns are built to be durable, but the natural tooth underneath is still vulnerable. Spotting problems early is key.

Warning signs to watch for:

• Persistent pain or throbbing – A healthy crown shouldn’t cause pain. Ongoing discomfort may point to infection.
• Swelling around the gums – Inflamed or puffy gums near the crown are often the first visible symptom.
• Sensitivity to hot and cold – If your crowned tooth reacts strongly to temperature, the nerve inside could be irritated.
• Bad breath or unpleasant taste – Infection can cause an odor or taste that brushing won’t fix.
• Visible changes – Pus, gum recession, or dark spots near the crown should never be ignored.

Quick tip: Don’t confuse temporary sensitivity after crown placement with infection. If symptoms last more than a few days, schedule an exam.

Common Causes of Dental Crown Infections

Understanding why infections happen helps you avoid them in the future.

Top culprits include:

1. Decay under the crown – If bacteria sneak beneath the crown margin, cavities can form on the natural tooth.
2. Poor crown fit – A loose or poorly fitted crown leaves space for bacteria to grow.
3. Gum disease – Infections often start in the surrounding gum tissue and spread to the crowned tooth.
4. Cracks in the crown – Damage allows bacteria to reach the inner tooth.
5. Missed root canal issues – If the underlying tooth wasn’t fully treated before crown placement, infection can resurface later.

Real-life scenario: Imagine biting down on something hard, like a popcorn kernel. A small crack forms in the crown. At first, it seems harmless, but within weeks, bacteria seep inside. Soon you notice swelling and sensitivity—classic infection signs.

Preventing Infections in Dental Crowns

The good news? Most crown infections are preventable. Consistent care keeps your crown—and the tooth beneath it—healthy for years.

Simple steps to protect your crown:

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss gently around the crown to remove trapped food.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce plaque.
• Visit your dentist in Anchorage for regular checkups.
• Avoid chewing ice or hard candies that may crack the crown.

Listicle: Habits That Protect Your Crowns

• Replace your toothbrush every 3 months.
• Rinse after sugary snacks.
• Wear a nightguard just in case you grind your teeth.
• Stop smoking—it increases gum infection risk.
• Get small issues checked early before they become bigger ones.

When to Call a Professional

Sometimes you can manage mild sensitivity with home care, but infection is different. If symptoms linger or worsen, professional help is a must. A trusted Dental Clinic will take X-rays, check the crown’s fit, and provide tailored treatment. Options may include:

• Adjusting or replacing the crown
• Antibiotics for gum infection
• Root canal therapy in case the tooth pulp is highly infected
• In rare cases, extracting the tooth if it cannot be saved

Remember, delaying care often means more discomfort and more complex treatment later.

How to Care for Crowns Daily

Crowns don’t require complicated routines, but they do need consistency. Think of them like investments—they protect your smile, but only if you protect them too.

Daily care checklist:

• Brush using only a soft-bristled brush.
• Floss using a threader if needed to reach tricky areas.
• Avoid sticky foods that can loosen crowns.
• Wash after meals to keep the gum line clean.

Pro tip: If your crown feels “off” or wobbly, don’t try to fix it yourself. Let a professional check it right away.

Professional Advice You Can Trust

At Anchorage Dental Arts, the focus is always on your comfort and lasting oral health. Whether it’s a routine exam, adjusting a crown, or learning how to avoiad infections, their team offers clear guidance and support at every stage of your care.

Final Thoughts

Dental crowns restore function and beauty, but they need care to stay problem-free. Learning the signs of infection—like pain, swelling, or unusual taste—can help you act quickly before things worsen. Knowing the causes, such as poor fit or gum disease, makes it easier to prevent trouble. And with daily care plus regular checkups, you’ll protect your crowns for years to come.

If you’re unsure about your crown or worried about symptoms, don’t wait. Reach out to a Dental Crowns in Anchorage, AK provider for an exam. Acting early saves your tooth, eases discomfort, and keeps your smile strong.