--- title: How do I check if I have decay around my crown? - Dental Designs description: How do I check if I have decay around my crown? Learn how to identify and address decay around your dental crown. image: https://www.dentaldesigns.com.sg/hubfs/patients-mouth-view-of-tooth-under-crown.jpg --- Last updated - June 4, 2026 ![arrow_icon](https://www.dentaldesigns.com.sg/hubfs/arrow_icon.svg) [![phone_icon](https://www.dentaldesigns.com.sg/hubfs/phone_icon.svg) +65 62218284 ](tel:+65%2062218284) [![calendra_icon](https://www.dentaldesigns.com.sg/hubfs/calendra_icon.svg) Book An Appointment ](https://www.dentaldesigns.com.sg/en-sg/contact-us) [![cib_whatsapp](https://www.dentaldesigns.com.sg/hubfs/cib_whatsapp.svg) WhatsApp ](https://wa.me/6582009092) # How do I check if I have decay around my crown? Dr. Dustin Lee 22 May, 2023 - [Home](https://www.dentaldesigns.com.sg/) - [ Articles](https://www.dentaldesigns.com.sg/en-sg/articles) - [How do I check if I have decay around my crown?](https://www.dentaldesigns.com.sg/en-sg/articles/how-do-i-check-if-i-have-decay-around-my-crown) [×](https://www.dentaldesigns.com.sg/en-sg/articles/how-do-i-check-if-i-have-decay-around-my-crown#) Are you experiencing pain and swelling around your[ tooth crowns](https://dentaldesigns.com.sg/cerec/)? You might have some tooth decay on your crown — depending on the extent of the decay, it might cause dental infection and even result in permanent loss of the tooth.  Although crowns are usually put in place to restore a tooth’s appearance and function, tooth decay can still occur. This is because patients go back to their old habits or neglect taking care of their restored teeth, resulting in bacteria that can cause cavities. Remember — dental restorations do not guarantee you a lifetime of perfect teeth especially if you do not maintain proper oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist!  So, how do I check if I have decay around my crown? Well, there are ways. Read on.    ## **How do I check if I have decay around my crown?** Some signs of a crown infection include:  - Redness at or around the site of the crown  - Tenderness, soreness or pain around the site of the crown - Swelling of the gums around the crown  - Unusual warmth around the site of the crown  - A yellowish or greenish fluid leaking out from the crown  - Swollen lymph nodes at the side of your neck  - Fever  - Bad breath or an odour from the crown  - Dark spots or discolouration at the gumline around the crown   If you experience any of these symptoms, please see your dentist immediately. These are the key answers for your " How do I check if I have decay around my crown? ". In most cases, your dentist should be able to notice the infection immediately. However, if the affected area is too small to accurately detect anything, your dentist might call for an X-ray to confirm any damage to the teeth underneath.![glove hand pointing to x ray](https://www.dentaldesigns.com.sg/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/istock-866146268-min.jpg?width=600&height=400&name=istock-866146268-min.jpg) ### Related Articles - [Why is there a black line around my crown? 3 Reasons why!](https://www.dentaldesigns.com.sg/en-sg/articles/black-line-around-crown) - [Same Day Crowns VS Porcelain Fused To Metal Crown](https://www.dentaldesigns.com.sg/en-sg/articles/digital-same-day-crowns-vs-porcelain-fused-to-metal-crown)   ### Related Video - [DECAY UNDER A CROWN?](https://www.dentaldesigns.com.sg/en-sg/video/decay-under-a-crown) ### Related Podcast - [Crown vs Filling: Dental Preparations | #THEBITEANGLE EP18](https://www.dentaldesigns.com.sg/en-sg/podcast/crown-vs-filling-dental-preparations-thebiteangle-ep18)   ## **Is it common to get decay under a crown?** Crowns can decay or be damaged due to the following reasons:  ### **a) Poor oral hygiene ** If you do not ensure proper oral hygiene (brushing, flossing, rinsing) with a crown on, then some tooth decay is hardly surprising at all. Decay stems from food left in your mouth after eating — bacteria in your mouth thrive on this! This bad bacteria over time develops an acid that attacks your enamel, causing holes within your teeth we identify as decay. ### **b) Trauma/impact to the crown** Crowns can also be damaged over time due to trauma on the mouth or from chewing on hard food. It’s important to note that a portion of your enamel is removed for a crown to be placed. The newly fitted crown in some sense serves as enamel for the tooth. As such, when the crown is damaged, it is easier for bacteria to surpass the crown and get to the real tooth underneath. Additionally, because there is no way to clean the tooth directly, bacteria usually stays under the damaged crown for a prolonged period without the patient knowing.  ### **c) A poorly fitted crown ** A poorly fitted crown can cause bacteria buildup and aggravate tooth decay. Even without an infection, an ill-fitting crown can also lead to discomfort, causing pain when you bite down. A[black line around your crown](https://dentaldesigns.com.sg/black-line-around-crown/) is one of the most obvious signs of crown fit problems.  *Please note that gum pain and tenderness after a crowning procedure are not uncommon, but please see your dentist if the pain persists for more than two weeks.    ## **When do I need a new crown?** A tooth crown is a customised “cap” designed to cover a patient’s entire tooth. Its functions include:  - Restoring the tooth’s shape and size  - Increasing the tooth’s strength  - Enhancing the performance of the tooth, preventing it from further damage    You might need a new crown for a few key reasons. If your existing crown shows signs of wear or damage, such as cracks or chips, it's important to replace it to maintain the tooth's protection and functionality. Sometimes, crowns can become loose, which compromises their effectiveness and can lead to decay under the crown.     Additionally, if the appearance of the crown has deteriorated—perhaps it’s discoloured or no longer matches the surrounding teeth—a new crown can restore a consistent, aesthetic look. It's also wise to consider a replacement if your dental health changes, like after further decay or structural damage to the tooth under the crown. Regular check-ups will help your dentist determine the right time for a replacement to ensure your smile stays healthy and functional.         ## **What do I do if I have decay around my crown?** You may need to get your crown removed to treat the decay. Depending on the extent of the decay, you may need to make a larger crown to cover the decay. At Dental Designs, this process will only take a day as we offer[Same Day Crowns](https://dentaldesigns.com.sg/my-dentist-told-me-i-have-to-wait-2-weeks-for-my-dental-crown-is-it-possible-to-get-a-crown-in-a-day/) using CEREC technology.  For severe cases, if the decay has spread throughout your tooth and cannot be saved, you might need to get your tooth extracted. Additionally, if the decay reaches your roots, you may require root canal treatment, a procedure that’s slightly more invasive.  Early detection and treatment of decay are essential to prevent further damage and potential tooth loss. While you can't directly check for decay under the crown itself, being mindful of these signs can help you identify potential problems and get the treatment you need to keep your smile healthy. As such, do not delay seeing a dentist if you experience pain around your crown to arrest and stop the cause early. [Send us a message here to book an appointment.](https://www.dentaldesigns.com.sg/en-sg/contact-us)  Find out more about [**Teeth Crowns**](https://dentaldesigns.com.sg/cerec/) with Dental Designs today! [WhatsApp us at : +65 8200 9092](https://wa.me/6582009092) [Call us at : +65 6221 8284](tel:+6562218284)   ### **References ** 1. Innes, N. P., Ricketts, D., Chong, L. Y., Keightley, A. J., Lamont, T., & Santamaria, R. M. (2015). Preformed crowns for decayed primary molar teeth. *The Cochrane database of systematic reviews*, *2015*(12), CD005512.[https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005512.pub3](https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005512.pub3) 2. Kosyfaki, P., del Pilar Pinilla Martín, M., & Strub, J. R. (2010). Relationship between crowns and the periodontium: a literature update. *Quintessence international (Berlin, Germany : 1985)*, *41*(2), 109–126. - * * - * * - * * - * * - [Dental Crowns](https://www.dentaldesigns.com.sg/en-sg/articles/tag/dental-crowns) ![Dr. Dustin Lee](https://www.dentaldesigns.com.sg/hubfs/dr%20dustin.png) #### Dr. Dustin Lee Dr Dustin Lee graduated from the University of California, San Francisco with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. He focuses on general dentistry and takes an analytical, problem-solving approach to patient care. He is registered with the Singapore Dental Council and the California Dental Board, and is fluent in English. [View Author](https://www.dentaldesigns.com.sg/en-sg/our-team/dr-dustin-lee) ![Crowns](https://www.dentaldesigns.com.sg/hs-fs/hubfs/eBook%20Images/Crowns.webp?width=572&height=572&name=Crowns.webp) ## Curious about Dental Crowns in Singapore? Grab our free Dental Crowns Guidebook Cookie Settings Last updated - June 4, 2026 ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Dr. Dustin Lee", "url" : "https://www.dentaldesigns.com.sg/en-sg/articles/author/dr-dustin-lee" }, "dateModified" : "2026-06-04T06:33:23.818Z", "datePublished" : "2023-05-22T04:15:00.000Z", "headline" : "How do I check if I have decay around my crown? - Dental Designs", "image" : [ "https://www.dentaldesigns.com.sg/hubfs/patients-mouth-view-of-tooth-under-crown.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.dentaldesigns.com.sg/en-sg/articles/how-do-i-check-if-i-have-decay-around-my-crown", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.dentaldesigns.com.sg/hubfs/ddlogo-whitebg-1.png" }, "name" : "Dental Designs Clinic Pte Ltd" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.dentaldesigns.com.sg/#organization", "@type" : "Dentist", "address" : [ { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "SG", "addressLocality" : "Singapore", "postalCode" : "069535", "streetAddress" : "133 Cecil Street #01-01B Keck Seng Building" }, { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "SG", "addressLocality" : "Singapore", "postalCode" : "048543", "streetAddress" : "4 Robinson Road Level 3 The House of Eden" }, { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "SG", "addressLocality" : "Singapore", "postalCode" : "238877", "streetAddress" : "435 Orchard Road #12-05 Wisma Atria Office Tower" } ], "areaServed" : { "@type" : "Country", "name" : "Singapore" }, "description" : "Singapore-based dental clinic offering cosmetic, restorative, orthodontic, and family dentistry across three CBD locations. 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