For dentists-will an x-ray show if there is a problem under a crown-I want to know because I do not want a?

Question

crown to be destroyed during removal only to discover that the pain is being refered to from somewhere else. Also, just what causes periodontal pockets-my hygiene and dietary ways are both excellent and yet I have deep pockets.

Answer 1

The only downside to crowns is that it cannot be seen in a radiograph (x-ray) what is underneath it. Most often the crowns are made on a metal framework (called a PFM crown, for Porcelain Fused to Metal). X-rays cannot penetrate metal, so the tooth structure that is underneath the crown cannot be seen. It would be able to show you if there is any decay at the margin of the crown. It certainly isn't a bad idea to get an x-ray taken, if your pain is being caused by an infection it will definetly show that.

If you have decay under the crown that has penetrated to the nerve of the tooth you may have an endodontic infection, which they can see in a film.

What causes deep perio pockets can be from a number of factors. Usually it is because of poor hygiene. (I know you said you have good hygiene, but this is still important to explain...) What happens is that you accumulate plaque on your teeth. If it is not properly removed it calcifies on your enamel, much like salt or sugar gets hard when you pour water into it. (That is what they are scraping off your teeth at cleanings.) This hardened plaque is referred to as 'tartar' or 'calculus'.

When you develop calculus below your gum line it causes your gums to become inflamed because blood is rushing to the surface of your gums to fight off the bacteria that is collected in the tartar. (This is what causes gingivitis.)

Now, your teeth are held in by a combination of ligaments and it is held into your jaw in a bone socket. When you have calcified plaque too far below your gumline your bones willl recede because it likes to have a certain amount of space between itself and unnatural tooth structure, or build-up.

That is usually what causes deep pockets and gum recession.

However, age and your habits also can come into play. I don't know if you smoke, or if you are diabetic of any of the other common causes that can create the same affect. Some people are predisposed to building up more calculus even with excellent hygiene. If you are a mouth-breather (at night when you sleep) that can often cause you to build up more calculus.

Honestly, without your entire health history I can't make an educated guess towards your specific situation, but I sure hope that my explanation has helped some!

The only person who can tell you for sure is your dental health profession and your dental hygienist, I would ask them specifically!

Answer 2

I'm just agreeing 100% with Rogue W's excellent answer.