Gum is swollen around crown
Swelling around a crown can result from plaque at the gum margin, trapped food, a crown fit problem, or infection in the tooth or surrounding tissues.
What is the direct answer?
Swelling around a crown can result from plaque at the gum margin, trapped food, a crown fit problem, or infection in the tooth or surrounding tissues.
What does this question mean?
The crown meets the natural tooth at a margin near the gingiva, where plaque can inflame the gum if cleaning is difficult. Pain on biting, bad taste, drainage, or swelling beside the crown can also indicate decay under the restoration or disease involving the pulp or root.
What can you do next?
Clean the crown margin and between adjacent teeth with a soft brush and an interdental aid, without forcing floss through a tight contact. Do not try to remove or cement the crown yourself; note bleeding, tenderness, looseness, taste, and sensitivity.
When should you seek dental care?
Book an examination soon if swelling lasts, bleeds repeatedly, or the crown feels loose or painful. Urgent care is needed for spreading facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing.
What should you ask the dentist?
No. The dentist first checks plaque, the margin, the bite, the tooth beneath, and the root before deciding whether cleaning, treatment, adjustment, or replacement is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Does a swollen gum always mean the crown must be replaced?
No. The dentist first checks plaque, the margin, the bite, the tooth beneath, and the root before deciding whether cleaning, treatment, adjustment, or replacement is needed.
What happens at the examination?
The dentist reviews the history, examines the mouth, and selects tests or images that match the symptom or treatment decision.