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Bhandari Dental – Oakville, Ontario
A dental crown is designed to protect and restore a damaged tooth, but even the best restorations can experience issues over time. One of the most overlooked—but significant—problems is an open margin. This occurs when a tiny gap forms between the edge of the crown and the natural tooth underneath. While the gap may be nearly invisible, it creates an environment where bacteria can thrive, potentially leading to serious oral health concerns if ignored.
Open margins can result from natural wear, cement washout, gum recession, or an improperly fitted crown. Understanding why this matters can help you make informed decisions about your dental health—and ensure your crown lasts as long as possible.
Even a microscopic opening can let bacteria slip underneath the crown. Once trapped, bacteria begin breaking down the tooth structure in an area that you cannot see or clean on your own.
Over time, this decay can:
Because decay under a crown often presents no early symptoms, many patients only notice the problem when pain begins—or when the tooth requires major treatment such as a root canal.
Open margins naturally attract plaque, food debris, and bacteria. This irritates the surrounding gum tissue, leading to:
If this irritation persists, bacteria can move deeper into the gums, increasing your risk of periodontal disease. In severe cases, bone supporting the tooth may deteriorate, jeopardizing the long-term health of both the crown and the natural tooth.
Trapped food particles and bacteria create an environment where odour-causing compounds develop. This can result in:
If you experience ongoing bad breath and have older crowns, an open margin may be the underlying cause.
A well-fitted crown can last 10–15 years or longer. But when bacteria and debris repeatedly enter an open margin, the cement holding the crown in place begins to weaken.
This may eventually cause:
Correcting an open margin early extends the life of your crown and protects the tooth beneath it.
If decay or infection continues to spread, the inner pulp of the tooth may become affected. When this happens, patients may experience:
In severe cases, the tooth may no longer be salvageable and may require extraction. Addressing an open margin promptly gives you the best chance of preserving your natural tooth.
At Bhandari Dental in Oakville, we use advanced tools to identify open margins before they cause serious damage. Our diagnostic approach may include:
Provide clear imaging of the crown-to-tooth connection, revealing decay or gaps that are not visible to the eye.
Offers a precise 3D map of your tooth, allowing us to identify even the smallest discrepancies in crown fit.
Helps patients see exactly what we see—supporting clarity, communication, and co-diagnosis.
If a crown needs to be replaced due to an open margin, early treatment is key to preventing costly and invasive procedures later on.
When replacing a crown, we ensure:
Our team prioritizes long-term oral health, comfort, and durability in every restoration.
If you’ve noticed sensitivity, gum inflammation, or a loose-feeling crown, or if you simply want reassurance, we invite you to schedule an assessment. Many patients search for help with issues like crown discomfort or fit, and our Oakville dental team is experienced in diagnosing and restoring crowns for long-lasting results.
Contact Bhandari Dental today to book an appointment and protect your natural tooth before problems progress.
