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Crowns, Bridges, Dentures, Implants

Leaking crown

02/10/2009

Question:

I have had a crown on a tooth for over 25 years. I told my 2 dentists about a "pocket" or depression at the base of the tooth and both responded with the leaking diagnosis. Neither suggested treatment. I have noticed that I have constant upper respitory allergies and cronic bad breath. Could this be a possible cause and should I insist on having it repaired?

Answer:

It is highly unlikely that a leaking crown would be the cause of upper respiratory ailments. It could be the cause of bad breath if severe, however, the dentists would have recommended replacement if it was severe.

The average life-expectancy for a crown is about 15 years, so it is likely that it is due to be replaced. A reduction in bad breath or upper respiratory allergies is unlikely, though.

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Response by:

Julie A Holloway, DDS, MS, FACP Julie A Holloway, DDS, MS, FACP
Associate Professor of Restorative and Prosthetic Dentistry
College of Dentistry
The Ohio State University