Can you get a cavity under a crown or bridge?

Dental crowns and bridges are fixed dental restorations used to restore damaged teeth or replace missing ones. Crowns cover and protect weakened teeth, restore function, improve appearance, and are often placed after root canal treatment. Bridges replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to natural teeth or implants, helping maintain bite alignment, prevent tooth shifting, and restore facial aesthetics.
Although crowns and bridges do not decay themselves, cavities can develop in the natural tooth structure beneath them, usually along the margins. Common causes include microleakage, poor oral hygiene, underlying decay left untreated, and wear or movement from grinding or chewing. Early signs may include sensitivity, biting pain, discoloration near the crown line, or bad taste and odor.
Preventing decay involves proper brushing and flossing (especially under bridges), regular dental checkups, fluoride care, and avoiding harmful habits. Early detection allows for simpler, less invasive treatment and helps preserve natural teeth and restorations.