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Seeing black gum tissue around a dental crown can be worrying, especially if it’s paired with pain or discomfort.
Though it may appear alarming, it’s not unusual, and there are multiple explanations for why it could occur.
Decay or leakage could be caused if the crown is either damaged or not fitted properly, which allows bacteria to get in and infect the tooth and gums.
Poor oral hygiene may also be the culprit, leading to gum disease and discoloration in the gums.
And in some cases, trauma or injury to the tooth or gums can cause the gum to darken.
If you have black gums around a crown, it is crucial to speak with a dental professional to determine the cause of the discoloration and recommend the appropriate treatment.
This can be a sign of infection, an ill-fitting crown, or improper dental hygiene. Here are some potential causes of black gums around a crown and some possible treatment options:
Light Blockage:
When a crown is placed on a tooth, it covers the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line. Crowns can be made from various materials, including metal, porcelain fused to metal, and all-porcelain.
Metal crowns can sometimes cause a dark line around the gum line. Because light is not able to pass through the metal as it does through natural teeth.
This can cause the crown to appear darker and the gum tissue surrounding it to appear lighter.
Aggressive brushing:
Aggressive brushing can potentially cause harm to the gums and teeth and may contribute to the development of gum disease.
Inflamed or infected gums can cause a gap to appear between the crown and the gum tissue.
As a result, the gum tissue may seem lighter in color, and the crown may appear darker. As a result, a dark line around the gumline may appear.
Porcelain fused to metal crown:
Porcelain fused to metal crowns can sometimes cause a dark line around the gum line.
If the porcelain is thin or the gum tissue has receded, the metal substructure may be visible through the porcelain.
All-porcelain crowns do not have a metal substructure. So they do not cause a dark line around the gum line.
Color of the surrounding teeth:
The color of the surrounding teeth can affect the appearance of a crown and potentially cause a dark line around the gum line.
If the color of the natural teeth is significantly different from the color of the crown. It can create a noticeable contrast that may make the crown stand out.
This is especially true if the natural teeth are significantly lighter in color than the crown.
In this situation, the crown could seem darker than the neighboring teeth. This might give the gumline a lighter appearance in contrast.
Decay or infection:
If the decay is not treated, it can progress and cause damage to the gum tissue, leading to a black line around the gums.
In this case, the first step will be to address the underlying issue. This may involve a root canal procedure to remove any infected tissue or a filling to repair the decay.
Once the infection or decay has been treated, the crown will need to be removed and replaced.
Allergic reaction:
An allergic reaction to a medicine or another chemical might cause gum tissue swelling and inflammation. This could lead to the formation of a black line around the gums.
If you suspect that an allergic reaction is causing a black line around your gums. It is important to visit a dental professional as soon as feasible.
It may also be necessary to treat the allergic reaction with medications such as Antihistamines or Corticosteroids.
Discoloration from the crown material:
Some crown materials, such as porcelain, can discolor over time, resulting in black gums around the crown. In this case, the crown will need to be removed and replaced with a new one.
Consumption of acidic food:
It is possible that consuming acidic foods and drinks could contribute to developing a black line around the gums.
Acidic chemicals can erode tooth enamel, rendering teeth more vulnerable to decay. A black line might appear around the gums if the decay is not effectively addressed.
Other causes:
There may be other causes of black gums around a crown, such as a medication reaction or a systemic health condition. In these cases, treatment will depend on the specific cause.
If you are noticing black gums around a crown, it is crucial to consult a dentist. They can identify the reason for the discoloration and suggest the best course of action.
Conclusion:
Black gums around a crown can be a sign of infection, an ill-fitting crown, or improper dental hygiene.
Crowns can be made from various materials, including metal, porcelain fused to metal, and all-porcelain.
The color of the surrounding teeth can also affect the appearance of a crown. If you are noticing black gums around a crown, it is crucial to consult a dentist.
Some crown materials, such as porcelain, can discolor over time. In this case, the crown must be replaced with a new one.
How to get rid of Black Gum around the Crown?
If you have a black line around the gum tissue near a crown. Visit a dental professional to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment.
Depending on the cause of the black gum line, treatment options may include:
- Dental fillings or crowns: If tooth decay is the cause of your black gums, I will advise getting a dental crown or filling to restore the tooth.
- Antibiotics: If an infection causes the black line around the crown, I recommend antibiotics to help treat the infection.
- Other medications: In cases where the black line is caused by underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, I prescribe some medications to my patients to prevent future gum disease.
Find the best dentist in your area as soon as you can. Please avoid acidic food and drinks, stick to brushing and flossing, and schedule an appointment with the dentist. Dental hygiene should now be an essential component of your daily routine.
What is the best crown material to prevent black lines around the crown?
The appearance of black lines around a crown can be caused by a phenomenon called “gingival recession.”
This occurs when the gum tissue surrounding the crown recedes, exposing the dark tissue (called the “cementum“) that covers the tooth’s root.
A few different materials can be used to make crowns, and the best one for preventing gingival recession will depend on the case’s specific circumstances.
Some factors to consider when choosing a crown material include the following:
- The location and function of the tooth being crowned
- The amount of tooth structure remaining
- The condition of the surrounding gum tissue
- The strength and durability of the material
- The esthetic considerations (e.g., the color and translucency of the material)
One material often used for crowns is metal (such as gold or a gold alloy) because of its strength and durability.
Metal crowns are generally less prone to gingival recession than crowns made of other materials because the metal is less likely to flex or deform under the forces of biting and chewing.
Other materials that are commonly used for crowns include porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-ceramic, and composite resin. These materials may be more prone to gingival recession than metal crowns because they are more flexible and deform easily under biting and chewing.
However, they could also be suitable in other situations, such as when aesthetic concerns are the main priority.
Should I use a Porcelain crown or a Metal crown for my tooth?
I can’t recommend a specific type of crown for your tooth without knowing more about your situation.
Both porcelain crowns and metal crowns have their unique benefits and drawbacks, and the best choice for you will depend on factors such as:
- The location of the tooth
- The function of the tooth
- Your personal preferences.
It’s important to discuss your options with a dental professional. They can also explain the pros and cons of each type of crown in more detail and help you make an informed decision.
In general, Porcelain crowns are a good choice for visible front teeth because they can closely match the color and appearance of natural teeth.
Metal crowns are strong and durable, making them a good choice for crowns in areas of the mouth that experience a lot of chewing or biting pressure.
However, metal crowns are not as natural-looking as porcelain crowns and may not be the best choice for visible front teeth. They may also cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
How can I make my crowns white again?
If you’ve worn dental crowns, they can get discolored over time. This can make them look pretty bad, especially when you smile.
Don’t worry, though. There are a few ways to make them look whiter again. One thing you can do is use whitening toothpaste.
It won’t make them wholly white but can help reduce stains and discoloration. Toothpaste with hydrogen peroxide can work well.
It is necessary to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Another option is to have your dentist clean them during your regular check-up.
This can help remove any buildup and surface stains and make them look cleaner and brighter.
Your dentist can also give you deeper cleaning and whitening treatments to get them looking better.
