The dark line originates from the edge of the dental crowns where the porcelain and the metal meet at a knife-edge at the gum line. At the knife-edge, a very thin amount of the metal always shows. One of the illusionary techniques cosmetic dentists have used was to hide the thin dark line under the gum line.
Another method to get rid of those black lines is to have all your old crowns replaced with porcelain. These are natural-looking to a fault since even you won't be able to tell the difference. Look for a dentist who specializes in replacing the work done by other dentists for the improvement of deficient areas.
In most cases, a black line forms because the metal from the crown is showing through. Since older dental crowns are typically made of porcelain fused to metal, the metal will eventually become exposed as the gumline moves and recedes over time.
Causes of Dark or Black Gums
For tartar to turn black or form below the gum line, improper brushing and flossing is usually the culprit. Additionally, certain other factors contribute to the rate of tartar formation and can turn it black; these include: Smoking. Diets high in starch and sugar.
Is it normal for my tooth to look black under my crown? It's not supposed to darken. Most of the time, tooth discoloration is caused by bacteria getting in the dental crown. It can also be the result of an inadequate seal on the crown.
Tooth sensitivity to temperatures (hot or cold) or sugary foods and drinks. Pain or tenderness in the areas surrounding the crown. Increasing redness at the area of crown placement. A discharge of yellow, green, or clear fluid or pus that appears to be draining or leaking out around or under the crown.
But, what many do not realize is that sometimes it is possible to get decay under a dental crown. This can happen if all of the infected tissue was not taken out of the root, or if the crown was not placed correctly, allowing bacteria to cause decay. If decay gets under a crown, it might need to be replaced.
Summary. Black gums can be a normal pigmentation for people with dark skin tones. However, black gums or black patches on your gums that are new may indicate a health concern. Conditions that cause black gums include melanotic macules, smoking, amalgam tattoos, medications, certain (systemic) diseases, and cancer.
Some forms of dark gums from smoking, amalgam tattoo, bacterial infections, or medications can easily be treated with gum bleaching and laser depigmentation procedures. Some, like lead poisoning, Addison's, etc., may require treatment of the underlying cause followed by gum depigmentation procedures.
While naturally dark gums due to melanin are normal, changes in gum color over time should be investigated. Gum discoloration may also be a symptom of gum infection, Addison's disease, oral cancer, or even Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.
Treatment for black gums will depend on the underlying cause. Conditions such as gum infections or Addison's disease will usually need treatment with medication. It may be possible to reverse changes in gum color that are caused by smoking. A doctor should be able to give advice and support on quitting smoking.
These metal-based crowns are more opaque than the all-porcelain crowns because they need the added opaqueness to cover the metal base. The gray line your seeing is also a result of that type of crown. It happens to all metal-based crowns. The only solution is to replace them.
You may need to have your crown removed and replaced to treat the decay under your tooth. Depending on the size of the decay your new crown may need to be made to cover a larger area. At Coastal Dental Care, we offer Same-Day Crowns using our CEREC technology.
Gingival depigmentation is a treatment that safely lightens the color of your gums. You can take dark or spotted gingival (gum) tissue and treat it so that a lighter pink color is left behind. “Gum bleaching” doesn't actually use bleaching gels or chemicals.
Gums turn black when a tooth decay reaches a maximum severity stage and turns into periodontitis. In case of untreated periodontitis, the gums can become necrotic and black.
Eucalyptus oil: With natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, just a small drop of this stuff will help you control harmful oral bacteria, as well as calm inflammation. The oil is rumored to lighten pigment in the gums for certain people.
Smoking can produce black gums. This is a condition called smoker's melanosis. The nicotine in the smoker's tobacco causes melanocytes, the cells in the body that make melanin, to make more than normal. When this happens, the darkening can appear in patches or affect the entire interior of the mouth.
This black discoloration of the gums is due to dead tissue, or necrosis. This is a serious health issue, with symptoms that can also include bleeding gums, strong pain, and a foul smelling mouth.
What Color are Unhealthy Gums? Disease-causing bacteria can cause gums to become inflamed, which can sometimes lead to bright red gums. In other cases, the bacteria can cause an infection that results in white or blue gums. And in severe cases, the infection can cause the gums to turn black.
Gum Infection After Crown Placement
While dental crowns and bridges are effective treatments for damaged or missing teeth, there is a risk of gum infection around the crown. One possible cause of infection is improper crown placement, which can lead to irritation and inflammation of the surrounding gum tissue.
If you develop decay under a Crown, you will experience pain within your tooth. If left untreated, the infection can spread through your remaining tooth structure. Tooth decay results from food particles remaining in your mouth after eating, which the bacteria within thrive.
Here are the signs of a tooth crown infection: Redness at or around the site of the crown placement. Swelling of the gums or jaw around the area that now has the crown. Tenderness or pain around the crown.
Crown removal is not a painful procedure, and it doesn't take long for your dentist to remove it. Your dentist will not even use an anesthetic to remove and add in the permanent crown.
Gum Irritation and/or Recession
A dental crown can potentially irritate the neighboring gum tissue, leading to inflammation and also gum recession which can cause pain and sensitivity. You can avoid irritation and prevent gum recession by carefully following the aftercare instructions provided by our dentist.
Pain or discomfort in the crown area is a sign your dental crown is failing. Various issues, including decay, gum disease, and infection, can cause this. Seeking treatment right away is essential to prevent further damage, pain, and discomfort.