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.
This blackline surrounding your gum occurs because light, which can pass through natural teeth, is unable to pass through the crown's metal, makes the crown's porcelain fusion look darker, and restricts the amount of light in the root and gum areas.
These black lines on teeth are actually just a form of tartar, also called dental calculus. Tartar forms when oral plaque absorbs minerals from the saliva and essentially becomes fossilized. This buildup won't be removed by brushing or other home hygiene procedures.
Answer: Dark spot on new crown
Typically this indicates that the tooth was underprepared on the top and there is insufficient room for porcalain thickness.
If you've noticed an unattractive black line around your dental crown, you may be looking for solutions to get rid of it. The only viable option in most cases is to replace the older dental crown with a new one.
The best way to eliminate that unattractive dark line is to replace the crown. In most cases, we can use a dental crown that is entirely made of porcelain, which looks completely natural. Today's dental porcelain is also very strong, so you will not be sacrificing any strength with a crown that is free of metal.
How to tell if your tooth is rotting beneath a crown. If the affected area is quite small, it can be hard to detect any cavities or decay underneath it. To determine this, the dentist will usually use an x-ray. It will be up to him or her to know whether the teeth underneath are rotten or has any damage.
Usually there is metal underneath the porcelain or the crown is made entirely of metal. This metal makes it impossible for the tooth structure inside of the crown to be seen on a radiograph (x ray). When decay under a crown is small, it is often difficult to detect.
If your dentist detects decay under your crown, there are a number of possible treatments depending on your unique situation and the severity of the decay. If the cavity was caught at an early stage, a simple dental filling can be placed at the margin of the dental crown.
Research from 2019 suggests that using a tartar-control toothpaste may be more effective than using regular toothpaste. Flossing with string floss or a water flosser can help remove the plaque that's settled down between your teeth.
Visible holes or pits in your teeth: Cavities form tiny openings in teeth that gradually become larger. Discoloration: Teeth with cavities may appear yellow, brown, or black. Pain: Throbbing pain in your teeth is usually a sign of an infection, which means the cavity has reached your tooth's pulp (center).
Craze lines are a normal and common occurrence. They don't mean that your teeth are weak or prone to cracks. They usually don't worsen or lead to cracks. They may, however, make teeth more prone to cavities, though rarely on the front teeth.
Tooth decay might be caused when plaque is trapped underneath your crown or in the cracks of your teeth. This plaque is easily removed with regular brushing and flossing. If plaque is not removed from these areas, the decay process starts.
Brush your teeth and crown gently twice a day, for two minutes. Floss at least once daily, and be sure to slide the floss around the sides of your teeth and crown (making a C-shape) rather than snapping floss in between your dentitions and restorations – snapping and pulling can dislodge your crown.
The gums will close up around the crown itself so there's very little risk that your tooth will develop cavities. However, it's still possible to experience a cavity under a crown if you take poor care of your teeth or if your dental crown isn't fitted properly.
The average lifespan for a well-maintained dental crown is typically around 15 years. However, when taken care of properly, it is common to see them last upwards of 25-30 years.
Most crowns last between five and 15 years before needing to be replaced (or at least repaired). In some cases it is obvious that you need to replace a crown because it has fallen out or suffered extensive damage; in other circumstances, it is less obvious that there is a problem with a crown.
Keeping a dental crown clean
Patients with a dental crown as part of an implant should use a soft-bristled toothbrush no less than twice a day. As for the type of toothpaste, it is important to select a non-abrasive formula. The individual needs to brush around and under the dental crown as much as possible.
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.
Most often, gray lines or spots around the gum line are a sign of decay. Because the areas where your teeth meet your gums can often be overlooked during brushing and flossing, this is a common area for decay to start to develop.
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. Cosmetic dentists may offer gum bleaching to lighten the color of the gums.
A properly fitted crown should completely hide your tooth, leaving no space between it and the gums. However, sometimes a gap can form beneath the crown, and this can lead to irritating and embarrassing situations where food becomes trapped in these areas and needs to be removed with your toothbrush.