Getting porcelain crowns is a popular cosmetic dental trend that helps brighten your smile and boost your confidence. However, after treatment, many people experience dark gum lines around their crowns. So, what causes this condition, and how can it be fixed? Let’s explore the detailed answers with Shark Dental in the article below!
Can black gum line around crown be removed?
Dark gum lines around porcelain crowns after restoration can be eliminated. This is a common issue among many patients who undergo crown procedures, often leading to feelings of concern and anxiety, along with a desire to find effective solutions.
In reality, certain dental materials used to fabricate crowns – such as metal – can cause darkened gum edges around porcelain crowns after a period of use. Metal reacts with acids in the oral cavity through oxidation-reduction processes, resulting in darkening around the gums and negatively affecting aesthetics.
At reputable dental clinics, you can prevent gum darkening by replacing the dental crown, maintaining proper oral hygiene, or undergoing regular tartar removal. Depending on your actual oral condition, the dentist will perform a thorough examination and provide timely treatment recommendations.
What causes a black line around a dental crown?
After undergoing cosmetic orthodontic treatment, some patients may experience darkening around the gum line due to the following reasons:
Porcelain crowns
The use of metal-ceramic crowns is one of the leading causes of gum line darkening. These crowns are composed of two main parts: a metal core on the inside and a thin porcelain layer on the outside. Over time, the metal core can undergo oxidation, leading to darkening around the gum line and discoloration of the crown.
Oral care
After getting dental crowns at the clinic, patients must follow proper oral care instructions. However, many people brush with excessive force, use horizontal brushing motions, or hard-bristled toothbrushes. These habits can lead to gum recession, exposing the metal core of the crown, which results in discoloration and a dull appearance of the dental crown.
Allergic constitution
Most dental crowns are made from biocompatible materials that are safe and compatible with natural teeth. However, for patients with highly sensitive constitutions, there is a possibility of experiencing allergic reactions to the metal components. This can lead to gum inflammation and, in some cases, dark discoloration along the gum line, significantly affecting aesthetics.
Substandard procedure
Having dental crowns placed by inexperienced or inadequately trained dentists can lead to procedural errors. In such cases, the crown may not fit tightly against the natural tooth, leaving gaps. These gaps create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow, which can lead to gum inflammation and darkening around the gum line.
Porcelain crowns placed after root canal therapy
Some patients undergo dental crown placement after root canal treatment to improve aesthetics. However, since the tooth is no longer nourished by the pulp, it tends to discolor more quickly than usual. As a result, many patients who get crowns after a root canal may experience darkening around the gum line.
Depending on the cause of the black gum line after getting a dental crown, the dentist will evaluate and offer a timely solution to ensure the effectiveness of the dental restoration. To achieve a bright, white smile and boost your confidence, it is best to research and choose a reputable dental clinic.
>>> Read more: Chipped tooth crown
How can I get rid of the black line around my dental crown?
Dark margins around crowns not only affect the aesthetics of your smile but also increase the risk of oral infections. So, how can this condition be improved and effectively treated?
At dental clinic
- Tartar removal: Prolonged blackness around the gum line can cause tooth sensitivity, bad breath, tooth decay, etc. Therefore, to improve this condition, you should visit a reputable dental clinic for a comprehensive check-up and tartar removal.
- Cavity treatment: If the dark gum line is caused by tooth decay, the condition must be thoroughly treated. A dentist will carefully examine the affected area, determine the severity of the cavity, and recommend an appropriate treatment such as dental filling, crown placement, root canal therapy, or fluoride treatment.
- Crown replacement: Dental crowns have a certain lifespan, depending on the material used. If you notice black or discolored areas around the gum line, you may consider replacing the crown with a new one made of titanium or full-ceramic.
- Periodontal disease: If the patient suffers from periodontitis, the gums may recede, exposing the tooth roots and causing discoloration around the dental crown. Therefore, to improve aesthetics and prevent infection, it is important to thoroughly treat periodontal disease.
At home
If the darkened gum edges around porcelain crowns is mild and does not significantly affect aesthetics, you may consider the following at-home improvement methods:
- Salt: For a long time, salt has been known as a natural remedy with anti-inflammatory properties that can effectively reduce gum swelling and pain. Meanwhile, brown sugar helps clean dental plaque efficiently. Therefore, simply mix these two ingredients together and apply the mixture to the discolored tooth surface. Repeat 2–3 times a day for 1–2 weeks consistently to see improvement.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda is a common home remedy for teeth whitening that many people are familiar with. The method is very simple: mix baking soda with water to form a smooth paste, then apply it evenly to your teeth and gently massage 2–3 times a day.
- Lemon: Lemon has acidic properties that can effectively clean the oral cavity. Therefore, if you want to improve the dark gum line, you can dilute fresh lemon juice and apply it to the surface of your teeth. However, note that this method should not be used frequently, as the acid in lemon can erode tooth enamel.
- Betel Nut: Using betel nut to clean teeth is a traditional folk remedy that has proven effective for many people. You can chew fresh betel nut or crush it and apply it directly to the stained areas of your teeth. Betel nut not only helps clean the gums but also promotes healthier, pinker gums and reduces discoloration.
In addition, to maintain the long-term durability and optimal aesthetics of your porcelain crowns after restoration, it’s important to follow a proper oral care routine and maintain a healthy diet. You should also schedule regular dental check-ups every 3 to 6 months or as recommended, so your dentist can monitor your oral health and address any issues promptly.
Through this article, readers have gained insight into the causes and effective solutions for the issue of black gum lines around porcelain crowns. Hopefully, this information has helped answer your concerns and will support you in improving the dark gum line, leading to a brighter, more radiant smile.
