After about 3-5 years of using metal-ceramic crowns, many people experience black gums around their dental crowns, causing severe aesthetic issues and reducing chewing ability. The black stains at the base of the teeth not only make you lose confidence when smiling but also signal the deterioration of the dental crown.
With clinical experience at My Auris, doctors often recommend that patients choose all-ceramic crowns from the start or proceed to replace with all-ceramic crowns when a gray-black gum line is detected. So, what causes black gums when using dental crowns, and how can it be effectively and safely resolved?
In the article below, My Auris will help you understand the causes of this phenomenon, as well as the optimal treatment direction to restore the beauty of your smile.
Causes of black gums with dental crowns
The phenomenon of black gum lines is one of the common issues after getting dental crowns. In many cases, the reason why dental crowns cause black gums stems from the use of metal-ceramic crowns. Metal-ceramic crowns have a two-layer structure, with an outer porcelain layer and an inner metal layer. After a period of use, the metal part oxidizes, creating a black color, which then leads to aesthetically unpleasing black gums.
Porcelain material containing metal
Choosing metal-containing porcelain material is the primary factor leading to black gum lines. The metal core inside is often not completely covered by the outer porcelain layer. When the porcelain enamel does not 100% cover the metal core, especially in the cervical region (neck of the tooth), it can easily expose the area under the gum line. When gums recede, the metal-ceramic crown line becomes more visible, causing the appearance of black gums.
Crown placement technique is crucial
The technique of dental crown placement is a key factor determining aesthetic results and durability. If the crown is placed incorrectly relative to the gum line, or if the crown is not fabricated correctly, it can lead to blackening of the crown after a period of use. This not only affects the quality of the tooth but also diminishes self-confidence during communication.
Oral diseases affecting gum darkening
Some oral diseases can also be a cause of black gums around dental crowns. Issues such as tooth decay, pulpitis, gingivitis, periodontitis, or gum abscesses all reduce the durability of the crown and the gum tissue. While the porcelain enamel only protects the natural tooth tissue above, underlying diseases can cause tooth roots to darken, leading to aesthetic issues and affecting overall health.
What to do if dental crowns cause black gums?
Getting dental crowns is a legitimate desire for many people to have a uniformly white, flawless set of teeth. The crown placement process usually involves grinding down a portion of the damaged tooth and then capping it with a porcelain framework, creating a solid protective layer for the natural tooth, improving both aesthetics and chewing function.
However, after some time, many cases experience black gums around their crowns, causing distress. What should be done to thoroughly address blackening dental crowns? Below is a summary of common causes of blackening crowns and effective solutions:
Metal-porcelain oxidation
Among types of dental crowns, metal-ceramic crowns often develop black gum lines due to easy oxidation in the oral cavity environment. When teeth are brushed incorrectly, gum recession can expose and abrade the porcelain at the tooth base, leading to the appearance of aesthetically unpleasing black areas.
Improper crown placement technique
Another cause of blackening dental crowns comes from the placement technique. If the dentist places the crown incorrectly, it can cause gum inflammation due to the abutment being too low or too high, or the gum being compressed during placement. This can gradually lead to soft tissue discoloration and loss of aesthetic appeal.
Crown expansion causing gum inflammation
If there is an open margin at the crown’s neck due to crown expansion, food and drinks can easily accumulate, causing gum inflammation, bad breath, and infection around the crown. If the exposed root is more than 0.5mm, you must have the crown redone to ensure effectiveness and long-term durability.
How to fix blackening dental crowns
To address blackening dental crowns, you should consider the following solutions:
Choose all-ceramic crowns: These crowns do not contain metal, are completely free from oxidation, and thus avoid black gum lines.
Choose high-quality dental materials: Premium ceramic materials have high biocompatibility, good durability, and do not cause gum darkening.
Find a reputable dental clinic: Prioritize facilities with a team of highly skilled and experienced dentists and modern equipment to ensure the best possible results for the dental crown procedure.
All-ceramic crown types that do not cause black gum lines
Choosing all-ceramic crowns that do not cause black gum lines is an important factor in dental restorations, helping you maintain long-term aesthetics and ensuring durable chewing function. Below are the all-ceramic crown types highly rated by dentists today:
DDBio All-Ceramic Crowns
DDBio all-ceramic crowns, originating from Germany, are made from solid Zirconia – a material with many characteristics similar to natural teeth. With a 100% pure ceramic core combined with an outer ceramic glaze, this type of crown ensures both aesthetics and good chewing strength.
A notable point is its reasonable price – only about 5 million VND/crown, making it accessible to many users. Thanks to its stability, high precision, and almost no significant drawbacks, DDBio is a popular choice for restoring both anterior and posterior teeth.
Cercon HT All-Ceramic Crowns
Cercon HT is a premium all-ceramic crown type, manufactured with a two-layer ceramic structure: a Zirconium Dioxide core and an outer Ceram Kiss layer – offering a natural, bright white shine like real teeth.
This type of ceramic has long-term stability in the oral environment, unaffected by saliva or bacteria, and possesses good durability, helping to prevent fractures and cracks during use. With its ultra-smooth ceramic surface, Cercon HT also helps prevent wear on opposing teeth, supporting comfortable chewing. Particularly, with 16 shade options according to the Vita system, Cercon HT can perfectly meet all tooth color requirements.
German Nacera Pearl All-Ceramic Crowns
If you are looking for an all-ceramic crown type suitable for anterior tooth restoration, then Nacera Pearl from Germany is a wise choice. With advanced color processing technology, this ceramic line offers 16 shades matched to the structure of natural teeth, accurately replicating colors from the tooth neck to the incisal edge.
A prominent feature of Nacera Pearl is its strength, which is 7 times stronger than natural teeth, and excellent heat resistance, allowing users to eat and drink comfortably without needing to avoid hot or cold foods. Additionally, with a highly polished surface, the crown is not easily stained by food, keeping the new teeth perfectly white and difficult to distinguish from natural teeth by the naked eye.
Notes after getting dental crowns to avoid black gums
Getting quality all-ceramic crowns not only helps restore aesthetics but also prevents black gums – one of the common concerns after dental work. However, to ensure long-term effectiveness, you need to remember some post-crown care notes to best maintain your oral health.
Proper dental care after crowning:
- Brush your teeth regularly at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, combined with fluoride toothpaste to enhance enamel remineralization and best protect your dental crowns.
- Maintain the habit of brushing your teeth after meals, especially after main meals, to reduce plaque and food debris accumulation on the crowns.
- Brushing teeth vertically is the best way to avoid damaging the tooth surface. Brushing horizontally can easily displace dental crowns and lead to damage over time.
Proper oral hygiene to prevent bacterial accumulation:
- Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months to avoid creating an environment for harmful bacteria to accumulate, thus preventing the risk of gingivitis.
- Combine the use of dental floss, mouthwash, and a water flosser for deep cleaning of dental crowns, helping to remove plaque and minimize the risk of black gums around your crowns.
Dental crowning is an effective aesthetic method to address gaps, discolored teeth, chipped teeth, etc. However, for appropriate intervention, you need to:
- Thoroughly understand your oral health before proceeding.
- Choose a reputable dental clinic with highly skilled dentists.
- Prioritize choosing good quality crown materials, such as premium all-ceramic crowns, ensuring biocompatibility and long-term aesthetics.
- Actively practice scientific oral care after getting crowns, from daily hygiene to regular check-ups.
Adhering to the notes after getting dental crowns not only helps prevent black gums but also ensures the longevity and aesthetic appeal of your crowns. Always consult with your dentist, choose quality all-ceramic crowns, and maintain the best oral care habits daily.
If you are considering getting dental crowns, remember to carefully consider and choose the appropriate intervention based on your individual situation for the most perfect results.
