Crowns are some of the most common restorations used to rebuild teeth that have become damaged or weakened over time. They are typically utilized to restore function and improve your smile. Crowns are color-matched to surrounding teeth and are generally noticeable improvements to your smile. Since they improve the look and feel of your teeth, crowns are popular cosmetic solutions.
Unfortunately, many people have dental crowns that turn black or become discolored over time and question: Why is my dental crown turning black? Well, that depends.
Dental crowns don’t always turn black but there are several reasons they can appear black either around the edges or underneath the crown. In this blog, we’ll find out the causes, signs, and solutions to keep your crown beautiful and long lasting .
Can Dental Crowns Actually Turn Black?
If your crown is made from contemporary materials like porcelain or zirconia, it’s unlikely to change color in that way.
That being said, what most patients are seeing when they think they have a “black crown” is actually:
- Darkness at the edge of the crown
- Staining on the tooth/gum next to the crown
- Metal base showing through in older crowns
- Infection or tooth decay under a crown
So, the crown is actually still in good shape, but the surrounding area has become discolored, which is causing the problem.
Common Reasons Why Dental Crowns Appear Black
Knowing what causes teeth to change color can help you figure out when you need to see a dentist.
1. Tooth Decay Under Crown
One of the main reasons teeth can become discolored is because of tooth decay that’s happening under a crown. This might seem surprising, since a crown is meant to cover and protect the tooth. However, if you don’t take good care of your teeth, bacteria can sneak in through tiny gaps where the crown meets the tooth.
As decay progresses, it can cause:
- Darkening of the tooth beneath the crown
- Bad breath or unpleasant taste
- Sensitivity or pain
If this is the cause of your tooth discoloration, you will need to seek treatment right away to avoid infection and potential tooth loss.
2. Metal Margin Visibility
Have you ever observed that your old crown has developed a black line towards the gum area? These crowns are primarily porcelain fused with metal crowns. When gum tissue recedes over time, exposing the metal base of the crown below the porcelain material results in a black line.
Don’t worry, this black line is not something that will spoil your smile. Cosmetic dentist in Patna have newer types of crowns such as zirconia that are metal-free and restore your beautiful smile.
3. Staining from Food and Habits
Crowns are great at resisting stains, but the teeth and gums around them aren’t so lucky. If you smoke, drink a lot of tea or coffee, or don’t take good care of your teeth, you might notice that the area around the crown starts to discolor. This can be a real problem, because even if the crown itself stays looking good, the surrounding teeth and gums can start to look yellow or brown, which can be pretty noticeable.
You might think the crown is actually turning black, but that’s not the case – the problem is really with the areas around it.
4. Gum Recession
When gums recede you can see more of the tooth structure below. This exposed tooth structure may appear darker than the rest of the tooth. This is especially true if plaque or staining is present on this section of tooth.
Gum health plays an important role in maintaining the appearance of dental restorations.
5. Poorly Fitted or Aging Crown
If your crown doesn’t fit perfectly, bacteria will collect in between your tooth and crown. This gap will lead to staining, decay and a loose crown over time.
Another issue is that crowns can simply lose their gloss over the years. These imperfections on the surface can make your crown look darker.
What If a Dental Crown Falls?
Another common concern patients have is: what if a dental crown falls?
A fallen crown is not uncommon and can happen due to:
- Weakening of the dental cement
- Tooth decay under crown
- Trauma or biting hard foods
- Poor fit or aging crown
If your crown comes off, make sure to:
- Stop chewing on that side
- Retain the crown in a safe place
- See your dentist right away
If you put off getting treatment, the tooth under the crown can get hurt or infected. Sometimes, the crown can be put back on, but if the tooth is damaged or decayed, it might need to be replaced. It’s a good idea to take care of the problem right away to avoid more trouble.
Can Discolored Crowns Be Fixed or Replaced?
Depending on what’s causing the problem, it’s often possible to fix crowns that have become discolored.
- Having your teeth professionally cleaned may remove stains on the surface
- Polishing may help improve the appearance of your crown
- If your crown has decay or damage to its inner structure, your dentist will likely recommend replacing it.
If the discoloration is caused by tooth decay underneath the crown, then the tooth decay will need to be addressed before getting a replacement crown.
Many of our patients have asked us can dental crowns be replaced—and yes, they can. Replacing a crown is a common dental procedure performed to restore function and/or appearance if the existing crown is damaged or fails for some reason.
Now that you know what solutions there are when dental crowns become damaged or ill-fitting. You should also know what to look out for that will tell you when you need to seek dental help.
When Should You See a Dentist?
These are signs that you should visit your dentist if you notice them on your crowned tooth.
- If you notice black stains around your crown
- Experience discomfort(pain) or sensitivity with your crowned tooth
- Persistent bad breath that seems off or odd taste in your mouth
- Your crown has become loose or fallen off completely
- Visible gaps between your crown and gum tissue.
The longer you wait to fix your crowned tooth, the more likely there will be some type of complication and the greater chance you will have to replace your entire crown.
Once you notice these warning signs, seeking the right expert dental care ensures your crown is treated effectively and at the right time.
How Dr. Aishwarya Helps Maintain Healthy Dental Crowns?
Crowns need to be treated at the right time and in the right way.
Visit the best dental clinic in Patna led by Dr. Aishwarya, B.D.S, M.D.S (Gold Medalist) that offer the highest quality of personalized dental care focused on lasting results, patient comfort and a confident healthy smile.
Dr Aishwarya will first diagnose the underlying cause of the staining before proceeding with the treatment. Her method includes:
- Examining the crown margins as well as the gums around it
- Checking for recurrent decay underneath the crown
- Performing Digital Imaging
- Making repair or replacement plans based on your dental condition.
When you visit the Best Dentist in Patna for crown evaluation and treatment, you can be assured that long-term solutions are always our top-most priority instead of quick band-aid fixes.
Crowns can cause discoloration, become loose over time or you may need an old crown replaced for both functional and aesthetic reasons.
How to Prevent Dental Crowns from Turning Black?
It is very important that you maintain your dental crown as well as your other natural teeth in order to get the most benefit from your crown.
Here are a few things you can do to help keep your crown looking good and last longer:
- Brush your teeth at least two times per day
- Floss once or more per day
- Be careful when eating food items that stain (for example, red wine, coffee, tea)
- Have regular appointments with your dentist to have your teeth cleaned and examined
- Deal with problems while they are small, so they don’t become large ones
Maintaining your crown will make it look better and will protect the tooth underneath it from rot.
Conclusion
Dental crowns are made to last and look good, but sometimes they can appear black or discolored. This can happen for a few reasons, like tooth decay under the crown, gum recession, staining, or just getting old. Even if the crown itself isn’t the issue, you should still pay attention to these signs. They can be a warning that something else is going on with your tooth. If you notice any of these problems, it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist to figure out what’s going on and how to fix it.
If you’re worried about your dental crown changing color or are thinking about what happens if it falls out, getting help right away is crucial. Taking good care of your crown and going to the dentist regularly can make it last a long time without any problems.
Book an appointment at the most trusted dental clinic in Patna and let our experts examine you and determine the root of your problem.
Whether you have a minor tooth stain or a severe decay issue, we have got you covered! Dr. Aishwarya and her experienced team of dentists will craft a unique treatment plan that is perfect for your requirements and will help you restore your smile and self-esteem.
