Gum Receding Around Crown: Causes & How to Fix It

Healthy gums are a vital part of our oral health. They protect and support our teeth and give us a great smile. Gum recession is a common problem that occurs when the gum tissue around a tooth starts to pull away, exposing the root of the tooth. Many people experience gum recession around dental crowns, leaving them with exposed tooth roots and an unattractive smile. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options of gum receding around a crown.

What Causes Gum Receding Around a Crown?

Receding gum tissues around a crown is usually the result of periodontal disease, a bacterial infection of the gums and tissues supporting your teeth. Gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal disease, is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Over time, if left untreated, gingivitis may progress to period o ntitis, an advanced stage of gum disease characterized by the destruction of the tooth-supporting tissues. As these tissues break down, the gums may start to pull away from the tooth, resulting in receding gums. The appearance of black lines around crowns can indicate gum recession and the exposure of the metal substructure.

Risk Factors

Several factors contribute to periodontal disease and gum recession around dental crowns, including:

Poor oral hygiene: Not brushing or flossing properly can lead to plaque buildup, which is a primary cause of gum disease. Inadequate care around the crown margin can particularly exacerbate this issue.
Smoking and tobacco use: These habits significantly increase the risk of gum disease and can accelerate gum recession.
Teeth grinding: Teeth grinding or clenching can place excessive force on the teeth and gums, leading to recession and other complications.
Using a hard toothbrush or brushing too aggressively: This can wear away the gum tissue, causing the gum recession.
Abrasive Toothpaste: Using toothpaste with abrasive ingredients can wear down the gum line and enamel, contributing to receding gums around your dental crown.
Ill-fitting crowns: Poorly designed or poorly placed dental crowns can trap bacteria and food debris around the crown margin, promoting gum disease. A loose crown can also contribute to these issues.
Allergic reactions: Some patients may have allergic reactions to the materials used in crowns, such as certain metal alloys, which can cause gum irritation and recession.
Dental trauma and injury: Injuries to the mouth can damage the gums and supporting structures, leading to recession.
Medical conditions: Uncontrolled diabetes and other systemic conditions can impair healing and increase the risk of gum disease.
Medications: Some medications cause dry mouth as a side effect, reducing saliva flow and increasing the risk of gum disease.

Complications of Receding Gum Around a Crown

Gum receding around a dental crown can be difficult to detect in its early stages. However, if left untreated, the receding gum tissue may become more noticeable over time. Key symptoms to watch for include:

A visible black line near the gum line can indicate gum recession due to exposure of the crown margin.
Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
Trapped food particles or plaque buildup around the crown
Exposed tooth roots, causing the tooth to appear longer than usual
Swelling and inflammation in the gums around the crown
Pain when chewing or biting
Bad breath (halitosis)

If gum recession around a crown is left untreated, it can lead to serious and irreversible consequences. The gums may continue to recede, exposing more of the tooth root and increasing the risk of tooth decay. As periodontal disease progresses, the tissue and bone supporting the tooth can become severely damaged, potentially leading to tooth loosening or even tooth loss.

Additionally, gum receding around a dental crown can affect the appearance of your smile. The teeth may look uneven or longer than usual, which can be embarrassing and impact your confidence. Dark lines or dark gum lines around porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns may also become visible, indicating the exposure of the metal substructure beneath the porcelain crown.

It’s crucial to be aware of these symptoms and seek prompt dental care. Receding gum tissues around a crown often signal underlying issues such as poor oral hygiene, ill-fitting crowns, or other dental problems. Early detection and treatment can prevent further complications and preserve your oral health.

Treatment Options for Gum Receding Around a Crown

The treatment of gum receding around a crown depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Here are several effective dental treatments:

Improving oral hygiene habits: Adopting proper brushing and flossing techniques can help prevent further gingival recession and maintain a beautiful, natural-looking smile. Regular professional cleaning is essential to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
Scaling and root planing: This deep cleaning procedure involves breaking tartar off teeth and removing plaque from above and below the gum line. To manage active gum disease and clear the infection, your dentist or periodontist may also prescribe antibiotics.
Nightguard: Wearing a nightguard can protect your teeth and gums from the damaging effects of grinding and clenching, particularly during sleep.
Surgery: For advanced gum disease, a surgical procedure may be necessary to repair the damage caused by periodontitis. This may include:
- Gum flap surgery (Osseous Surgery): This procedure involves lifting the gums to access and remove tartar and infected gum pockets. After cleaning, the gums are sutured back in place to reduce the depth of gum pockets and ensure they fit snugly around the teeth.
- Bone grafting: Rebuilding the bone lost to periodontal disease using bone grafting material.
- Gum graft Surgery: Taking tissue from another part of your mouth or using a donor source to cover exposed roots and restore gum health.
Replacing the dental crown: If your current crown is contributing to gum recession, your dentist may recommend replacing it with a new, better-fitting crown after periodontal treatment. This can help prevent further gum issues and restore a radiant smile.

Each of these treatments aims to address the specific needs of your dental health and ensure a beautiful, natural-looking smile. If you notice signs of gum receding around your crown, it’s crucial to consult your dentist promptly to determine the best course of action and prevent further complications.

The Procedure for Getting a New Dental Crown

After successfully treating periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend replacing the old dental crown with a new one, especially if you have a chipped crown with exposed metal. The dental procedure for getting a new crown involves several steps to ensure a perfect fit and optimal oral health.

Your dentist will first evaluate the condition of your gums and teeth, focusing on any gum receding around the crown. They will determine the best type of crown material, such as porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns or ceramic crowns, to suit your needs and preferences.

Removing damaged or decayed portions: The dentist will remove any damaged or decayed tooth structure, ensuring the tooth is clean and healthy. If necessary, a dental filling material might be used to build up the tooth to support the crown.
Tooth preparation: The tooth will be reshaped to accommodate the new crown. This involves reducing its size and creating a stable base for the crown placement.
Dental impression process: An accurate impression of the prepared tooth and adjacent teeth is taken. This impression process is crucial for crafting a crown that fits perfectly and functions well.
Temporary crown: While waiting for the permanent crown, a temporary crown is placed over the tooth to protect it. Contact your dentist if your temporary crown is chipped to prevent the accumulation of food debris around the prepared tooth and other complications.
Choosing the crown material: Based on the evaluation and the patient’s preferences, the dentist will decide between options like porcelain crowns, ceramic crowns, or metal crowns, depending on factors like durability and aesthetic needs.
Fabrication of a dental crown: The dental laboratory uses accurate impressions to create a custom crown that matches the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth.
Fitting the crown: Once the permanent crown is ready, the temporary crown is removed. The new crown is then placed over the tooth to check for proper fit and bite alignment.
Cementing the crown: After ensuring the fit is perfect, the crown with cement is permanently bonded to the tooth.
Final adjustments: Your dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure the crown is comfortable and functional.

Your dentist will also provide instructions on how to care for your new crown to prevent future receding gum around the dental crown and maintain your oral health.

How To Prevent Receding Gum Around a Crown?

Preventing gum recession around a crown requires a combination of proper dental care and healthy lifestyle choices. Here are some effective strategies to maintain your oral health and prevent gum receding around a crown:

Daily brushing: Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time using a soft-bristled toothbrush. This helps remove plaque and bacteria that can contribute to gum recession.
Daily flossing: Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque between teeth and around the crown. Consider using a water flosser for a more thorough cleaning.
Use antiseptic mouthwash: Use an antiseptic mouthwash as recommended by your dentist to reduce bacteria and maintain gum health.

Professional cleanings: Regular dental cleanings are essential for removing plaque and tartar buildup that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone. These professional cleanings help in gum disease prevention.
Regular dental check-ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups to detect early signs of gum recession or other oral health issues. Your dentist or hygienist can provide proper care and address any concerns promptly.
Quit smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease and gum recession. Quitting smoking can significantly improve your oral health.

Healthy diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber and vitamins to support your overall health and boost your immune system. Foods high in vitamins C and D are particularly beneficial for gum health.
Reduce stress: Managing stress through exercise, meditation, or other relaxation techniques can improve your oral health, as stress is linked to gum disease and other oral health issues.

By incorporating these oral hygiene practices into your daily routine, you can prevent gum recession around your crown and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Regular dental care and a consistent oral hygiene routine are key to preventing oral health issues and ensuring the longevity of your dental restorations.

Conclusion

Receding gum tissues around a dental crown is often a sign of underlying periodontal disease and should not be ignored. Without intervention, it can trap dental plaque and food particles, causing tooth decay, gum pockets, and potential tooth loss. Contributing factors may include poor oral hygiene, poorly fitting crowns, aggressive brushing, or teeth grinding.

If you notice dark lines around your crown, persistent bad breath, or any signs of gum recession, contact your dentist for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment options may involve scaling and root planing, surgical procedures for advanced gum disease, and replacing your dental crown.

Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and daily flossing, is essential. Additionally, lifestyle adjustments like quitting smoking and managing stress can significantly contribute to gum health and overall oral well-being.

Regular dental check-ups are vital for early detection and management of gum recession and other oral health concerns. By prioritizing these habits and seeking professional dental care, you can safeguard your gums, maintain a beautiful smile, and preserve your oral health for the long term.