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What Causes the Whole Tooth to Turn Black Under a Temporary Crown?

I had a back tooth that was chipped and the filling was old so the Dr. recommended a crown. After all the prep work, a temp crown was put on and i returned 3 weeks later for the permenant one. when the Dentist took off the temp crown the whole tooth had turned black. He basically wiped it clean as best he could but the whole tooth was "stained". He has nott seen this before and searching for and answer.. as am I??? might anyone know what could cause this?

Doctor Answers 5

September 18th, 2012

Black Temporary

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You should return to the dentist to have the temporary checked as it is not sealed well.  Leaving the temp with the black stain could lead to a lot of sensitivity on that tooth once the final restoration is seated.  The black stain can be removed from the tooth with pumice and peroxide by the dentist

 


Atlanta Dentist

September 18th, 2012

Tooth Turned Black Under a Temporary Crown

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This is not so unusual. When the temporary crown leaks, it happens. Tooth can usually be returned to its original color by polishing with a mixyure of dental pumice and hydrogen peroxide. Not to worry!

Jay Neuhaus, DDS
New York Dentist

September 18th, 2012

Tooth turns black under temporary crown

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This is usually due to leakage of saliva under the crown - it can be cleaned with peroxide and a brush and is of little consequence as long as the tooth isn't sensitive. 

Carlo Biasucci, DDS
Ontario Dentist

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September 18th, 2012

Black tooth under temp crown

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There are billions of bacteria that live in the mouth and sometimes the conditions are just right that they will get under a temporary and turn it black.  It is the bacteria that cause this and it can be cleaned off by brushing peroxide on the tooth.  It doesn't do any damage, but if it is in front it can hinder the looks of the crown.  Hope that helps!

Blaine McLaughlin, DDS
Cedar Rapids Dentist

August 28th, 2013

Black Tooth Under Temporary Crown...something to be concerned with?

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Actually this is not uncommon.  Somehow your temporary crown loosened up a bit, probably from chewing on it, and this allowed a microscopic space for bacteria and fungi to set up residence under the temporary crown.

When the dentist took of the temporary crown there might have been an annoying odor and the tooth would have appeared black.  It is often times known as "black scuz" to dentists (not a technical name).

The black scuz and odor can easily be removed in about three seconds by bathing the tooth with regular old hydrogen peroxide solution.  No harm, no foul.  No permanent damage either.

Norman Huefner, DDS
Laguna Niguel Dentist

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.