You may have loved the way your dental crown made your tooth look and feel when you first received the crown. But lately, a black line has appeared around the tooth’s edge along with your dental crown and not your natural teeth. You might think that this discoloration is because of a crown fitting poorly, or maybe it’s something wrong with the underlying tooth. Fortunately, the black line around your crown is probably not that, and a dentist in the Allen & Fairview area can explain what the black line around your crown means.
In most situations, a black line or dark line around a dental crown or veneer is simply due to its composition and the type of crown used. Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns has a metal base shell that has been encased by porcelain. The combination of porcelain and metal makes a PFM crown exceptionally strong. However, in some cases, the metal lining of a crown can become visible, resulting in a black line. When there are visible signs of a black line around the tooth, the tooth’s beauty is diminished, and people will most likely notice.
A second consideration is the recession of gum tissue, which can happen to traditional porcelain-fused-to-metal and all-ceramic restorations. Gum recession may be caused by overbrushing, tooth grinding, gum disease, periodontal disease, or shifting or movement of the teeth. It is possible that you do not see metal in a crown but the natural tooth structure below it. If a root canal was performed at the time of receiving your crown, the trauma to your natural tooth could comprise the natural tooth color.
A third reason why there might be a dark line at the gum line can sometimes be more of an optical illusion than a physical occurrence caused by a crown fitting poorly. An improper fit can also increase the likelihood of bacteria seeping beneath the crown, leading to an infection.
Another common cause is decay. Patients with crowns or veneers sometimes have the misconception that these restorations render an individual’s teeth immune to decay, but this is not the case. The margins of crowns are especially vulnerable to decay, and every crown needs to be checked regularly by a dentist to ensure that it is still intact and provides you with protection against tooth decay. At Sloan Creek Dental in Fairview, we can adjust your current crown if needed and ensure that it stays in place and continues to protect your tooth underneath the crown.
If your dentist tells you that the metal lining of your porcelain-fused-to-metal crown is to blame for the dark line, you can ask about getting the dental crown replaced with a porcelain crown. Porcelain crowns have a natural appearance that is extremely durable and stain-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about your smile or any metal showing.
If you do not have a PFM crown, your black line can be caused by gum recession or another oral health problem. It’s worth a trip to the dentist to have your general dentist to exam it. Your dentist will determine what is causing the dark line on your gums in order to determine the best course of treatment. Once your oral health has been stabilized, your dentist can advise you on ways to improve the aesthetic appeal of your smile.
Instead of wondering why there is a black line around your crown, it’s important to visit a dentist in Fairview, TX. Your general dentist can examine your crown and gums to figure out the cause of your imperfection. If you have something more than a cosmetic problem, your dentist can treat it immediately and prevent your oral health from degrading further. Once your smile is looking its best again, you can take steps to ensure that you have a healthy smile in the future.
If you have decay under your crown, you might experience the following symptoms.
If you notice a dark line at the base of your dental crown, don’t panic. Your dentist can help figure out what the line is and advise you on whether or not you need dental care.
With proper oral hygiene, such as flossing regularly around your crowns, brushing twice a day, and regular dental checkups, your dental crowns can last many years. When brushing your teeth, brush your teeth and gums gently, preferably using a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush.
If the appearance of your old dental prosthetic bothers you, we can suggest a solution to help you get rid of the black lines for a permanent solution. Before treatment, we will carefully inspect your dental crowns and talk to you about gum recession or other periodontal issues you may have. We will advise you on how to treat or avoid those problems.
If you have questions about porcelain dental crowns, dental restorations, or black lines around crowns, we can help restore your natural smile. Contact us at our Fairview, TX dental office to schedule an in-person consultation with us today – 972-468-1440. Our dental office is located in Fairview, Texas, and our patients visit us from across the surrounding areas, including Allen, Plano, McKinney, and Lucas.
