For years, you have enjoyed the benefits of a strong, beautiful-looking dental crown. Recently, however, an unsightly black line has appeared around the restoration. What exactly does this mean? And what can you do to fix the problem and keep it from happening again in the future? The answers to these questions can be found below.
What Can Cause a Black Line to Form Around Your Dental Crown?
Black lines are typically the long-term result of getting a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, or PFM crown for short. This type of restoration has a layer of porcelain on top of metal. The idea is that you will be able to benefit from the strength of a metal crown while also enjoying the aesthetic advantages of porcelain.
However, in many cases, the metal at the edge of the crown may become more visible over time due to the gums receding. As a result, a black line will appear and potentially draw the wrong kind of attention to your grin.
What Can You Do About a Black Line Around Your Crown?
In many cases, the only real solution for a crown that has a black line around it is to have it replaced altogether. You could get another PFM crown, but doing so will mean that you run the risk of having the same problem occur in the future. If you want to avoid having a black line appear again, it may be a good idea to ask your dentist for a different type of restoration.
Pure porcelain is often an excellent option when it comes to dental crowns. The material is known for being able to mimic the color and light-reflecting properties of natural enamel. A well-shaded porcelain crown can blend in so well with the rest of your smile that most people won’t be able to tell that you ever needed to have a tooth repaired.
You may be worried that switching from a PFM crown to a completely porcelain one means compromising the durability of your new restoration. Fortunately, this is not the case. Porcelain crowns are very strong and can suitably withstand the forces of biting and chewing. And if you take good care of a porcelain crown, it can often last as long as 15 years.
In short, if a black line has appeared around your crown, you should see it as a reason to call your dentist as soon as possible. They can explain your options for getting a new restoration that will once again help your smile look its best.
About the Author
Dr. Sheri McIntosh graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in 2004, earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery. She is dedicated to providing high-level, fully personalized clinical care for all of her patients. When it comes to repairing teeth, she offers beautiful crowns made out of porcelain. To schedule a consultation with Dr. McIntosh at Distinguished Dental in Fort Worth, visit her website or call (817) 337-8300.