If you’re brushing your teeth and you suddenly notice a black line along the bottom of your crown, your first instinct might be to panic—but there’s nothing to fear! Even though it might seem like someone has taken a pen and outlined the bottom of your crown, this is not the case. Here’s more from your dentist about what these lines are and how they can easily be addressed.
What Exactly Are These Black Lines?
These black lines are usually caused by one of two things: the metal from an existing crown becoming visible, or in rarer cases, the crown itself casting a shadow onto the tooth. Older dental crowns contain porcelain that is fused to a layer of metal, usually gold alloy (they’re called PFM crowns). The metal provides a framework for the delicate porcelain and is hidden under the gum line when the crown is fitted.
But as you age, your gum line gradually recedes, and this metal part eventually becomes exposed and appears as a dark line. Sometimes the line is merely an optical illusion created by a poorly fitted dental crown casting a shadow over the surrounding area. However, these lines are often less prominent than the ones caused by the exposed metal of a crown.
How Are These Black Lines Addressed?
Fortunately, these black lines can easily be addressed—and usually the easiest way of going about this is by replacing your existing PFM crowns with modern ones made of zirconium oxide or porcelain. These newer crowns do not require any metal framework, and they’ll fit better than the originals. This means that there’s no different material that can become exposed and no room for a shadow to be cast.
However, it’s very important to maintain good oral hygiene, especially if you’ve received a dental crown. Keeping gum recession at bay will help to ensure your crown continues to look natural for many years to come. Not to mention, keeping your mouth clean will also help to prevent decay from forming around the edges of your crown.
If you’re concerned about a black line that’s formed on your crown, it’s nothing to worry about. Ultimately, it’s a minor issue that can easily be corrected by visiting your dentist.
About the Practice
The team at Pearl Dentistry is honored to serve patients and families in the Denver area under the leadership of Dr. Stephanie Walker and Dr. Amanda Pooler. Their practice is pleased to offer a wide range of available services including restorative options like dental crowns. If you have any questions about dental crowns or would like to arrange a visit, you can contact the practice online or over the phone for assistance: (720) 440-9296.