When you first got your dental crowns in Kittanning, they were so lifelike that no one else could even tell they weren’t real teeth. Eventually, though, you noticed that black lines were starting to appear on the crowns. You might be concerned when you first see the discoloration, but rest assured that it doesn’t mean that there’s anything structurally wrong with the restoration – though it’s obviously an aesthetic problem. Why do these black lines form, and what can you do about them? Read on to learn the answers so that you can keep your smile looking bright.
Where Did the Black Line Come From?
In most cases, the black line is linked to the materials used to make the restoration in the first place. Many crowns are made out of porcelain that has been fused to a metal base. The idea is that the metal base provides strength and support while the porcelain allows the crown to blend in with the rest of your mouth. The black line is where the porcelain ends and the metal base begins. Normally it’s hidden under the gums, but if the gum line starts to recede (which becomes more likely as you grow older), the line may eventually be exposed.
There are cases where the black line is actually just a shadow cast by a poorly fitting dental crown. However, this only happens on rare occasions, and the black lines are much less prominent in these cases.
What Should You Do About the Black Line?
As far as your oral health goes, black lines around a crown generally aren’t a problem. On occasion, they might be linked to decay of the underlying tooth, but in most cases your biggest problem will be the changes made to your appearance. Luckily, the solution to this particular problem is fairly simple: just replace the crown itself. If you don’t want to worry about the same thing happening again in the future, you can get a crown made entirely out of ceramic or porcelain. With no metal base to expose, you can be sure that your restoration will retain its attractive, healthy look for a long period of time. Modern dental porcelain is very strong, so you don’t have to worry about compromising the strength of the crown; you’ll be able to chew all of your favorite foods without worry.
A crown is meant to restore the appearance of your tooth as well as its functionality. If you’re not happy with how it looks, give your dentist in Kittanning a call! They can design a new restoration for you that has been carefully customized to match your beautiful grin.
About the Author
Dr. Ray Voller has been practicing in Kittanning ever since his graduation from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 1980. Restorative dentistry is one of his primary interests, and he always enjoys the opportunity to repair and improve smiles with custom-designed dental crowns. If you notice a black line around your crown or have other concerns, get in touch with his practice, Voller Dentistry, through his website or by calling (724) 543-4948.