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If you have a damaged, decayed, or otherwise compromised tooth, then a dental crown is one of your best solutions. This restoration can renew the look and function of your smile, allowing you to eat comfortably and smile confidently again. However, after several months of wearing your new tooth, you may notice a black line forming around your dental crown. Not sure what this means? Keep reading to learn what causes this condition and what you can do to fix it!
Why Do I Have a Black Line Around My Dental Crown?
If you’ve noticed a dark line around the base of your restoration, you don’t have to panic. This may be an entirely normal occurrence if you have a porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crown. The porcelain material may blend seamlessly with the rest of your natural pearly whites while the metal offers the durability necessary for your biting or chewing power. Over time, the metallic portion can begin to peek around the base, resulting in a black line at the bottom of your dental crown. Though this isn’t an indication that your restoration is losing function, some patients may consider other treatment options to forego the dark-colored appearance of their tooth.
How Do I Fix a Dark Line Around My Dental Crown?
Should the black line around your dental crown be bothersome to you, you can opt for a different solution: metal-free restorations. This tooth-replacement option uses high-quality materials like porcelain to provide a natural-looking blend that is also as durable as your permanent teeth. Not only do these porcelain restorations come in a variety of shades for perfect color-matching, but they also reflect light much like real enamel. With proper care, you can expect your new tooth to last 10 years or more!
Ways to Preserve My Dental Crown
While porcelain is cavity-immune and highly stain-resistant, it can become discolored while the underlying tooth can still be vulnerable to decay. For this reason, you’ll want to practice the following measures to preserve your dental crown:
- Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day
- Floss and rinse with mouthwash frequently
- Use a straw to drink dark-colored beverages, like coffee and wine
- Avoid bad oral habits, like smoking and biting your fingernails
- Minimize your consumption of sugary treats
- Schedule dental checkups and cleanings every six months
While a dark line around the base of your dental crown is an urgent situation, you don’t have to settle for a porcelain-fused-to-metal option. Talk to your dentist if you wish to transition to metal-free restorations, and they’ll be more than happy to assess your situation and discuss the best way to renew your smile!
About the Author
Dr. Francisca A. Sanchez earned her dental doctorate from the Columbia School of Dental Medicine and has been delivering outstanding care for over two decades. She’s also a member of several prominent organizations like the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association. She provides a wide variety of high-quality and comprehensive treatments, including metal-free dental crowns. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, visit her website or call her at 646-669-7407.