Why Is There a Black Line Around My Dental Crown?

When you first got your dental crown years ago, you might have loved the way it looked. Perhaps it blended in perfectly with your smile, and it gave you renewed confidence. Now, though, things might have changed. Is there an unsightly black line around your dental crown? Why does that happen, and what can you do about it? This blog post provides practical information.

The Problem with PFM Crowns

Many people have porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns. This type of restoration is popular because it has an outer porcelain shell that closely resembles natural tooth enamel. The inner metal lining provides strength and stability.

Unfortunately, it is common for patients to notice that after a while, the crown’s metal base starts to become visible along the gumline. Although there may be nothing structurally wrong with the crown, and the tooth beneath it may be just fine, the black line is a reason for self-consciousness for many people. After all, no one wants it to be obvious that they have had some dental work done in the past.

Fixing the Black Line

In most cases, the best way to get rid of a black line around a dental crown is to get a new restoration. Instead of opting for another PFM crown, ask your dentist if they offer all-porcelain restorations. Porcelain is very strong, looks incredibly natural, and has no dark metal lining. Therefore, you should never see a black line forming around your gums.

The process for designing and placing a porcelain crown usually takes just a few appointments. Before you know it, you can once again be eager to show off your beautiful smile!

Other Reasons for a Black Line

Although PFM crowns are usually responsible for black lines around a tooth, there are other possible explanations. It is possible that decay, injury, or an infection is present. If you are in any pain or notice other unpleasant symptoms, such as swelling or gum recession, you should certainly visit your dentist as soon as possible for a checkup. They can assess the problem and recommend a treatment to get your smile’s health back on track.

A black line around a dental crown can be annoying. Fortunately, this issue is usually easy to fix. Talk to your dentist to learn about your options.

Meet the Practice

Dr. Jayme Martinez is the leader of our team at Kessler Park Dental. He enjoys both the science and art of dentistry, and he always pays great attention to detail when he is designing crowns for his patients. If you are bothered by a black line around an old PFM crown, or you have other concerns related to your smile, he is ready to serve you. Contact our Dallas dental office at 214-303-9969.