If you’ve ever had a severely decayed tooth or have undergone a root canal, there’s a good chance your dentist provided you with a dental crown after making the necessary repairs. These restorations are placed over your tooth like a cap to protect it as well as preserve your ability to eat and speak normally. If you’ve noticed a black line forming around yours that you can’t brush away, it’s natural to feel concerned! You might start to worry about what caused it and whether it’s dangerous, for example. If you’ve noticed a dark area along between your gumline and your dental crown, keep reading to learn what causes it and what you can do.
Why Is There a Black Line Around My Dental Crown?
There are a couple of things that could result in the black border that you’ve spotted, but the most common one is due to the material it’s made from. Today, dentists typically prefer to use tooth-colored materials for this kind of repair, but that hasn’t always been the case. Dentists in decades past created them using a combination of porcelain fused with metal. They consisted of a metal base that was covered with porcelain, so they were both beautiful and functional. That means the darkening you’re seeing is likely the metal material underneath showing through.
Another potential culprit behind the black line could be receding gums. If you don’t floss regularly or are overly vigorous when brushing your teeth, you can develop gum disease. The early signs aren’t always apparent so you may not realize there’s a problem until your gums begin to retract to avoid it. As this happens, you’ll be able to see more of the roots and underlying structure which are sometimes discolored.
How Is This Black Line Treated?
If the underlying issue is gum disease, your dentist will work with you to address it with appropriate solutions like scaling and root planing, laser therapy, and possibly antibiotics. However, if this visual flaw is part of the structure of your dental crown itself, you may want to consider replacing it.
Although metal was once required to strengthen restorations, more recent advancements in technology and techniques have opened new avenues. Today, your dentist can provide dental crowns that are made entirely of tooth-colored materials. Unlike metal, these bond directly with your teeth to provide additional support. If you’re concerned that an upgraded repair will come at the cost of longevity, you can set your worries aside. These repairs can last anywhere from 5 to 15+ years with the right care.
If you’re concerned about a visibly noticeable dark line along your gums, call your dentist. They’ll examine your condition to let you know why it’s happened and recommend a solution based on their findings. Soon, you could have a beautifully perfected grin with no one the wiser!
About the Author
Dr. Lucia Perez Troisi has more than a decade of experience bringing joy to people’s lives by helping them achieve happy, healthy smiles. She began her college career in her native Venezuela at Universidad de Carabobo. Then she traveled to the United States and graduated from NOVA Southeastern University before completing additional advanced training at the New York University College of Dental Medicine. She and her dedicated team go out of their way to ensure that patients of all ages feel calm and comfortable during their visit. Then, they use state-of-the-art technology, including CEREC same-day dental crown mill, to provide individualized treatment options. If you’ve seen a dark line under restoration, you’re welcome to request a consultation on the website or by calling (757) 548-1611.