Your smile is an essential part of your identity, as it allows you to easily navigate the professional world and establish lasting, meaningful personal connections! That said, dental crowns play a crucial role in restoring both the function and esthetics of damaged or decayed teeth, making establishing these connections a reality that you can accomplish. However, over time, it’s possible for black lines to form around dental crowns, which essentially hinders their performance and beauty as they’ll become quite noticeable! Continue reading below to learn a little more about why this happens, along with some ways that your dentist can correct the issue and get your smile back on track!
Why Do Black Lines Form Around Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are intended to function as protective caps for teeth that also restore their natural appearance—so needless to say, a black line forming around the base of one can be quite noticeable and stand out! These lines can form for a few different reasons—sometimes it has to do with the materials used in the crown. If metal was used in the base, sometimes as gum recession occurs over time, the metal can become visible.
A line can also appear if the crown doesn’t fit snugly against the tooth, or if there are gaps between the crown and the natural tooth structure. This can also lead to bacteria infiltrating the inside, forming black lines while also contributing to issues like decay and gum inflammation. Of course, staining can also cause discoloration to occur on the surface of crowns—smoking, as well as certain foods and drinks, can contribute to this.
How Can I Treat the Issue?
Since black lines on crowns pose a threat to your smile’s appearance and health, it’s worthwhile to consult your dentist if you’re noticing the issue. They can evaluate the cause through a thorough examination, or X-rays if necessary, and recommend a treatment plan. In some cases, replacing the crown might be the most effective solution. Your dentist can also discuss alternative materials, such as all-ceramic or porcelain, to lessen the risk of black lines forming in the future.
Of course, it’s worth noting that preventing the issue from happening in the first place is always going to be your best bet—and you can do this by practicing excellent oral hygiene. Although the crown isn’t made from the same materials as your natural tooth, it essentially becomes a part of your tooth once it’s been placed, meaning you need to take great care of it! Brush, floss, and rinse with an antibacterial mouth rinse daily, and keep up with your routine preventive care. By doing so, your crown will look great and last for quite some time!
About the Practice
Under the talented leadership of Dr. Candida Castillo, the team at Bio Dental has proudly served patients and families in the North Providence area for several years, offering a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental services such as crowns! If you have any questions about the blog or any of the other services offered by the practice, feel free to contact them online or by phone for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (401) 232-7777.