If you have gotten a dental crown in the past, you might’ve gotten good use out of it during the years. It has helped you bite more comfortably, but what if you started to notice a thin, black line forming around it? You might feel self-conscious about it, but it’s a common issue that can happen with porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) restorations. Here’s why it might’ve developed and what you can do to fix it.
So, What is a PFM Crown?
A PFM crown is a type of dental prosthetic that has a metal core with a layer of tooth-colored material on top. They were commonly used in the past to fix up a damaged or decayed tooth. Better yet, they are reliable and last for years while also taking aesthetics into account. However, the shiny base of them can start to show over time, which is the black line you are seeing in your smile.
Why Did a Black Line Form Around My PFM Crown?
The metal part of your crown is to blame, but you might be wondering why now. This restoration is meant to sit as close to the gumline as it can, meaning if the soft tissue recedes, the base can become exposed. You might have this happen due to natural aging, teeth grinding or clenching, aggressive brushing, or gum disease.
In better news, this happening to your PFM crown isn’t generally a problem. You don’t need to worry about it, as this happening is a natural consequence of how it was made and your gum health.
How Can I Get Rid of the Black Line Around My Crown?
While you don’t have to stress about your PFM restoration harming your oral health, you might not like how it makes your smile look. That’s enough reason to get it fixed and, thankfully, your dentist is here to help. They can remove it and replace it with an all-ceramic option.
As you might guess, these don’t have any metal in them. A tooth-colored material is used, so you can trust that they blend in seamlessly, while also being resistant to stains. By taking good care of them, they can also last for years to come. That way, you can feel confident showing off your smile and not have to worry about a black line.
With that being said, you should still make sure you find out why your gums receded in the first place. Doing so will help make sure your oral health is in great shape.
About the Practice
At Gruene Family Dental, you benefit from the compassionate leadership of Dr. Kim Turnbow and Dr. Jamie Knox. We are dedicated to helping the New Braunfels community restore their damaged or decayed teeth with dental crowns. By using natural-looking materials, you can trust that you get results that feel great and blend in. If you have a black line around your old restoration, schedule an appointment or call our office at (830) 626-1111.