Do you have an older porcelain dental crown that has served you well, discreetly protecting your underlying tooth all the while looking and feeling just like the real thing? Has it began showing signs of wear, such as by developing a dark line where your teeth meet your gums? Here’s why this happens, and what you should do to stop it from getting worse.
What’s That Black Line Around My Crown?
The line you see forming around the base of your crown is the metal structure that the porcelain is covering. Typically, this portion of the restoration is hidden beneath the gumline. However, as your mouth changes, it can become visible, either due to the age of the restoration or possibly due to your own receding gums. This can happen as you age, or as a result of gum disease, which is caused by an infection from oral bacteria.
How to Treat Receding Gums
If you are experiencing gum recession, it is important to treat this soon, as it can leave the roots of your teeth vulnerable to cavities and tooth decay. It can also cause painful sensitivity when eating or drinking anything hot, cold, or acidic. This may involve scaling and root planing, antibiotic treatment, or a visit to a periodontist for more intensive treatment.
Replacing Your Crown
If your crown’s metal base is visible, it is important to replace it. Thankfully, upgrading is easy! Your dentist can have restoration custom-made to look and feel just like a real tooth and can even model it after the shape and size of your current prosthetic. Although dental crowns weren’t designed to last a lifetime, they can still last for up to 15 years with proper care, and since today’s varieties also do not need to come with a metal base, you’ll reduce the risk of similar issues happening again when your new restoration is ready to be replaced.
Remember, if you notice a dark line forming around the base of your dental crown, it could mean it’s time for an upgrade. Don’t let older restorations create embarrassment when you smile- talk to your dentist today about giving your tooth the royal treatment with a new dental crown!
About Our Practice
At Esplanade Dental Care, we want you to feel like royalty, which is why we’re so pleased to offer smile-saving treatments like dental crowns! Stop hiding unsightly damaged restorations and upgrade to a comfortable, lifelike prosthetic that looks and feels just like the real thing! Contact us today to learn more about dental crowns by visiting our website or calling 630-493-0914.