What can you do about black lines around your dental crowns or bridge?

Ever noticed a black line near the gum line of your old crowns or bridges? It’s a common issue many people face. Let’s dive into why this happens and what you can do about it.

Metal Crowns And Bridges

In the past, crowns and bridges were often made with a metal base covered by porcelain. Over time, your gum position naturally changes as part of aging. This can expose the metal that was once hidden under your gums, leading to that unsightly black line.

Discoloured Teeth Under Non-Metal Crowns

Sometimes, non-metal crowns are used to cover teeth that are discoloured, perhaps because of large black fillings. As the shape of your gums changes, the dark tooth underneath can become visible, creating the appearance of a dark line at the gum.

Tooth Decay And Gum Shape Changes

Changes in gum shape can also expose tooth decay under a bridge. If the tooth is still alive, this can cause sensitivity. However, if the tooth has had a root canal, there may be no pain at all. To check for decay, your dentist can feel the underlying tooth and take an X-ray.

How To Fix The Problem

The simplest way to address black lines at the gum line is often to replace the crown or bridge. Modern crowns and bridges can be made metal-free and designed to fit snugly against your gums, covering any discoloured areas.

In some extreme cases, certain gum treatments might be necessary to thicken the gums, especially if thin gums are allowing the dark tooth to show through.

Dealing with black lines at the gum line might seem daunting, but with the right approach, you can restore your smile to its best. Always consult with your dentist to determine the best solution for your specific situation.

This lady came to see us a while ago, and one of the biggest issues for her was the appearance of the dark line, at the front.

You can see from the top-down photo, that there is a metal substructure to the bridge.

This lady was looking for a more comprehensive improvement to her smile, so we replaced the bridge, as well as adding matching veneers to some of the other teeth.

The number of teeth to include is completely subjective. Ultimately, we are looking to improve the confidence behind the smile, and if this can be done by just replacing the bridge, then that's great, if we need to include more teeth to create a more harmonious appearance, then we do that.

If you would like to learn more about what is possible in the world of cosmetic dentistry, then join my email list, and I send out interesting emails every 1-2 weeks.

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