Why is there a black line showing on the 6-months old zirconia crown? (Photo)

Question

I had an old PFM crown on the root-canaled 1st premolar replaced with a new zirconia crown 6 months ago. I noticed a tiny black line at the tooth margin and wondering why would it be there. I dont know if the line was there immediately after the crown placement, but I noticed it about 3-4 months ago which would make it 2-3 months after the crown was placed. The line remains the same since. I am wondering if there is a cause for concern about the longevity or stability of the crown. Thanks!

James Burkholder, DDS · Answer

There can be three things that can cause a dark line at a crown margin.  First, since the tooth had a root canal, the entire remaining part of the tooth will turn darker over time. This can show through the thin tissue sometimes especially where the crown margin meets the tooth.  Also, the crown can cast a shadow and make the root portion seem darker.  If you have some gum recession, this area will show more readily.  Finally, if there is a small space between the crown margin and the part of the tooth that was prepared for the crown, decay can form there making it dark.  Since it has only been in place for 6 months, the decay reason is unlikely.  I would recommend seeing your dentist and let him see what you are concerned about.

Neil Elman, DDS · Answer

The underlying color of your tooth may be giving off this darker shade. It is unlikely going to affect the long term prognosis of the crown but I would inform your dentist about the concern

Norman Huefner, DDS · Answer

Is the dark black line seen on the root or does the gums appear darker around the crown?It may be that your gums have receded slightly, exposing an underlying dark root.  Dark roots are often because a tooth died and discolored before having a root canal, or a tooth that had a root canal and have a metal post that darkens both the root and the crown.  Many times in highly esthetic regions, especially the front teeth, cosmetic dentists will remove metal posts before doing new all-porcelain crowns and instead, place tooth-colored fiber posts (strong like Kevlar, used in bullet proof vests) and tooth-colored composite core.Also, all ceramic porcelains like Empress and EMax generally look more natural that the more opaque zirconia crowns, however zirconia is much stronger.You may be interested in going to this web link regarding cases I have treated that had black lines around the gums.

Lilya Horowitz, DDS · Answer

I would not be too concerned about the longevity of the crown but as far as appearances the dark line will not go away. Even though Zirconia is "white" not metal, the dark line at the gum can be caused by any thick material. What happens is the margin of the crown is not translucent (metal or very opaque like zirconia) and it blocks the light, causing a shadow, which gives the appearance of a black line at the gumline. The only way to eliminate the line is to have the crown remade. I hope this helps!

Why is there a black line showing on the 6-months old zirconia crown? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Black line on Zirconia crown

Answer: Black line on Zirconia crown

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Why is there a black line showing on the 6-months old zirconia crown? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Black line on Zirconia crown

Answer: Black line on Zirconia crown

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Everything you need to know about Dental Crown

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