I have what I believe is quite bad tartar (well I'm hoping that it
is not decay) on my front teeth, I can see this above the gum line a little, bit when I
floss it goes back quite alot under my gum line. I am pertrified of the dentist, even
though I know that I need to go. How hard is this to get rid
of, and how do I know that it is tartar and not decay? It is rather dark
brown to black and I can feel it clicking when I feel it with my fingernail. I am also
embarrassed to go to the dentist wondering what they will think of my dental hygiene.
Someone told my that they will just pull my teeth out. Many thanks!
Thank you for visiting our web site and for your insightful questions. Since you have not
visited the dentist in a while, it is quite possible that you do have excess tarter, or
calculus buildup on your teeth. When calculus builds up underneath the gums, it can slowly
darken over the course of a couple years to brown or black. I do strongly recommend that
you visit a dentist soon to rule out other possibilities such as cavities and to limit gum
recession by getting your teeth cleaned. As a dentist, I personally clean heavy tartar off
of your teeth with a new Ultrasonic cleaner which literally vibrates the debris right off
of your teeth! Not only is this more comfortable for you, but the ultrasonic actually
cleans below the gums where tartar such as yours exists. Though I know it is
difficult for you to visit the dentist, please do not feel too embarrassed. We see
patients every day who have not visited the dentist in years, and we are very
understanding of your immediate health needs! And do not worry, Rose. Even if the dark
spots are cavities, they can still be replaced with tooth colored restorations and your
teeth WILL be saved. I wish you the best of luck with your oral health care. If you
haven't already, you may want to visit our page on Ultrasonic cleaning at http://www.seattle-dentist.com/ultrasonic.htm
to learn more about this great new device. Please do not hesitate to e-mail or call our
office with any other questions you might have, or to even set up an appointment.
If I have tartar under my gums that I
can see a fair way back when I floss does this mean that my
roots are dead, as I saw in the picture link below?
http://www.scdentalinfo.com/PeriodontalDisease.html
Fortunately, calculus is a mineralization which occurs on the exterior of your teeth and
will not cause your teeth to die. I know the black appearance of this material must be
disturbing to you, but it can be removed and your teeth remain intact. The risks one faces
with leaving the tartar in place however, include increased risk of cavities and gum
recession, as I mentioned before. The photo link you sent me is definitely an advanced
state of calculus buildup and is an optimal case for an ultrasonic cleaning by the
dentist. |
