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dental crowns

Why do you get a dark line between gum and crown when you have a tooth capped?:confused:

Comments

  • angel
    angel Posts: 2,017 Forumite
    If it's an old crown then it could be gum recession or that the white of the crown is wearing away with age.
    :smileyhea "here, hare, here" :smileyhea
  • maypole
    maypole Posts: 1,816 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Thank you angel, so am I to assume that it should not happen as a matter of course?
  • angel
    angel Posts: 2,017 Forumite
    I'm just suggesting what it might be, I'm certainly no expert. Toothsmith will probably be along soonish to give some proper advice! How old is the crown?
    :smileyhea "here, hare, here" :smileyhea
  • mda99das
    mda99das Posts: 190 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    What you have to remember is that to date there is no restorative material that has all the properties of human teeth.

    Every cap no matter how well made will ALWAYS have a gap between the tooth and the crown. We may be talking a few microns but its still there.

    Gum recession can be

    as a result of trauma, gum disease, dehissence etc etc.
    The gaps at the crown margin may be enough to cause chronic irritation to the gum causing it to recede.
  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,124 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    maypole wrote: »
    Why do you get a dark line between gum and crown when you have a tooth capped?:confused:

    Another reason is due to the way light passes through the tooth.

    Crowns with a metal base will not allow any light through at all, and so the bit of tooth at the bottom of the crown will look very dark.

    Modern ceramic materials are much better at this, having refractive indicies very close to enamel, but even so, it takes a very skilled preparation, and a good technician to get it looking really good.
    How to find a dentist.
    1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
    2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
    3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
    4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.
  • MoaningMyrtle
    MoaningMyrtle Posts: 1,968 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    My denitist told me it is the metal base of the crown. I've got one where it is a bit too proud and you can just see the thin line of metal.

    I've got to have another one now, £176 for a gold NHS one or £400 for a white Private one. I've just started saving.
    A minute at the till, a lifetime on the bill.

    Nothing tastes as good as being slim feels.

    one life, live it!
  • angel
    angel Posts: 2,017 Forumite
    I've just had a new ceramic crown made, it was amazing. My wonderful dentist designed it right there in front of me on the screen and explained how it has to fit. Then we went out the back and put the ceramic block into the machine and it buzzed away for 20 minutes and out popped a very sweet crown! Even though it's at the back I keep showing people how realistic it is, it even feels like a real tooth.
    :smileyhea "here, hare, here" :smileyhea
  • maypole
    maypole Posts: 1,816 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    My crowns are a good few years old, they are either side of my two front teeth, which seem to be getting shorter as I get older, I am tempted to have my front teeth crowned, after hearing that veneers might need changing after a few years. I hate having to deal with tooth problems :eek: and a bit scared to start clarting about with healthy teeth.

    Thank you for all your replies though :T
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