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Crowns, Bridges, Dentures, Implants

Calcification on A Crown

11/06/2006

Question:

I have a crown approximately 6 years old and my dentist said I had calcification where the crown meets the gum. What does this mean and what if anything should be done.

Answer:

Calcification refers to a build-up of tartar (calculus) around the crown at the gumline. A professional cleaning (prophylaxis) will remove it. However, your dentist could have also meant De-calcification. This is the beginning stage of a cavity (dental caries) and may require the crown be repaired (if possible) or replaced.

A new carious lesion (cavity) is the most common cause of crown replacement in the United States. This is due to the fact that the area near the gumline, where the crown meets the tooth, is now the only area susceptible to decay and also the most commonly missed area when toothbrushing.

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Response by:

Julie A Holloway, DDS, MS, FACP Julie A Holloway, DDS, MS, FACP
Associate Professor of Restorative and Prosthetic Dentistry
College of Dentistry
The Ohio State University