Can tartar hold in teeth?

[AnxietyQueen]

Is is possible that tarter and plaque are the only things holding teeth in? I have some bad build up of plaque/tarter behind my lower front teeth. On the front of them, they're white, but the backs are kind of brownish due to the tarter. I'm going in for a cleanig and check up, but I'm kind of feeling scared about it because I'm worried that the removal of the tarter will make them loose or need to be pulled because that could be the only thing securing them in because of possible bone loss that could be unseen. I ask myself questions like when they scrape the tarter off the back will it reveal decay underneath the plaque where the actual tooth is? Will they become loose, can they be saved even if there's bone loss? I have the early signs of gum disease, but none of my teeth are wobbily, in pain, or hurt. I'm hoping that's a good sign. Given from what I've asked and told you, do you think there will need to be costly sergary or pulling of teeth. Thanks! (Note I've never been to the dentist so I don't know what to expect)

Jennifer

 

[Gordon]

Re: I hope a dentist answers this one...

Nope. Tartar and plaque wouldn't hold spit in place never mind teeth. Yes there may be some decay that will be revealed by removing the crud but that's fairly unlikely, usually when you get lots of tartar there isn't much decay present.

Gum disease is not reversible, i.e. when there has been some loss of bone support it can't be put back, but with decent home care and careful monitoring by a dentist it should be possible to stop it in its tracks.