What are the black marks under gum of erupted lower widsom tooth.

[snapper]

What is happening with my lower wisdom tooth? I have a solitary lower wisdom tooth that fully erupted years ago. I recently noticed a little black area to the front of it just below the gum line. What is it?

I now get niggling discomfort in this tooth, it's a bit like toothache that wears off
Should I be concerned about these annoying twinges and the black area?

 

[misti]

hi snapper,
i had these black marks on teeth at edge of gumline. for me, it was the start of a decay. the dentist can take care of it easily. (notwithstanding the scary part of worrying about it for weeks and finally getting there ie.).
after the dentist patches it up, you will see a beautiful tooth with no more black mark. since you already have a bit of a toothache, it's best to go early before it gets more painful. i had mine done a month ago. and yes, i was petrified too. but it was done quite fast, really worth the going than having weeks (and months) of agonizing worry.

 

[comfortdentist]

Could also be stained calculus

 

[carole]

Comfortdentist What is stained calculus and can it be left alone for years.

 

[Gordon]

Calculus=tartar=plaque that has become hardened over time due to calcium and phosphate ions in the saliva.

I assume you can work out the "stained" bit <ducks and hides behind sofa>

It can be left for years, it's not a good thing to do though.

 

[snapper]

Ok, thanks for the replies. if it's calculus, don't know why the dentist didn't get rid of it when I had a recent scaling.

Gordon, why would it be a problem to leave?

Is it possible that the niggling toothache is being caused by this dodgy area?

 

[Gordon]

Calculus is a lovely reservoir for bacteria which leads to gum disease, the dark stuff is usually down below the gum level and is impossible for a person to remove other than a dentist or (preferably) a hygienist with the correct equipment.

Could just have been missed during the cleaning or one of these weirdo US insurance things where the insurance only pays for above gum cleaning and not sub-gingival stuff.

It could be causing some niggles, but it's not gum disease isn't usually painful.