Tired of the Gray/Black Lines Around Your Crowns?

Do you hate the way your old crowns have that dark line by the gums? Well an all porcelain crown may be the answer. A zirconium crown is a good alternative to porcelain fused to metal crowns (the ones that have the dark lines) for a number of reasons. First, because it’s not a metal, zirconia prevents gingival graying and black lines giving it great esthetics. Secondly, it is a biocompatible material, which means your teeth and gums like it better than metal. Third, it is strong, perhaps stronger than metal.

The process of making zirconium crown is rather complicated. Zirconium oxide is among the strongest and most biocompatible ceramics. It is then pressed at extreme pressure to form rectangular blocks. This zirconia is milled into a coping that replaces the metal part of the conventional porcelain fused to metal crown. To that coping, the laboratory technician adds porcelain to make the tooth whole. Zirconia crowns usually cost a bit more because of this specialized process.

If you want to get rid of the black lines around your old crowns, ask about all porcelain zirconium crowns.

Dental Xrays and some facts...

Dental X-ray examinations provide valuable information that helps your dentist evaluate your oral health. With the help of radiographs (the term for pictures taken with X-rays), your dentist can look at what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums.



As X-rays pass through your mouth they are mostly absorbed by teeth and bone because these tissues, which are called hard tissues, are denser than cheeks and gums, which are called soft tissues. When X-rays strike the film or a digital sensor, an image called a radiograph is created. Radiographs allow your dentist to see hidden abnormalities, like tooth decay, infections and signs of gum disease, including changes in the bone and ligaments holding teeth in place.


There has been some concern with dental xrays and the need for them. We at Suwanee Dental Care always want to minimize the amount of radiation exposure, protect with thyroid and chest aprons, take xrays for our patient's health, and do not take more than necessary. Here is some of the exposure levels patients run into under our care and other sources encountered everyday:

Source	Estimated Exposure (mSv)
Man Made Dental X-rays Bitewing radiographs Full-mouth series	0.038 0.150
Medical X-rays Lower gastrointestinal tract radiography Upper gastrointestinal tract radiography Chest radiograph	4.060 2.440 0.080
Natural Cosmic (Outer Space) Radiation Average radiation from outer space In Denver, CO (per year)	0.510
Earth and Atmospheric Radiation Average radiation in the U.S. from Natural sources (per year)	3.000

If you have questions about your dental X-ray exam, talk with our knowledgeable dentists.

Remembering September

I just wanted to take some time and really thank all those brave men and women who give their time and efforts to keep us and our families safe. Looking back 10 years this September has made me realize how lucky I am to be living in the United States of America. I wanted to thank not only the firefighters and police for their constant vigilance and bravery, but also the armed forces. The wars overseas have cost us dearly and I wanted them to know that we are with them as well. This is a poem dedicated to America on this September anniversary.

AMERICA
Henry van Dyke

I love thine inland seas,
Thy groves of giant trees,
Thy rolling plains;
Thy rivers' mighty sweep,
Thy mystic canyons deep,
Thy mountains wild and steep,
All thy domains;

Thy silver Eastern strands,
Thy Golden Gate that stands
Wide to the West;
Thy flowery Southland fair,
Thy sweet and crystal air,
O land beyond compare,
Thee I love best!