Why Are My Gums Peeling Around New Dental Crowns?

I’ve had six upper dental crowns on my front teeth since July 2021. The crowns for my left front tooth and the one behind it irritate my gums. My gums around the crowns swell and peel. Also, when I floss between the crowns, my gums bleed.

Although I asked the dental office for an alloy certificate, they gave me a document that says the crowns are GC LiSi Press, which I looked up online. The crowns are lithium disilicate, so I guess the problem may not be a metal allergy. I have not had metal allergies in the past, anyway. My concern is that the crowns are new. Something about them is unhealthy if my gums are irritated. What can I anticipate with my dentist? His treatment options seem a little pushy, so this time, I am expecting him to recommend dental implants to avoid future problems. – Thank you. Bethany from Virginia Beach, VA

Bethany,

Although Dr. Michalski would need to examine your gums and crowns, we will provide information on lithium disilicate crowns and sensitivities.

What Causes Peeling Gums and Irritation Around Crowns?

Peeling gums, bleeding, and irritation around crowns with a metal foundation can be an allergic reaction. If you have non-metal dental crowns, gum irritation may be related to food particles caught between your gums or a functional problem with the crowns.

Two ceramic dental crowns — Irritation around dental crowns doesn’t mean you need extractions and dental implants instead

The next time you floss your teeth, pay attention to whether anything seems to catch the floss or prevent it from moving freely. If you feel a ledge snagging the floss, your dentist must correct the overhand on the crowns.

It is unlikely that the concerns you describe are problems with your tooth structure or health that require removing your teeth and replacing them with dental implants.

What Are GC LiSi Press Crowns?

GC LiSi Press crowns are metal-free, high-density lithium disilicate. We are unaware of lithium disilicate allergies, but we cannot say that it is impossible to be allergic to the material. Still, if you were allergic to lithium disilicate, you would react to all the crowns, not just two.

Schedule an appointment with your dentist for a thorough examination.

Rocky Hill, Connecticut, cosmetic dentist Dr. Thaddeus Michalski sponsors this post.

What Are Treatment Options for a Teen’s Chipped Teeth?

My 14-year-old daughter’s front teeth are chipped from an accident. They are her permanent teeth, so our options are limited. At 14, she may have another growth spurt. Are veneers or bonding the only options for her chipped teeth? Thank you. Danielle

Danielle,

Thank you for your question. You are correct that veneers or bonding are the options for permanent teeth unless the tooth is severely damaged.

What Are the Treatment Options for Chipped Teeth?

For a teenager who is still growing, dental bonding is the preferred option for minor chipped teeth. When a large portion of a tooth is missing, a dentist will x-ray it for internal damage and determine whether the tooth needs a dental crown to protect it. A skilled cosmetic dentist can conceal the chips with these steps:

Clean the teeth
Roughen the surfaces
Etch the teeth and apply a bonding agent
Select and blend dental composites that match the teeth
Apply and shape layers of composite on each tooth
Harden the composite
Reshape and polish the composite to match the surrounding natural teeth

Cosmetic dentists can restore chipped teeth with dental bonding while patients sit in the dental chair. Bonding strengthens teeth because, according to the American Dental Association, tooth enamel and bonding fuse. The seamless bond will look completely natural.

How Long Will Dental Bonding Last?

Quality dental bonding placed by a cosmetic dentist lasts an average of five years. As the bonding wears, a dentist will eventually need to replace it. If your daughter takes care of the bonding and sees a cosmetic dentist to refresh it and remove stains.

Before and after chipped teeth photos from Rocky Hill dentist Dr. Michalski — Dr. Michalski restored this patient’s chipped teeth with dental bonding

What About Porcelain Veneers for Teenagers?

Porcelain veneers can restore chipped teeth, but dental bonding is more practical for a growing teenager whose jaw is still growing. A dentist would need to replace the veneers when the jaw and tooth are complete, and each veneer costs over $1,000.

Will Dental Insurance Pay to Repair a Chipped Tooth?

Although dental insurance will not cover the entire cost of dental bonding, it may provide some coverage. Contact your dental insurance company to ask about plan benefits.

Schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist who treats children.

Rocky Hill, Connecticut, cosmetic dentist Dr. Thaddeus Michalski sponsors this post.