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.

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.

My New Dentist Is Hesitant About Replacing My Crowns

I agreed to let my former dentist replace my old amalgam fillings with composite fillings or crowns, depending on the size of the cavities and tooth structure. In late March, we started the work, and my dentist placed two fillings and three crowns. The crowns are uncomfortable because they are bulky and press on my gums. My bite is off too. I was stressed because family issues came up and interrupted my dental care. Two weeks ago, the pain was so intense that I decided to call around for a cosmetic dentist who could see me right away. Although the dentist could not do anything at that time, she offered to do free x-rays and a paid exam. I canceled treatment with my former dentist.

The new dentist says that my nerves are irritated, and she does not want to replace the crowns until the nerves heal. She did not explain what is happening with my teeth. I do not understand this, and I am anxious and concerned that I need to switch dentists again. Is nerve irritation related to when I can get crowns replaced—especially if they hurt? How can I find the right dentist? Thanks for your help. Leighann from NH

Leighann,

Thank you for your question. We are concerned about your new dentist’s hesitation to replace your crowns without explaining the source of the issue.

Nerve Irritation with Dental Crowns

If a dentist cuts deeply into teeth when preparing them for crowns, it can irritate tooth nerves. In contrast, removing a crown may be mildly irritating—if at all. After a week or two, tooth nerves should calm down. But the irritation should not linger.

Dental Crown Placement

Dental crowns should fit so comfortably that they feel like natural teeth. Crowns that press on your gums, feel bulky, and disturb your bite are poorly made or placed. It seems that both dentists are uncomfortable with the process.

Unfortunately, it is best to switch dentists again. Instead of scheduling an emergency appointment, this time, select a cosmetic dentist with extensive with post-graduate cosmetic dentistry training. You can consider scheduling consultations with two cosmetic dentists to increase your comfort in choosing a provider for your new crowns. Explain your anxiety to each dentist, and they will discuss sedation options to help you relax during crown replacement.

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