Will New Dental Crowns Help My Bleeding and Irritated Gums?

My dentist replaced my eight upper crowns this past summer because my gums were swollen and bleeding. The new crowns didn’t improve the situation, so my dentist referred me to a periodontist who advised me to wear temporary crowns for about three months until my gums healed.

Two weeks ago, I got a second opinion from a dentist who said the crowns were over-contoured and irritated my gums. She recommended new crowns. I get deep cleanings for gum disease now, and the hygienist said she removed excess cement near my gumline. I can’t afford to keep getting new crowns, so I had a virtual consultation with a US-trained dentist who practices in Mexico. Will new crowns that fit well improve my gum inflammation and bleeding? – Thanks. Jonah from Dallas, TX

Jonah,

Over-contoured crowns can cause gum inflammation, swelling, redness, and bleeding. Natural teeth have contours that dental crowns should replicate to support your gum health.

Over-contoured crowns cause the following problems:

• Exert excessive pressure on the gums
• Create spaces that trap food particles, increasing the risk of irritation and gum disease

A dentist must meticulously remove all excess cement after crown placement because leftover cement can contribute to gum irritation. Failure to remove excess cement is unacceptable dental practice. You probably need new dental crowns. However, consult an advanced cosmetic dentist in the US to evaluate your gum health and crowns.

Should You Get New Dental Crowns in Mexico?

Before getting new dental crowns in Mexico, consider these factors:

• Potential for recurring issues: Given your experience with subpar dental care, seeking treatment in Mexico may increase the risk of encountering similar problems.
• Standard of dental care in other countries: Quality and care standards differ among countries. The American Dental Association advises you to consider how a country’s sterilization technique and quality standards will affect the outcome of your denture procedure.
• Finding a qualified dentist is crucial: It is crucial to prioritize finding a highly competent and reputable dentist, regardless of location.

 

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist and Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, sponsors this post. Read why his patients think he is the best dentist in Rocky Hill.

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.