I have multiple chemical sensitivities and some allergies that I told my dentist about, but I think somehow, I am allergic to my new crowns. All three crowns seem to be infected. Now, I wish I had switched to a holistic dentist. But this is my first time receiving crowns, so I did not know what to expect. I told my dentist that there was leakage around the temporary crowns. She removed the temporary crowns, did a fluoride treatment on my teeth, and prescribed antibiotics. When the final crowns arrived, my dentist filed them a lot because my bite was off. The crowns seemed okay, but the fluid would rush beneath them whenever I drank something. I wore temporary crowns again for two weeks, but my new crowns make my gums burn, and my teeth are sensitive. My dentist did not bond them on, and I do not want her to bond them. Could an allergy to one of the dental chemicals be causing this problem? – Thanks. Arielle
Arielle,
We cannot diagnose you accurately without an exam, but we can offer some insight.
If your crowns irritate your gums and teeth, do not let your dentist cement them. The discomfort will resolve unless your dentist identifies and treats the problem.
Can New Dental Crowns Cause Burning Gums?
It’s rare to have an allergic reaction to an all-ceramic dental crown
If your dental crowns are burning your gums, you may be sensitive or allergic to the crowns or substances used in the process.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns – If you have metal sensitivity and your dentist placed porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, you may be allergic to them. Ask your dentist to look at the dental alloy certificate from the lab and tell you your crowns’ exact composition.
- Pure ceramic crowns – Although it is rare to react pure ceramic crowns, it is not impossible. Ask your dentist which materials the lab used to make the crowns.
- Dental cement – Again, ask about the ingredients in the bonding agent and other materials that your dentist used.
If the crowns or bonding agent contain chemicals for which you do not have a known allergy or sensitivity, you may need testing to determine the culprit.
Consider Getting a Second Opinion
We are also concerned about your dentist’s approach to the irritation and sensitivity you have experienced. Although fluoride remineralizes teeth, it is not an antibacterial that removes infection. Instead, a peroxide rinse or chlorhexidine (antiseptic and disinfectant) is appropriate.
Given your circumstances and the fact that you still need dental crowns to restore your teeth, we recommend finding an advanced cosmetic dentist and schedule an appointment for a second opinion. After an exam and the second-opinion dentist’s findings, you can decide whether to switch dentists to complete your crowns.
The Monroe, Louisiana, dentists at Bayou Dental Group sponsor this post. Please read how Dr. Finley and his team strive to offer some of the best dental care in Monroe.
