I got my CEREC crown in August. My gums were irritated after I got the crown. I was told to rinse my mouth with warm saltwater several times a day to calm the irritation and help my gums heal. I have been back to my dentist 4 times about the issue and my gums are still irritated. I don’t brush around the crown because when I do it bleeds. Are CEREC crowns known to cause gum irritation? If not, what went wrong with the crown? Do I need a new one? Thanks Jean
Jean – We are concerned that you’ve had an ongoing infection around your crown. For a healthy non-smoker, the gum tissue should have healed by now.
The irritation might be caused by your CEREC crown, but gum irritation can occur with any crown. Difficulty flossing between your crown and gums or between the adjacent teeth can cause irritation.
When flossing is inadequate, bacteria can breed in your gums. If it’s left untreated, your gums can become irritated or inflamed. Inflamed gums bleed easily. If the inflammation is due to bacteria and you are not already flossing thoroughly, try a floss pick or another dental instrument designed to move debris from your teeth. In the beginning your gums might bleed, but as bacteria is removed, the situation should improve. Continue your saltwater rinses to help the gum tissue heal.
If you are already diligently flossing, the CEREC crown might be irritating your gums. If that’s the case, the crown might need to be correctly seated, or it might need to be replaced. Speak with your dentist about the position of your crown and ask whether or not it is the cause of the irritation.
Another option is to receive a second opinion from a skilled CEREC dentist. He or she will examine your gums and crown to determine the cause of your irritation. Your CEREC crown can be removed, cleaned, and bonded to your natural tooth again. If necessary the crown can be replaced.
This post is sponsored by San Jose dentists Dr. Ralph Stanley, Dr. Magdalena Azzarelli, and Dr. Rogé Jacob.
