Since I got them in early May, my gums have been swollen around my porcelain veneers, and my teeth look horrible. When I had a dental cleaning two weeks ago, the hygienist implied that I was not flossing between my teeth or brushing them too hard. She is wrong. When I saw my dentist last Wednesday, he removed some cement around the veneers and told me to call if it didn’t improve. My gums are swollen, and I am concerned that the problem will get worse if my dentist does not take responsibility. Should I insist that he take another look or get a second opinion? Why would I have lingering swelling after getting veneers? Thanks. Yasmin
Yasmin,
Although Dr. Tostado would need to examine your teeth, gums, and veneers, we can explain the possible causes of your gum inflammation.
What Causes Swollen Gums After Getting Porcelain Veneers?
Get a second opinion of porcelain veneers are irritating your gums
Swollen gums after getting porcelain veneers can result from one or more of these factors:
- Excess cement left around the veneers
- Improper porcelain veneer position
- Irregularities where a veneer meets your tooth
- Sensitivity to dental ceramics
We will explain.
Excess cement left around the veneers
When a dentist cures the cement in the middle of a tooth and removes the excess around the porcelain veneer immediately, it is unlikely that the bonding agent will irritate your gum tissue.
Improper porcelain veneer position
A porcelain veneer that fits too far beneath your gumline can inflame the tissue and lead to infection.
Irregular margins
Unevenness where the veneer and a tooth meet can irritate gum tissue. If inflammation or infection lingers, you may need to see a periodontist (gum specialist).
Ceramic sensitivity
Sometimes, sensitivity to dental ceramics can cause inflammation or infection.
We recommend consultation with an experienced cosmetic dentist for an exam and a second opinion. A cosmetic dentist will identify the cause of the irritation around your porcelain veneers and recommend treatment.
San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post.