I think that 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 took the temporary crowns off, did a fluoride treatment on my teeth, and prescribed antibiotics. When the final crowns arrive, my dentist filed them a lot because my bite was off. The crowns seemed okay, but whenever I drank something, fluid would rush beneath them. 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? – Reginia

Reginia,

Without an exam from Dr. Tostado, we cannot give you an accurate diagnosis, but we can offer some insight.

Do Not Allow Your Dentist to Cement Your Crowns

If your crowns are irritating your gums and teeth, do not let your dentist cement them. The discomfort will no go away without your dentist identifying and treating the problem.

Burning Gums with Dental Crowns

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, find out the ingredients in the bonding agent and other materials that your dentist used.

If either the crowns or the bonding agent contains 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 applying chlorhexidine is appropriate.

Given your circumstances and the fact that you still need dental crowns to restore your teeth, we recommend that you find an advanced cosmetic dentist with a holistic approach and schedule an appointment for a second opinion. After an exam and the second-opinion dentist’s findings, you can decide if you want to switch dentists to complete your crowns.

Gilberto Tostado, DDS of San Antonio, sponsors this post.