I needed six front teeth repaired, so my dentist recommended crowns. I asked my dentist for CEREC crowns. When my dentist placed temporary crowns on my front teeth, they felt horrible, and there was leakage. The dentist took the temps off and did a fluoride treatment. He said everything looked okay. When I received my crowns, the bite was off. My dentist filed on the crowns a lot, and they felt okay. But whenever I drank something, I could feel the fluid rushing through the crowns. My dentist took the crowns off and gave me temporaries again. My new crowns were ready in two weeks. Now my gums are burning, and my teeth are sensitive. I’m supposed to go back to the office for a checkup and to have the crowns cemented on. What’s going on? I wish I could give the crowns back to my dentist, but my teeth are nubs. – Thanks. Clarise
Clarise,
Same-day crown technology helps a trained dentist to precisely fit your crown
We don’t know about the conversation you had with your dentist, but you did not receive CEREC crowns. What was your dentist’s response after you requested CEREC? CEREC same-day crowns are made in the dentist’s office, and you don’t need to wear temporary crowns. Although six CERIC crowns would likely require another appointment, you describe the process for traditional, lab-made crowns. But at this point, we’re concerned about the crowns you have now.
Don’t let your dentist permanently cement them until you’re comfortable. We recommend that you call the dental office and tell them that you don’t want your crowns cemented.
What’s the Cause of Burning Gums?
If your gums weren’t burning until you received the crowns, not only are they not CEREC crowns, but they may also be porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. If so, it could mean that you’re allergic to the metal foundation in the crowns. Insist that your dentist tells you the composition of the crowns and the metal. A dentist receives a dental alloy certificate from the lab with information on the metal alloy composition. If your crowns are all ceramic, you still need to know why your gums are burning.
A complete smile makeover with crowns is aggressive treatment. Your dentist’s way of handling your case strongly suggests that your case is beyond his skill and experience. Placing six crowns on front teeth is much more complicated than doing crowns on one or two teeth. Your bite is off, and the crowns are leaky. But a fluoride treatment wouldn’t help because it’s not an antibacterial rinse. Peroxide or chlorhexidine is more appropriate.
If you’re comfortable asking your dentist to cement the new crowns temporarily, please do so. But start searching for an advanced cosmetic dentist for a second opinion. Please don’t allow any dentist to cement your crowns before you’re comfortable with how they look and feel.
Dr. Rekha Reddy of Dallas, TX, sponsors this post.
