Gum Problems after Getting Permanent Crowns

[mirza]

Approximately six weeks ago, I got six permanent crowns--They are all on the (upper) front.  The gums concerning the three right crowns are fine and they seem to be filling in between the teeth.  The gums concerning the three left teeth look bulky and are not 'coming down.'  They also appear to be somewhat darker near the top of the tooth.  Incidentally, these three left crowns don't feel as comfortable as the three right.It also appears as if I can get my toothbrush bristles under the left gums. Also, I noticed that floss was catching on my left cuspid and when I felt the tooth, I was able to feel the top of the crown! Am I correct in thinking that there is a problem with the left crowns?  If so, what are some possible solutions?  Thanks.

[Matthew Baron, D.M.D.]

You should express your concerns with the dentist that placed the crowns.  They are legit questions best handled by some one who can see you.  The gums should adapt to the crowns over some time(unless there is a problem).  Make sure you are flossing under the gum line.  And if you get a catch, show that to the dentist, sometimes it is just excess cement.

[Honeybee4u2c]

I know that the crown tops are not supposed to be felt or seen. I think you should go back in and have them adjusted.  They should all be healing at the same rate and if they are not there is something wrong.  I had to have one of my crowns filed down to have a better bite and it made a huge difference.  A dentist will look at your question and answer.  Look at the other questions and see if you can get any info from them. Doing that sure did help me.

Good luck

[mike1105]

it sounds to me like these 1 or more of these problems:
1. the crowns don't fit well on the teeth
2. the margins are open (the Edges of the crown are not adapted tightly to the teeth)
3. The gum tissue around the teeth involved was not properly treated before the crowns were placed. perhaps certain gum (periodontal) procedure(s) may have been necessary before the teeth were prepared for crowns.
4. The crowns are bulky in the area where they meet the gums. This happens because the laboratory may not have made a "soft tissue model" of the area. this model allows proper porcelain contour because it is an actual model of the gums, ie the "soft tissue". most labs do not do these  (usually because they are less expensive labs that do alot of volume or the dentist does not want to pay extra for the lab to make them). In my opinion they should be used without exception, all the time, for crowns. I do.

You should not be having the issues you decribe. here's what to do: make an appointment with a periodontist (gum specialist) who does not work with your dentist and preferably doesn't even know him. ask for an opinion on the work that was done.

[Honeybee4u2c]

I have been reading what you have been saying to people and it sounds pretty logical.  Are you in Southern California?

[mike1105]

i am in south florida. I am no longer practicing because dentistry kind of screwed up my back and neck. But thank you for your confidence. I'll be glad to help you with your questions about your case. keep me posted.

[mirza]

I also want to thank you for your post and suggestions. I agree that several things are probably going on and I suspect it is related to crowns that are too big/bulky on the left side. The three left crowns don't feel right, but it honestly feels like something is wrong inside my gums.  All of these teeth have root canals (due to trauma), so I have no feeling in what's left of the tooth root.  I have wondered if two of the  left crowns in particular are so thick that they are putting a strain on the tooth socket because it feels like something is not right 'inside'. (The right three crowns are very comfortable.) I have also been told that the roots are very crowded on the left side. I also suspect that the sense of overcrowding may even be putting pressure on the intact tooth behind the left cuspid which is crowned. Oh well, I have to wait until after the first of the year to see the dentist.  I ended up with crowns due to tooth trauma and restoration always brings something that isn't appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to respond. I must admit I am disappointed at the official response here.

[jaet]

Hello,
Im looking for some help on a dental problem Im having. I myself just got 6 crowns in Sept. All in the upper front. Ive had a few issues with them that had to be taken care of. My latest issue is right above my two front teeth my gums are red and swollen and swollen a little in the back behind the teeth and they are sensitive and bleed when I floss. Not real bad but still. It just seems like one thing after another with these. I went through my regular dentist to get these who says he does them all the time. Ive waited and saved a long time to get these to replace my tetracycaline (spelled right?)stained teeth I had before. They are nice but it just seems like Im having another issue and I just dont have the money to get more serious work done. Sorry to go on Im just frustrated and I know it's hard to tell without actually seeing but does anyone have any idea what the problem could be?

[mirza]

Here is an update.  I went to my dentist today and he did the following:  checked my bite,checked that all of the crowns are sealed tight and checked under the gums for residual cement.  He said that he did find a small amount of cement in one area.  He confirmed that the gums are irritated and not correct in the area over the left teeth and he told me to continue brushing and flossing for a few weeks and to massage the gums over this area daily.  He gave me an instrument and showed me how to do this.  The plan is for me to follow-up if things don't improve.  He said had no idea why the gum area over the left front teeth can throb occasionally (there are no vital teeth here). Does this plan sound reasonable?

[mcarlen]

I received a permanent crown on my upper left cuspid a year ago.  It's always seemed a little large...
I am now feeling pressure on this tooth if I press on a spot way up on the gum line... almost in line with the bottom of the nose.  I am going to go to my dentist to find out about this, but was wondering if someone could help identify what the problem could be here.
I am not experiencing the pressure on any of the other teeth, and the pressure does not occur if touching the gum directly above the tooth.  The sensation only occurs if pressing on the very top of the gum.
Thanks!