Baton Rouge Dentist

Archives for February 2025

Why Do My Dental Crowns Keep Loosening?

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I got three new crowns last November. Since then, my dentist re-cemented one crown twice and another crown three times. Both crowns are loose again. The last time my dentist re-cemented the crowns, she said that I could get the crowns replaced with dental implants. Surely, I don’t need my teeth replaced with dental implants just because my dentist can’t keep the crowns on. Is there another method or material I can suggest to my dentist? – Kenneth from Tempe, AZ

Kenneth,

We understand your frustration. However, you shouldn’t suggest anything to your dentist after he multiple attempts to re-cement your crowns. We recommend getting a second opinion from a skilled cosmetic dentist.

Why Do Dental Crowns Loosen?

Ten dental crowns for various tooth positions on black glass
Dental crowns should not loosen repeatedly

A dental crown may fall off due to the tooth’s shape beneath it. If a dentist tapers or grinds away too much tooth structure, it is challenging for a tooth to retain the crown. You may need new crowns, which may also require a dentist to build up the teeth, depending on how aggressively your dentist tapered them.

Despite advanced bonding agents, a dental crown is susceptible to falling off if a dentist over-tapers a tooth.

Don’t accept crowns that repeatedly fall off. Ask your dentist for a refund. You can report your experience to your dental insurance company or the state dental board if your dentist hesitates to refund you for faulty crowns.

Schedule a consultation with a skilled cosmetic dentist.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Please read about how he strives to provide his patients with the best care possible.

My Gums Are Still Swollen Around My New Porcelain Veneers

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Since I got veneers last fall, 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 worsen 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?

picture of a porcelain veneer being placed on a prepared toothSwollen 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.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Please read about how he strives to provide his patients with the best care possible.