Since I got porcelain veneers in May, my gums have been puffy and tender around them. I had an appointment with my dentist last month, and he told me I probably need to improve my flossing technique. Before he left the treatment room, he said that his hygienist would show me how to floss and watch me as I did it. I have been flossing correctly all along but have not returned to my dental office, although my gums are still irritated. Now, I feel sensitivity in my teeth with veneers, and I am afraid I will need root canals or have gum disease before it’s over. Why are my gums so tender around my veneers? Thank you. Cyan
Cyan,
We’re sorry to hear about your discomfort and challenges after a smile makeover with porcelain veneers.
Why Are Your Gums Puffy Around Your Porcelain Veneers?
When your gums are puffy around your porcelain veneers, excess cement between the veneers and your gums is usually the cause. Many cosmetic dentists follow a process to minimize complications and remove excess bonding composite.
The steps may include:
- Prime the tooth surface with etching and bonding agents
- Place the bonding composite in a veneer and press it onto the corresponding tooth
- Allow excess composite to ooze out the side
- Remove the excess composite before curing the composite with a high-intensity curing light
- Use an ultra-small light tip to cure the composite in the center of the tooth, tacking the veneer in place
- Floss around the teeth to remove any residual composite
- Smooth the surfaces between all teeth
- Use a larger light curing tip to ensure the veneer is attached to the tooth
- Use fine polishing tips to ensure smoothness
Can Puffy Gums Around Veneers Lead to Gum Disease?
Excess cement around porcelain veneers can irritate your gum tissue and lead to the beginning stages of gum disease or gingivitis. If left untreated, gum disease will advance. A tooth infection can result, which will require root canal treatment.
If your dentist thinks your flossing technique is causing puffy gums around your porcelain veneers, we recommend getting a second opinion. Look for a skilled cosmetic dentist and schedule an exam. If your dentist’s bonding techniques are questionable, you can present the findings of the second opinion dentist to the one who placed your porcelain veneers. You can decide if you want your dentist to remove, clean, and re-bond your porcelain veneers or if you want him to refund you or pay for the cost of having another dentist remove, clean, and re-bond the veneers.
Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Please read how he strives to provide his patients with the best care possible.