Last June, my dentist placed 10 zirconia crowns, which have been adjusted several times to correct my bite. After the second adjustment, hives broke out on my gums and inner lips. My bite still doesn’t feel right. I’m wondering whether grinding through the finished surface of the zirconia could have ruined my crowns and released something that’s now irritating my mouth. Will the adjustments eventually ruin my crowns? Thanks. Tyler from Kissimmee, FL
Tyler,
Zirconia is exceptionally durable, which makes bite adjustments difficult and sometimes uncomfortable. Grinding zirconia to adjust your bite can be a demanding process for both you and your dentist.
While it’s understandable to worry about an allergic reaction, true zirconia allergy has not been documented. Sensitivity to zirconia dust would usually fade once the dust clears. If sensitivity to zirconia were the cause, symptoms would likely have appeared even before adjustments began. Your symptoms align more closely with burning mouth syndrome, which is often associated with stressful, intense dental experiences.
Consider Getting a Second Opinion
You described having ten crowns and a bite that still doesn’t feel right. A healthy bite allows the teeth to meet evenly and the jaw muscles to stay relaxed. Disrupting the balance can cause muscle spasms, leading to headaches, jaw pain, and TMJ-related symptoms. Persistent bite problems can also trigger stress, which can manifest as hives.
Advanced bite analysis isn’t emphasized in general dental education, so dentists who focus on this area pursue additional training through institutes such as:
- The Pankey Institute
- The Dawson Academy
- Spear Education
- The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies
Finding a dentist with this specialized background for a second opinion may help determine the cause of your misaligned bite and how to resolve it. After a qualified dentist restores your oral health, the hives may improve as well.
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.