Baton Rouge Dentist

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.

 

 

Why Are My Gums So Puffy Around My Veneers?

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A woman's close-up smile, portraying healthy, not puffy, gums around porcelain veneers
Well-bonded porcelain veneers promote healthy gums

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.