I had porcelain veneers put on four teeth. Since then, my gums have been inflamed. I went to see my dentist and they said they’ve never seen that happen and it must mean I’m not brushing well enough. Not only did this annoy me because it wasn’t true, it did nothing to help me. The dentist did remove some leftover cement which did help a little, but the gums are still inflamed and sore a week after he did that.
Betsy
Dear Betsy,
A good cosmetic detnist will not cause inflammation on your gums
It’s extraordinarily annoying when medical “caregivers” blame us when they don’t know what is the best solution. Inflammed gums are a no-no after a porcelain veneers case. In fact, if a dentist is trying to get accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, one of the things the judges look at is the gums. If there is any inflammation, the dentist does not pass.
I haven’t examined you, so couldn’t definitively diagnose what is going on with your case, but I can give you some possibilities.
Excess Cement
This is the most likely culprit. I say this because your dentist removed some at your last appointment. If he’d done his job properly, all of the cement would have been removed at the original appointment. The fact he still had some left tells me he isn’t thorough.
Bulky or Irregular Margins
If your veneers aren’t flush, it can allow food and bacteria to get trapped between your porcelain veneers and your gums. This is pretty serious because it could lead to decay.
Veneers too Far Under the Gums
If the veneer intrudes onto the gingival attachment, it will cause inflammation.
So…how do you know which of these possibilities is actually your problem? You’ll need to get a blind second opinion. You’ll need to see an expert cosmetic dentist. Check with aacd.com and look for an accredited cosmetic dentist in your area. Then tell them you’ve had some inflammation and ask them what the cause is. Under no circumstances are you to tell them who your dentist is. This is because they could be friends and knowing that would be it difficult for the second opinion dentist to say anything which could make his friend look bad.
One thing to always bear in mind when it comes to having cosmetic dental work done. There isn’t a recognized specialty in cosmetic dentistry, nor are smile makeovers taught in dental school. It is up to the dentist to invest in the training necessary. This makes it hard for the patient to know who is skilled and who isn’t. This is why I suggested you see an AACD accredited dentist in order to get your second opinion. These are the most skilled and knowledgeable cosmetic dentists in the country.
Best of luck to you. This blog is brought to you by Des Moines Dentist Dr. Phelan Thomas.