My gums are inflamed around all four of my four-month-old veneers. I have no inflammation over my teeth without veneers. My dentist’s assistant said it must be because I don’t floss, but that’s not true. My gums burn some and stay inflamed. I saw my dentist last week, and she removed some cement around the veneers and smoothed some rough surfaces behind my teeth. It helped somewhat.
I would like to know what to do next and what could have happened during my veneer placement to cause puffy gums. My dentist didn’t seem too concerned. Last week, I saw a periodontist who said my gums are healthy, so something else must be causing the inflammation. Thanks. Lyla
Lyla,
Most patients who work in cosmetic dentistry are conscientious about taking care of their teeth. We understand how frustrating it can be when you brush and floss as instructed but are blamed for problems with your cosmetic dentistry restorations. Although we can’t identify the cause of your gum inflammation without an exam, we can explain some possibilities.
Why Are Your Gums Inflamed Around Your Veneers?
When your gums are inflamed around your veneers, the most likely cause is excess cement left around the veneers. The cement can get beneath your gumline and irritate it. Cosmetic dentists who regularly place porcelain veneers cure the cement in the middle of the tooth and clean off the excess to prevent overflow around your porcelain veneers.
Porcelain veneers should not cause gum inflammation
If your dentist removed some cement during your follow-up visit, the cement may still be causing inflammation.
Margin irregularity
Margin irregularity is unevenness where the porcelain veneers and teeth meet. Although a periodontist said your gums look healthy, they are inflamed. You will get a better diagnosis from a cosmetic dentist who is not associated with the dental practice you have visited.
Porcelain veneer position
If your veneers are too far under your gumline they can reach the gingival attachment and cause inflammation.
Sensitivity to porcelain veneers
Although porcelain veneers rarely provoke a reaction, some patients experience sensitivity.
Schedule a consultation with an experienced cosmetic dentist for a second opinion on whether your gum inflammation relates to your new veneers.
Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.