My dentist has ground down all ten of my dental crowns to balance my occlusion. The first round of adjustments was so intense that my gums and lips broke out in hives. The crowns are made of zirconia, so could I be allergic to the dust from the grinding process? My mouth is still irritated, but more concerning is that my bite is still off.  I am frustrated and wonder whether I should ask for a refund and get crowns from another dentist. Thanks. Ezra from WA

Ezra,

We’re sorry to hear about your frustrating experience with new dental crowns.

Can You React to Zirconia Dust?

While it’s possible to have a temporary reaction to zirconia dust, any symptoms should subside once the dust clears. Grinding down zirconia can be a challenging procedure due to the material’s toughness, especially when adjusting your bite. We haven’t seen any confirmed cases of true zirconia allergy. Your symptoms sound more like burning mouth syndrome, which is often triggered by stressful dental experiences.

Why Resolve Bite Issues with Crowns?

It’s a concern that your bite is still off after having ten crowns placed. A proper bite, where your teeth mesh harmoniously, is crucial for comfortable chewing and overall jaw health. An imbalanced bite can lead to jaw muscle spasms, headaches, and other issues associated with TMJ disorder. I recommend seeking a second opinion, as your current dentist may be out of their depth with this complex issue.

Understanding the intricacies of bite alignment isn’t typically covered in standard dental school curricula. Dentists who specialize in this area usually attend post-graduate institutes.

Consider finding a dentist who has completed training at one of these reputable institutes:

• The L.D. Pankey Institute in Florida
• The Dawson Academy in Florida
• Spear Education in Arizona
• The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies in Nevada

The ongoing stress from your unharmonious bite is likely contributing to your hives. Getting a second opinion from a specialist can help resolve these issues.

 

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek is the sponsor of this post. Read how Dr. Szarek strives to give his patients the best dental care in Lowell.