Crowns, Bridges, Dentures, Implants

Bleeding gums around some porcelain crowns

03/11/2008 01:09PM

Question:

I have 3 porcelain crowns due to tooth decay and root canal around which my gums bleed. I have three other porcelain crowns for implants where there is no bleeding. Otherwise I have no periodontal problems. Is it possible that there is something wrong with the construction or material of those three crowns?

Answer:

The most likely answer is that the previous decay was at or below the gumline, and when crowns are below the gumline, they can cause irritation. The second most likely possibility is that you don't clean this area very well and your gums are responding to the plaque on the crowns. It is possible that the contour or shape is also irritating your gums. It is unlikely that the materials themselves are causing this.

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Response by:

Julie A. Holloway, DDS, MS
Associate Professor of Restorative Dentistry
College of Dentistry
The Ohio State University