Replace My e.max Crowns If My Gums Are Bleeding?

My gums are bleeding between my lateral incisor, canine, and first premolar on the upper right. The skin is peeling, too. I have seven crowns, but the other four are not causing problems. I wonder if I have developed a late allergy to the crowns even though I’ve had them since 2019. The crowns are e.max, so my dentist says an allergic reaction is impossible because they do not contain metal. I asked for an alloy certificate, but my dentist says there isn’t one for e.max crowns. Are bleeding gums a sign that I need to replace my crowns? Are in-office crowns an option since these are not my front teeth? Do I need to switch dentists right away? Thank you. Lydia from Camden, NJ

Lydia,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Sirin’s office. Dr. Sirin would need to examine your gums and crowns to determine why your gums are bleeding, but we can offer some insight.

Why Are Your Gums Bleeding Between Your Crowns?

Your gums may bleed between your crowns because something is irritating them. If all seven of your crowns are e.max, but you have no discomfort with four of them, it is unlikely that you are reacting to your crowns. Although your dentist says an allergic reaction is impossible because they are metal free, it is possible to react to any substance. Still, your descriptions sound like a functional issue or food catching between your crowns.

We suggest taking these steps to determine if a dentist must correct overhangs on your crowns. You can check for overhangs with these steps:

• Slowly floss between the teeth where your gums are bleeding
• Notice whether you feel a ledge beneath your gum that catches or snags the floss
• Be aware of the position of the floss when the crowns catch or snag it

e.max crowns contain GC LiSi Press, a high-density lithium disilicate. Alloy certificates list the metals in crowns, so your dentist was correct in saying that e.max crowns do not have dental alloy certificates.

Schedule an appointment with your dentist to examine the area between your teeth and gums. Although you do not need to switch dentists immediately if your dentist cannot identify the problem, schedule an exam with an advanced cosmetic dentist. In-office dental crowns are most suitable for molar teeth, but a cosmetic dentist will explain your options if your current crowns require replacement.

Dr. Steve Siri, an Elgin, Illinois, cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.