For eight months, my mouth has been a disaster. My dentist placed ten zirconia crowns, and I’ve had ten rounds of adjustments. Each time they tweak my bite, my lips and gums break out in hives. Now, no dentist can pinpoint the cause or cure. Could something release from the crowns during the burring wreak havoc on my mouth?
It’s not just the hives. My bite is still off, a constant reminder of this mess. I need answers. Could the zirconia dust be the culprit? And how do I get my mouth back to normal?
I’m reaching out because I’m desperate. If you have any ideas or anything at all, please share! – Thanks Jordan
Jordan,
We understand you’re feeling anxious about your upcoming appointment and the prospect of having your zirconia crowns adjusted. Zirconia is indeed quite tough, and grinding it down wouldn’t be the easiest procedure. But let’s walk through everything step-by-step and address your concerns directly.
Why Can’t Your Dentist Adjust Your Bite?
Your dentist may be unable to adjust your bite because dental schools don’t always delve deep into this area. However, specialized post-graduate institutes like those listed below help dentists master the art of perfect bites.
- 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
Finding a dentist with training from one of these institutes could make all the difference.
Could You Be Allergic to Zirconia Crowns?
Get a second opinion to prevent temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder
An allergic reaction to zirconia crowns is unlikely, yet possible. However, no confirmed cases of zirconia allergies have been reported. If you were truly allergic, you’d likely have reacted even before any grinding began. Your symptoms sound more like burning mouth syndrome, sometimes triggered by stressful dental experiences.
When your upper and lower teeth don’t meet properly, it can throw off your jaw muscles and lead to headaches or TMJ issues. We recommend getting a second opinion from a dentist specializing in occlusion or bite harmony.
Dr. James Gavrilos, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Barrington, Illinois, sponsors this post.