I’ve been having a crown placed over the last 5-6 weeks. Since it’s been placed, I’ve had some problems with what I feel are allergy symptoms including dry mouth, tingling and numbness on the side of my mouth which has the crown, as well as a burning tongue on that same side. I wondered if I was allergic to the metal in the crown but he said, even if I was you can’t place all-porcelain crowns on back teeth. I spoke with my dentist and he said there aren’t enough allergy symptoms to indicate I’m allergic to anything. My next step was to go to my doctor and have blood work done. He doesn’t see anything bacterial or viral which could be the source of my symptoms. I just need some advice. What do I do?
Melissa
Dear Melissa,
There is a growting availability of metal free dental care.
I’m curious about your dentist’s statement that you haven’t had enough allergy symptoms. Was he waiting for you to go into anaphylactic shock before he took you seriously? There are varying degrees of allergies, just because you don’t have the most severe form doesn’t mean you’re not allergic to something.
You have enough symptoms where it would be worth investigating. If your medical insurance will cover you seeing an allergist, that’s the first thing I’d do. This could help you figure out if it could be a metal allergy or maybe an allergy to the bonding agent, etc.
Metal-Free Dental Care
While your dentist is technically correct that all-porcelain crowns aren’t strong enough to handle the biting forces of your back teeth, there are other metal-free dental materials that are strong enough. Many dentists are now offering metal-free options, using zirconia now. Zirconia is so strong, it is has been dubbed ceramic steel. This is definitely strong enough to be placed on your back teeth.
They also make them in dental implants as well as a dental bridge. If it does turn out you have a metal sensitivity, then you could look for a dentist who already works in these materials. Whatever you do, don’t let your dentist make you feel like you’re being difficult. This is your health you’re talking about.
This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.
