In March 2024, I had eight crowns placed on my upper teeth. My gums became swollen and started bleeding, so last October the dentist removed them and replaced them with a new set.
The second set caused the same problems. A week ago, I had those removed as well because my gums were still inflamed and bleeding.
A periodontist advised me to keep the temporary crowns on for at least three months to give my gums time to recover. However, the temporaries seem similar to the original crowns, so I’m unsure whether that will improve things.
Another dentist told me the crowns appeared too bulky and over-contoured into the gum area and didn’t fit my teeth correctly. During a deep cleaning, the hygienist also removed excess cement from around the gumline.
I’m planning to have the crowns redone in Costa Rica and have already shared my X-rays with that office. If the new crowns are properly shaped and fitted, is it likely that my gums will heal and the swelling will resolve? Thanks. Brendyl from NY
Brendyl,
When a crown feels bulky near the gumline, that often explains the inflammation. Your teeth are naturally shaped to allow the gums to rest comfortably against them. A properly designed crown should mimic that anatomy.
In the comparison above, the correctly contoured crown blends smoothly into the gum. The over-contoured crown creates a ledge or bulge. In the mouth, that margin typically sits slightly below the gumline, making precision even more important.
An over-contoured crown creates problems in two predictable ways:
- It mechanically presses against the gum tissue.
- It forms a protected niche where plaque and food collect.
Gums do not tolerate that well. The result is predictable—redness, swelling, and bleeding. Left untreated, that irritation can progress into periodontal disease.
Excess Cement Should Never Be Left Behind
You also mentioned that the hygienist removed extra cement. The dentist who cemented the crown should have cleared that before concluding your appointment. This step is not optional. Careful removal of cement is part of proper crown placement.
Residual cement under the gums results in the following:
- Persistent inflammation
- Harboring bacteria below the surface
- Interfering with proper healing
If your symptoms continue, get a second opinion to carefully evaluate the contour of your crown and check for any remaining cement. When a dentist corrects those issues, the gums often return to health quickly. We don’t recommend going to Costa Rica for the correction. You will be at risk of creating additional problems that require multiple trips to resolve.
Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post. Read why so many patients view Dr. Brooksher as one of the best dentists in Baton Rouge.
