I recently had two dental crowns placed. Ever since, I’ve had severe dry mouth and a swollen and itchy cheek. I’m worried I’m allergic to something in the crowns, but my dentist said it’s unlikely because there are no other allergy symptoms. How many do I need for this to be from the crowns? If that’s not it, what could it be?
Penny
Dear Penny,
I’m a little annoyed your dentist hinted it couldn’t be the crowns. You already have some symptoms. You don’t have to have all of them because there are varying levels of sensitivity to materials. My guess is he doesn’t want to have to replace them if you are allergic.
Here’s what I’m going to recommend you do. Ask your dentist for the IdentAlloy certificate. This is provided to your dentist by the laboratory which lists the exact composition of any metallic alloys used in any dental restoration. Three common culprits for sensitivity reactions are nickel, beryllium, and chromium.
If your dentist is uncooperative, you may have to have your medical doctor run some allergy tests to validate the allergy in order to get him to replace them.
The good news is you have options, even if you are allergic to metals.
See a Metal-Free Dentist
Materials have significantly advanced in recent years. It used to be that back teeth had to have a metal-based crown because the all-porcelain crowns are not strong enough to hold up against the chewing forces of back teeth. Now, we have zirconia. This is so strong it has been dubbed ceramic steel.
It’s completely metal-free and strong enough for back teeth. Not every dentist works with the newer materials yet. You may have to do an internet search for a metal-free dentist. They are more willing to work around a patient’s allergies to find creative solutions. They’ll all offer zirconia crowns.
This blog is brought to you by Decatur, AL Dentists Drs. Drake and Wallace.