Gums Not Healing After CEREC Crown

I’m not sure what to do. I had a CEREC crown done about two months ago. The hygienist warned me my gums would be tender for a couple of weeks. She recommended salt water rinses and ibuprofen.  It’s been much longer than that and my gums aren’t healing. Should I go back?

Elisabeth D. – Mississippi

Elisabeth,

Your gums should have healed from your CEREC crowns by now. If you’re in pain, it’s a sign there is an infection and you should definitely go back and have an x-ray done.

If you’re not in pain, I would see if the problem is getting between your crown during flossing. Sometimes it’s a little harder to do our dental hygiene and that can cause tenderness.

Try getting one of those flossers that have a handle. It will make it easier to get down in there and really clean it out.  If you do that for another week and it is still not healing to your satisfaction, then I would go back even if you’re not in pain.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Matt Roper.

I Need to Find a Dentist Who Is Nice to Anxious Patients

I used to have a great dentist. He was so patient and kind. He knew I am a little anxious about dental work and would slow down when I needed him to and always explained what he was doing.  Well,…he retired. The young fella’ that took over his practice isn’t nearly as patient. In fact, he gets short with me sometimes. He’s made me dread coming.  Is there a way to finding a kind dentist without having to go to a bunch of duds first?

Elizabeth – Denver

Elizabeth.

We’ve always heard that we have to kiss a few frogs before we find our prince. Fortunately, in the dental world, there are some “code words” that can help you narrow down which frogs to try.

Dentists who value and understand anxious patients generally put something on their website to help patients recognize they’ll feel safe in their office.

When you do a web search, use key words such as “Sedation Dentist” “Sedation Dentistry”, “Gentle Dentist”, and “Cater to Cowards Dentist”.

Any one of these dentists are willing to work with anxious patients.  It doesn’t mean all of them will be a great fit for you personally, but you’ll have a much better chance with them.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Matt Roper.