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I’ve had crowns before, but they were gold based. I didn’t have any problems with them. Recently I’ve gotten several metal based crowns and I have been having itching in my mouth ever since. Because of that I’ve been grinding my teeth. I know most people grind their teeth at night while they’re sleeping, but I seem to be doing it even awake. Could this be because I am allergic to the metal in the crowns? My dentist says I’m just a grinder and that people aren’t allergic to crowns. He had me get a mouthguard, which I’m wearing, but I’m still grinding.
Amy
Dear Amy,
All the advice I’m giving you is going to be general because I haven’t examined you. Your dentist’s statement that “people aren’t allergic to crowns” just isn’t true. Many people have metal allergies. One of the most common metal allergies is Nickel. Often people with these type of allergies also have problems with jewelry as well and would wear something like hypoallergenic earrings.
If you know you’re allergic to Nickel, I would ask your dentist for the composition of the metal used in the alloy for your dental crowns. The lab that made the crowns would give your dentist an Identalloy certificate. This document will list all the metals in the alloy. If there is Nickel, you will see an “Ni”.
You can see an allergist to see what you’re allergic to. If those elements are in the alloy than maybe your dentist will replace it. Your dentist should have done an intake form that asked whether or not you had any metal sensitivities.
There are metal-free dental crowns. On front teeth you can use all-porcelain crowns. On back teeth, you can use something like zirconia crowns. If it does turn out you are allergic and your dentist does not want to cooperate, my suggestion is that you look for a metal-free dentist. They are very willing to work around metal sensitivities.
Please make sure you continue wearing your mouthguard until this is worked out. Teeth grinding is serious and the guard will protect your teeth.
This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. John Theriot.