infection after gum contouring

[singleandfabulous]

Anyone had experience of this? I had mine done eight years ago and they've never been properly healed and healthy. I only had the front two done but they are STILL red and swollen despite brushing, flossing, swilling (Hydrogen Peroxide & mouthwash).

My dentist and hygeinist both say I'm not keeping them clean but I'm wondering if this is the case, why is it only affecting the two that were (manually) trimmed? Surely, if I wasn't caring for my teeth and gums, then I'd have this problem with all my gums?

I know nothing about gum contouring, in fact I hadn't heard of it before but my hygienist has told me off for over brushing my gums and recommended that I swap to a softer toothbrush. Perhaps you should do less?

Dentist here. Do you have any restorations close to the gum line on these teeth such as crowns, fillings or veneers? This can explain the gum inflammation. I am tempted to ask you to post a close view photo but only if you are comfortable with it.

Thanks for answering 42IsTheAnswer

Yes! I have a crowns and implants and it's those teeth only that are infected. None of the others. I floss daily and dip my floss in my mouthwash. There is never any plaque there but the floss smells (sorry ! - tmi)

my other teeth are heavily restored too with fillings which have discoloured. Id like to get these changed too but my dentist has said best leave them alone.

Oops. It's actually my front three teeth, not two. The two front teeth and the one to the left.

Thank you for the photo singleandfabulous and all the information.

Inflamed gum often is associated with crowns that are placed below the gum level deeper than they should be. This causes constant irritation to the soft tissues and does not resolve on its own. The other most common reason is overcontouring of the crown margins, making it difficult to clean. The plaque accumulating at the unaccessible margin is source of bacteria, sustaining an infection.

I cannot be certain by looking at the photograph alone but I believe that in your case there is a combination of the two factors. The only certain way to resolve the issue is to replace the crowns. As for the discolored fillings, I agree that replacement is justified only when there is good enough reason, such as decay or fracture. For the front teeth cosmetic concerns may justify replacement of old leaking restorations.

Hope this gives you some answers.

Thanks 42IsThe Answer I understand. Strangely, the implant has gone deeper (appearing to recede into the gum since it was placed seven years ago. The one next to it was filed down to match when I mentioned it! Yes, my front teeth (lateral incisor and canine do have leaking, discoloured fillings so I might press to have them replaced.