Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Why do the gums bleeding around my veneers in Glen Iris?

Gums bleeding around veneers.

Gum Inflammation After Veneers: Causes and Treatment

After veneers are bonded to the teeth, some patients may notice gum redness, swelling, soreness, or bleeding during brushing or flossing. While mild sensitivity can occur initially, persistent gum inflammation is not normal and needs professional assessment.

Common Causes of Gum Inflammation Around Veneers

  1. Poor veneer fit
    For veneers to function properly, they must fit snugly against the teeth. Poorly fitted veneers can leave small gaps where food particles and bacteria accumulate, leading to gum inflammation and even tooth decay beneath the veneer.

  2. Violation of the biologic width
    If a veneer margin extends too far beneath the gum line, it can disrupt the natural attachment between the tooth and gum tissue. This irritation commonly leads to chronic inflammation and discomfort.

  3. Excess bonding material
    Veneers are attached using a dental adhesive or resin. If adhesive residue is not properly removed during placement, it can irritate the gums and cause inflammation or gum recession over time.

  4. Pre-existing gum disease
    If gum disease was present before the veneers were fitted and not treated beforehand, it may worsen after placement. This can result in bleeding, tenderness, and potential damage to both teeth and veneers.

  5. Aggressive brushing or abrasive toothpaste
    Using a hard toothbrush, applying too much pressure, or using abrasive toothpaste can cause trauma to the gums around veneers, leading to inflammation and bleeding.

Why Gum Health Is Critical After Veneers

Healthy gums are essential for the long-term success of veneers. Untreated gum inflammation can result in bone loss, decay, and veneer failure. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve both oral health and aesthetic outcomes.

If you are experiencing sore, swollen, or bleeding gums around your veneers, schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Daniel Kaufman.

Why do the gums bleed around my crown in Glen Iris?

After getting a crown attached to your tooth, you might notice sore, red gums that bleed while brushing or flossing. This isn’t normal—and it may indicate underlying problems needing professional attention.

Common Reasons for Gum Inflammation Around Crowns

1. Poor Crown Fit
A poorly fitting crown can trap food and bacteria, making it difficult to clean and leading to gum inflammation and decay under the crown. These hidden pockets become hotspots for infection and gum disease.

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2. Biologic Width Violation
When the crown edge extends too far beneath the gum or invades the biologic width, the body’s immune system reacts, triggering persistent gum inflammation.

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3. Root Canal Abscess
A faulty root canal treatment can trap bacteria in the tooth’s root. This may lead to pain, infection, and swelling or abscess in the bone around the crown.

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Consequences of Untreated Crown-Related Gum Problems

  • Chronic gum swelling and redness

  • Easy bleeding during oral care

  • Persistent bad breath and taste

  • Bone loss and tooth decay

  • Tooth sensitivity and even tooth mobility

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Left untreated, these complications can endanger both your crown and your natural tooth, sometimes leading to extensive dental intervention.

What Should You Do?

If you’re experiencing bleeding, pain, or swelling around a crown, seek a dental evaluation. Only a dentist can pinpoint the cause and offer solutions, such as adjusting the crown, treating infection, or prescribing a deep cleaning.

Addressing these concerns quickly prevents advanced gum disease and damage to your restoration.

Get help and advice on persistent crown-related gum problems—ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment.

What Is Biologic Width around a Tooth and Why Does It Matter in Glen Iris?

The soft tissue lining covers the entire mouth and acts as a barrier to prevent bacteria from entering the body. Where teeth erupt through the bone, the gum must form a tight cuff around each tooth—this area is essential for keeping bacteria out and protecting your overall health.

To safeguard the junction between tooth and gum, every tooth is encircled by a vital “connective tissue attachment” known as the biologic width. This structure is divided into three key zones:

  • Gum sulcus (gum pocket): The shallow crevice next to the tooth, typically 0.69 mm in depth.

  • Epithelial attachment: The layer of gum cells directly attached to the tooth’s surface, about 0.97 mm deep.

  • Connective tissue attachment: The robust tissue anchoring the gum to the tooth, roughly 1.07 mm deep.

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The total biologic width averages 2.04 mm and forms a natural seal against infection and disease. When dental work invades this biologic width, inflammation and bone loss can result.

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Why Is Biologic Width Important for Oral Health?

  • Maintains a natural seal to block bacteria and prevent gum disease

  • Preserves healthy gums and protects underlying bone

  • Ensures restorative dental treatments don’t cause chronic inflammation

Understanding and preserving biologic width is crucial in both dental treatment planning and daily oral care. Learn more about gum attachment features and gum inflammation.