Gums Bleed when I Floss in the Middle of New Permanent Crowns?

Question

Just had 2 front teeth replaced with 2 new permanent crowns. When I floss in between the middle of the crowns it bleeds heavily. It does not bleed on the sides of the crowns only in the middle of the 2 front crowns. Is there a problem?

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

If you JUST got the new crowns, the tissue may be healing, so give it time.  If it has been a while, a week or two, then go back and see the dentist.  It is possible some contouring or clean up of cement is needed.

Matthew Bellafiore, DDS · Answer

Bleeding gums and inflammation my be caused by residual cement at the gum line or just below it.I would suggest having the dentist take a look and possibly an xray if necessary.Removing the irritant usually resolves the issue. 
Happy Flossing!

Norman Huefner, DDS · Answer

It is hard to answer your question with knowing a bit more and seeing your teeth and new crowns.  How long ago were the crowns placed?  If just a few days ago, then might just be do to your gums settling down after the cementation procedure. 

	If it has been a couple weeks, then I would suspect that there might be some excess cement that is still irritating your gums. Sometimes gums bleed because patients actually floss too hard, coming down on the papilla (gum between the teeth), traumatizing it themselves.

	Improperly fitting crowns, fillings, veneers, etc., can also cause gum irritation.  Another reason is there might have been so much decay under the gums that the dentist had to place the crowns too close to the bone and gums.  This situation is relatively uncommon, but sometimes occurs, especially when patients wait too long to have their new crowns.

	There should be a solution to your problem.  Go back to your dentist and see what he says before getting too worried about it.  He will no doubt make sure that the areas around your new crowns are clean and smooth and devoid of any excess cement and make sure that you are flossing/brushing correctly.

Svetlana Novak, DMD · Answer

First off, healthy gums do not bleed and because it is one localized area there is something going on. There could be multiple reasons such as left over cement causing an irritation, open margin or simply an ill fitting crown. I would recommend you visit your dentist and have him/her take an x-ray to help diagnose the problem.

George Koutsoukos, DDS · Answer

You mentioned you just had these crowns done so a little bleeding when you floss may occur if you floss too hard while the gums are healing after the procedure.  It seems a little odd that it is only bleeding in the middle and if it continues make an appointment and go back and see you dentist. Healthy gums should not bleed....also try and old remedy using warm salt water to rinse your mouth  which will aid in healing.

Gums Bleed when I Floss in the Middle of New Permanent Crowns?

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Answer: Bleeding Gums after Crowns.

Answer: Bleeding Gums after Crowns.

Answer: Bleeding Gums after two new crowns on front teeth

Answer: Bleeding Gums after two new crowns on front teeth

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Gums Bleed when I Floss in the Middle of New Permanent Crowns?

Answers (9)

Answer: Bleeding Gums after Crowns.

Answer: Bleeding Gums after Crowns.

Answer: Bleeding Gums after two new crowns on front teeth

Answer: Bleeding Gums after two new crowns on front teeth

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Crown

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.