About Debbie Expertise I can answer questions in the field of Dental Hygiene and Periodontal disease. I am also very familiar with general dentistry and pediatric dentistry.
Experience I have been a practicing Dental Hygienist for 20+ years. Worked with a periodontist for 13 years, a prostodontist for 2 years and a general dentist (we see a lot of children) for the past 6 years.
Education/Credentials University of Pittsburgh
Dental Hygiene Certificate
B.S. Health Related Professions
Question I have had a persistent bad taste in my mouth ever since receiving a porcelain crown approximately five years ago. The taste seemed to eminate from the treated tooth, but subsequently has migrated one tooth back to my hindmost upper left molar. I have consulted numerous specialists, including my regular dentist, an endodontist, a periodontist, my regular physician, and an ear/nose/throat specialist. None found pathology or could pinpoint cause other than very mild gingivitis. My dental hygienist mentioned yesterday that "gums don't like porcelain crowns," and that gum recession is not uncommon following the presence of such a crown. Would you recommend my pursuit of this analysis [I have no other porcelain in my mouth] as a possible cause of the bad taste? Or do you have any other recommendations based on what little information I've provided?
I have consulted a second periodontist and have been under his care for the last six months. He is very interactive, we are approaching this situation in a stepwise manner, but nothing new has developed out of our search for a cause as yet [except this somewhat idle comment by his hygienist].
Thank you for any wisdom you may be able to share.
Answer Sometimes crowns can be food traps - make sure you are flossing that area daily and rinse with some Listerine once a day. If that dosen't help - then I am afraid you are stuck with it - the periodontist is a good person to stay in treatment with. Are they sure the crown is not loose? Sometimes when the seal is broken and the crown needs recemented - it can have a funny taste..
