Have you ever heard of someone getting a terrible taste from porcelain veneers. They are very new, like I just got them last month. A week or so ago I started noticing a bad taste that I couldn’t seem to get rid of. It tastes nasty, kind of like something is rotten. I have been extra careful with my flossing and brushing twice a day. Sometimes I even brush three times a day because I’m kind of anal. But the taste isn’t getting better. In fact, it’s worse. When I called my cosmetic dentist about it, he kept asking me about my diet. He doesn’t think it could be linked to the porcelain veneers, yet it started shortly after getting them. I’m not sure what to do?
-Beth in Pennsylvania
Beth,
Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, the bad taste you are explaining isn’t a good thing. Typically, a foul taste is a sign of infection or tooth decay, or possibly another problem. After those concerns have been ruled out, the diet is the next most logical choice.
It sounds like your cosmetic dentist is making the assumption that the porcelain veneers are not the problem. But they shouldn’t be ruled out entirely without having a closer look. If the bad taste started shortly after getting them placed, there could be an issue with the dental bonding. If it didn’t bond properly, there are sometimes tiny gaps between the natural tooth and the porcelain. When food and bacteria get caught in those spaces, microleakage can enter in. The decay isn’t visible to you because it is taking place underneath the veneer. Bacteria can flourish and grow under those conditions.
If your dentist remains convinced it is not the veneers, you may consider seeking a second opinion from an expert cosmetic dentist in your area. If the new cosmetic dentist agrees that there is nothing wrong with the bonding on the new veneers, then you can work with your general physician to uncover the issue.
If indeed the porcelain veneers are not properly adhered, the issue needs to be resolved sooner than later. You don’t want the decay to continue flourishing because it can spread quickly. The porcelain veneers will likely need to be redone, that is if you catch it in time. If the decay progresses too far, you might require porcelain crowns.
Thank you for your question. Hopefully this response encourages you to seek a second opinion.
This post is sponsored by York PA dentist Donald H. Currie, DMD