Dental Crowns: Safety and Care

Are dental crowns safe for my health?

The short answer is Yes. Modern dental crowns made from zirconium oxide and silicate ceramics (such as IPS e.max) are highly biocompatible, non-toxic, and inert.

They are safe for long-term use and do not release harmful substances into the body.

At London Specialist Dentists in Knightsbridge, we only use certified, high-quality materials to ensure patient safety and biological compatibility.

Our approach is grounded in holistic and biological dentistry principles, respecting your overall health.

What are dental crowns made of?

Dental crowns can be made from:

• High-strength ceramics (zirconium oxide, silicate ceramics)
• Metal alloys (such as gold, nickel, cobalt, palladium)
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM systems)

Ceramic crowns are particularly favoured today for their natural appearance and excellent tissue compatibility.

Can dental crowns cause allergic reactions?

While rare with modern ceramics, metal-based crowns can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Metals such as nickel, cobalt, chromium, gold, and palladium have been associated with allergic responses, including:

• Oral lichenoid lesions
• Mucosal inflammation
• Systemic symptoms

Research shows allergens released in the mouth may cause reactions elsewhere in the body, even without obvious oral symptoms.

Which crown material is safest for people with allergies?

For patients with known or suspected metal allergies, all-ceramic crowns (such as zirconia or IPS e.max ceramics) are the safest option.

These materials are:

• Metal-free
• Chemically stable
• Highly compatible with soft tissues and bone

What problems can occur with metal dental crowns?

Metal crowns and restorations can undergo corrosion over time, leading to the release of metal ions into the oral environment.

In susceptible individuals, these ions can:

• Trigger chronic inflammation
• Induce allergic reactions
• Cause systemic immune responses

Continuous exposure to metal ions can compromise gum health and the longevity of dental restorations.

Are ceramic crowns better than metal crowns?

Yes. Ceramic crowns are biologically safer:

• They do not corrode
• They do not release metal ions
• They have a natural, tooth-like appearance

In contrast, older metal-based crowns have a higher risk of corrosion, hypersensitivity reactions, and aesthetic limitations.

Can metal ions from crowns affect my health?

Yes, in rare cases.

Released metal ions from corroding crowns (especially nickel, cobalt, palladium, or gold) can cause:

• Local tissue irritation
• Oral lichenoid reactions
• Systemic immune effects in sensitive individuals

Factors like oral bacteria, acidic ph, and galvanic currents between dissimilar metals may accelerate corrosion and ion release.

What are the signs of an allergic reaction to a dental crown?

Signs of a possible allergic reaction include:

• Redness, swelling, or irritation of the gums around the crown
• Burning sensations or soreness in the mouth
• Oral lichenoid lesions (white patches) near the crown
• Facial dermatitis or systemic symptoms in rare cases

Any new or unusual symptoms should be evaluated promptly by your dentist.

How can I avoid problems when choosing a dental crown material?

To avoid potential biological complications:

• Inform your dentist about any known metal allergies or sensitivities
• Choose high-quality ceramic crowns when indicated
• Maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular check-ups
• Ensure your restorations are fabricated in reputable laboratories using certified biocompatible materials

At London Specialist Dentists, we personalise material selection for each patient to ensure optimal health, safety, and aesthetics.

What are the adverse immunologic impacts of metal dental restorations?

Metal-based restorations such as post-core systems and crowns can have adverse immunologic impacts in susceptible patients, particularly those with metal hypersensitivity.

Risks include:

• Metal hypersensitivity (nickel, cobalt, chromium)
• Corrosion and ion release triggering immune responses
• Chronic local or systemic inflammation

Our biological dentistry approach addresses these risks by recommending bioinert, non-metallic alternatives whenever possible.

Management Strategies

How dental professionals can manage metal hypersensitivity risks:

Pre-Treatment Assessment:

• Conduct allergy testing in sensitive individuals
• Thoroughly review the patient’s medical history

Material Selection:

• Prefer non-metallic alternatives (zirconia, ceramics)
• If metal is necessary, titanium is often preferred

Monitoring and Follow-Up:

• Regular clinical reviews for early detection
• Educating patients about the signs of hypersensitivity

Collaboration with Healthcare Providers:

• Interdisciplinary management with allergists or immunologists when necessary

By implementing these strategies, dental professionals can minimise risks and ensure the safe use of dental restorations.

What is Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) and how does it relate to crowns?

Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) is a minimally invasive technique that focuses on the maximum preservation of healthy tooth structure while restoring damaged teeth.

At London Specialist Dentists, we incorporate ART techniques when preparing teeth for crowns, ensuring:

• Minimal tissue removal
• Gentle handling of dental structures
• Respecting the natural strength and biological health of the tooth