Burning Mouth Syndrome Archives | Williams Family Dentistry

Burning Mouth Syndrome or Zirconia Allergy

Posted on April 30, 2025 by writeradmin.

I had a zirconia crown placed. Not only was the appointment itself a bit of a nightmare, but ever since the appointment I have had burning in my mouth. It reminded me a bit of when I was on chemo, only without the sores. My dentist said there are no allergies to zirconia so he doesn’t believe that is the problem. I’ve been to two different ENTs. The first one ruled out acid reflux, but could not figure out what was going on. The second one thought it might be burning mouth syndrome, but said we don’t know the cause of it. Is it possible they’re all wrong and this really is an allergy? I need more dental work, but am terrified to move forward without knowing what the cause of this problem is.

Evelyn

Dear Evelyn,

I don’t think it is wise of your dentist to say there are no zirconia allergies. The human body is very unique and even when something is very biocompatible, like zirconia, there could always be someone whose body doesn’t deal well with it. There was a dentist who wrote about some zirconia allergies, but while he posted about it, there is no documentation on the case itself. This makes me wonder if it is just something he heard about instead of witnessed.

You could go to an allergist to get checked for a zirconia allergy, but I am leaning toward agreeing with the second ENT that you are dealing with burning mouth syndrome. While it has been said there is no known cause for this, there have been clear signs that it is related to dental anxiety. Many patients who’ve experienced these symptoms also documented either having dental anxiety to begin with or a traumatic dental appointment that led to the anxiety. As you’d mentioned a traumatic appointment, this makes me think that would be the most likely cause for you.

The good news is that there is a solution to this. My suggestion is that you avail yourself of dental sedation for your needed dental work. I think your anxiety is going to be too high for simply using nitrous oxide. Instead, I’d like you to use oral conscious sedation. If your dentist does not offer that, then I would switch to someone who does.

You have needed dental work and you don’t want to end up with a dental emergency because of your past experiences. Using oral conscious sedation will relax you enough that you could even sleep through the appointment if you wanted to. It can completely change your life.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. James E. Williams.

Burning Mouth Syndrome or Zirconia Allergy

Posted on December 31, 2021 by writeradmin.

I have a hard time at every single dental visit. This last one was no different. I had two zirconia crowns put on. Since then, I have had horrible try mouth and my mouth, tongue, and throat have been burning. I’ve been to the doctor and two ENTs. All have said there is no acid reflux and were baffled. The last one mentioned the possibility of burning mouth syndrome. I’ve asked about the possibility of an allergy to the zirconia but they all insist that no one is allergic to zirconia. I don’t know what to do?

Grace

Dear Grace,

I get annoyed when dentists or other practitioners say there is “NO” chance you can be allergic to something. The human body is remarkably unique for each individual and saying that no one can be allergic is short sighted at best.

That being said, your symptoms are consistent with burning mouth syndrome. While we don’t know the actual cause, there is a consistent connection with patients who report these symptoms. Each of them has a pattern of both dental anxiety and traumatic experiences at the dentist.

You will want to do something to help with the dry mouth, which in turn may help with the other symptoms you are experiencing:

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco use
Drink water regularly
If you need mouthwash, make certain it does not contain alcohol. There are some mouthwashes specifically designed for dry mouth
Avoid over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants, which will worsen your symptoms.

How to Have Positive Dental Experiences

When a patient is dealing with dental trauma, I always recommend they see a sedation dentist for their treatment. Specifically look for someone who offers oral conscious sedation. Nitrous oxide is fine for mild anxiety, but your experiences hint to me you will need something stronger. These dentists are skilled at working with fearful patients and have compassion for what you’ve dealt with.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Burning Mouth Syndrome

Posted on September 16, 2020 by writeradmin.

Since having a zirconia crown placed on a back tooth, I’ve had a burning aching throat and a dry tongue. We’ve eliminated allergies to things like the zirconia and any mouthwash or toothpaste I’m using. This has been another problem after dental work in a series of dental disasters. From a previous procedure, I had lingual nerve damage that took over a year to get better. One thing that may be a factor is the excessive amount of water the dentist needed to use during the procedure cause me to choke and need to stop several times. I can see how this would cause my throat to hurt for a few days, but not for as longa s it has been hurting. I’ve been to a couple of doctors. One can’t figure out anything. Another said it is burning mouth syndrome, but doesn’t know what can help it. Have you heard of this?

Brooke

Dear Brooke,

I agree with the assessment the one doctor gave you about burning mouth syndrome. Though it has been said there is no understood cause for burning mouth syndrome, there has been a pretty good link between dental trauma and burning mouth syndrome.

You’ve mentioned several issues that seem to be directly related to the connections seen. Your choking during the procedure, the lingual nerve damage that happened at your last appointment. Given the fact that you still need more work and the experiences you’ve had, it is no surprise your body is reacting.

The simplest solution for this issue is to see a sedation dentist. If you get a strong enough level of sedation, such as oral conscious sedation (OCS), it will relax you completely. You’ll be able to have an anxiety-free/pain-free appointment. Those who have suffered with dental anxiety and used OCS have found it completely changes their life. If you want to, you can even sleep through your apartment.

I think if you have a positive dental experience, it will go a long way toward helping with the symptoms you are experiencing.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.