I am a bit frustrated. I need a dental crown on one of my back teeth. My dentist said that you can only do metal based or gold crowns on back teeth because of biting factors. He insists porcelain is not strong enough. Are there any other options for me?
Carol
Dear Carol,
I am sure your dentist is puzzled by your desire not to have a metal-based crown on your back tooth. After all, no one will see it. We all are becoming more health conscious and that includes in our dental care. While a metal-based crown won’t harm anyone unless they have a metal allergy or sensitivity, there are quite a few people who do have those.
In the past, it was your only option. Your dentist was correct in saying that an all-porcelain crown will not stand up to the biting forces. However, the dental field has grown and improved a lot in recent years. It does not sound like your current dentist has kept up with that.
I suggest you get a zirconia crown. These are metal-free but are still strong enough to use on back teeth. In fact, they have been dubbed ceramic steel. If your dentist does not provide that, there are many dentists who do. I would start by looking for either a metal-free dentist or a holistic dentist. Either one should have no problems providing that for you and likely use it regularly.
While the old tried and true methods do work, it is important that you have a dentist who is actively keeping up with the developments in his field. Will a metal based dental crown work fine? Of course. But that does not mean we should discount things that have improved the outcome for many patients, most especially those with metal allergies or sensitivities.
This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.