Metal Dental Crowns | What Are They?

Please note we may not offer this service at our office. Call (860) 470-3660 for more information.

Discover the Strength of Metal Dental Crowns

Metal dental crowns have been trusted for decades, offering remarkable strength, durability, and lasting protection for teeth, especially those in the back of the mouth. If you’re considering a reliable, long-term dental crown option, our knowledgeable Farmington, CT, dentist is here to answer any questions you may have. Contact us at (860) 470-3660 to learn more.

What Are Metal Dental Crowns?

Metal dental crowns are crafted from a range of high-quality metals known for their resilience and ability to withstand pressure. Their durability makes them a preferred option for molars and teeth under heavy stress, such as back teeth.

What Type of Material is Used for a Metal Dental Crown?

There are several types of metal dental crowns available, including:

Gold Alloy: Biocompatible and corrosion-resistant, gold crowns offer longevity with a classic look.
Silver Alloy: Made from silver, tin, and other metals, these silver crowns are durable and cost-effective, though they may discolor over time.
Platinum Alloy: Known for strength and corrosion resistance, platinum crowns are more costly but highly durable.
Palladium Alloy: Often combined with gold, palladium crowns suit patients with sensitivities to other metals.
Base Metal Alloy: These base metal crowns are strong and affordable, crafted from metals like nickel and chromium; however, they may cause allergies in some patients.

Benefits of a Metal Crown

Several benefits can be gained by receiving a metal crown, including:

Longevity: Metal crowns can last 20 years or more with proper care.
Durability: They resist wear, chipping, and breaking, making them ideal for back teeth.
Conservative Tooth Preparation: Less tooth structure is removed compared to porcelain crowns.
Biocompatibility: Gold and palladium crowns are generally well-tolerated by the body.

Considerations When Choosing Metal Crowns

Before deciding, it’s helpful to consider some potential drawbacks:

Aesthetics: Metal crowns aren’t tooth-colored, so they may be more visible, especially on front teeth.
Sensitivity: Metal crowns may conduct heat and cold, which could cause some sensitivity.
Potential Wear on Opposing Teeth: Due to their hardness, metal crowns might wear down opposing teeth over time.

The Metal Dental Crown Process

Preparation and Impressions

The first step in getting a metal crown is to prepare the tooth. Your dentist will remove any decay or damage from the tooth and shape it to fit the crown. They may also need to build up the tooth if there’s not enough structure left to support the crown.

Once the tooth is prepared, your dentist will take impressions of the tooth and the surrounding teeth. These impressions will be sent to a dental lab, where the crown will be custom-made to fit your tooth and bite. In the meantime, your dentist will place a temporary crown on the tooth to protect it while the permanent crown is being made.

Crown Placement

When the permanent crown is ready, you’ll return to the dental office for the placement procedure. We’ll remove the temporary crown and place the new crown on the tooth to check the fit and make any necessary adjustments.

Once the fit is perfect, your Farmington dentist will cement the crown in place using a dental adhesive. They’ll then check your bite to ensure that the crown fits correctly with the opposing teeth.

Follow-Up Care

After the crown is placed, we’ll provide you with instructions on how to care for it. You should continue to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly, to keep the crown and surrounding teeth healthy.

Cost of Metal Crowns in Farmington, CT

The cost of a metal dental crown varies depending on several factors, such as your dentist’s experience, the materials used, and additional procedures required. On average, a metal crown costs between $800 and $1,500 per tooth, though dental insurance may cover part of the expense.

Alternatives to Metal Crowns

Since metal crowns can cause an unsightly smile appearance, many patients seek other crown options:

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: These combine a metal base with a porcelain coating, offering strength and a tooth-colored appearance. For example, we provide porcelain-fused-to-gold crowns at Pinnacle Dental.
All-Porcelain or All-Ceramic Crowns: Fully tooth-colored, these crowns mimic the natural look but may not be as strong as metal options.
Zirconia Crowns: Made from a robust ceramic, zirconia crowns are highly durable and often as strong as metal crowns. This option can be used for front and back teeth.
Composite Resin Crowns: Made from a plastic and glass mixture, these crowns are less expensive than other types. They can be aesthetically pleasing, but they may wear down over time faster than other materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, metal crowns are generally considered safe. They‘ve been used for decades and have a proven track record of success. Some patients may be allergic to certain metals used in dental crowns, so it’s important to discuss any allergies or concerns with your dentist.

Metal crowns can last for many years, often up to 20 years or more with proper care and maintenance. The lifespan of a dental crown depends on factors such as oral hygiene habits, diet, and general wear and tear.

While metal crowns are generally safe, they can interfere with some medical procedures, including MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Metal can cause artifacts on the MRI image, which can make it difficult for doctors to interpret the results. If you have a metal dental crown, inform your healthcare provider before undergoing an MRI so they can take appropriate precautions.

Discover if Metal Crowns are Right for Your Dental Needs

Metal crowns offer exceptional strength and durability for patients needing lasting solutions to dental issues. To explore your options, contact Dr. Frank Kuzmin at our Farmington office at (860) 470-3660. We proudly serve patients in Farmington, Plainville, New Britain, Hartford, Newington, and nearby areas.

Look what our Happy Patients are saying!

I am nervous about going to the dentist in the first place but, I met with Dr. Kuzman first and he explained the procedure. I went with the oral sedation which was the best decision for me. The staff are pleasant and attentive. I live in Florida now but come home every 6 months and he will definitely be my dentist from now on.Christina at the main office was very helpful with my insurance and very pleasant. Thank you Pinnacle Dental

— Nancy B.

Dr. Kuzmin created a professional environment with highly- skilled people in all positions. The office setting is very relaxed with state-of-the-art equipment. Highly-recommend Pinnacle Dental.

— Linda M.

The entire staff at Pinnacle Dental is nothing but kind and helpful! Dr. Kuzman really embraces technology and has state of the art equipment. Every experience I’ve had at Pinnacle has been amazing and I’ll always recommend them to friends and family. Thank you all so much for making the “dreaded” dentist such a good experience!

— Eric P.

Dr. Kuzmin is a skilled dentist who is completing a dental implant. I appreciate all of his professional development in this area, his professional and genuine concern and pride in his work. Thank you! His staff is so welcoming and new office beautiful!

— Carol H.

I just had my first appointment at this new practice and can say I’m extremely happy. Everyone I met, Dr. Kuzmin, his hygienist , Melissa, and the front desk manager, Christina, we’re all warm and friendly and highly knowledgeable and professional. I highly recommend this practice

— Lorraine L.

The office manager was especially kind in helping me reschedule due to an emergency with my son. Now that I finally made it in, it was lovely to see the offices were beautifully renovated. But most of all, the entire staff creates a warm, caring environment. Pleased to say I’ll be sticking with Pinnacle Dental!

— Marah L.

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Metal Dental Crowns in Farmington, CT