See How a Metal Dental Crown Can Transform Your Smile
At DiBartola Dental, we understand that choosing the right dental crown material is an important decision for your oral health. When it comes to restoring damaged or weakened teeth, metal dental crowns have stood the test of time. We take pride in offering these tried-and-true restorative solutions alongside our full range of modern dental services.
With decades of experience serving our community, Bridgeville, PA, restorative dentist, Dr. Wayne DiBartola and our skilled team can help you determine if a metal dental crown is the best choice for your specific needs. Contact our Allegheny County dental practice at (412) 221-9440 to learn more about our comprehensive dental crown solutions.
What Are Metal Dental Crowns?
Metal dental crowns represent one of dentistry’s most reliable and time-tested restorative dentistry solutions. These durable prosthetic caps completely encase damaged teeth, providing exceptional protection and structural support. At DiBartola Dental, we particularly recommend metal crowns for back teeth where durability is paramount and aesthetics are less of a concern. Metal crowns rarely chip or break, making them an excellent choice for long-term durability.
Types of Metal Dental Crowns
Gold Crowns
Gold crowns are created from a biocompatible gold alloy, offering superior durability and excellent resistance to corrosion. These crowns can last 20-50 years with proper care, making them a long-lasting solution. Gold crowns are particularly suitable for back teeth, where aesthetics are less of a concern but durability is crucial.
Silver Crowns
Composed of silver, tin, and other metals, silver crowns provide a cost-effective solution while maintaining excellent durability. While they may show some discoloration over time, proper care can significantly extend their lifespan.
Base Metal Alloy Crowns
Base metal alloy crowns utilize non-noble metals like nickel, chromium, and titanium. They offer remarkable strength and durability at an affordable price point. Base metal alloys are particularly resistant to corrosion and require minimal removal of tooth structure.
High Noble Alloy
Crowns
CrownsMade from a minimum of 60 percent high noble metals (usually a mix of gold, platinum, and palladium), high noble alloy crowns are considered the most durable option. They contain at least 40 percent gold and are often referred to as gold crowns due to their composition.
Palladium Crowns
Palladium crowns combine palladium, gold, and other metals to create a hypoallergenic solution. They’re an excellent choice for patients with metal sensitivities. When selecting a metal crown, Dr. DiBartola considers factors such as the tooth’s location, the patient’s bite force, aesthetic preferences, and any metal allergies. Each type of metal crown offers unique benefits, and the choice ultimately depends on the individual patient’s needs and circumstances.
Benefits of a Metal Crown
At DiBartola Dental, we’ve helped countless patients restore their oral health with metal crowns. Here are the key advantages our patients experience:
- Exceptional Strength and Durability: Our metal crowns are particularly effective for back teeth, where the forces of chewing require maximum durability.
- Impressive Longevity: With proper care, metal crowns can serve you well for 20+ years, making them one of the most cost-effective long-term solutions.
- Minimal Tooth Reduction: Dr. DiBartola appreciates that metal crowns require less removal of natural tooth structure compared to other materials, helping preserve your tooth’s integrity.
- Superior Wear Resistance: These crowns maintain their shape and structure even under significant daily use, rarely chipping or breaking.
- Proven Biocompatibility: We select metals known for their excellent compatibility with human tissue, minimizing the risk of adverse reactions.
Important Considerations for Metal Dental Crowns
While metal crowns offer numerous benefits, Dr. DiBartola ensures our patients understand all aspects of their dental choices:
- Aesthetic Impact: Metal crowns are noticeable when you smile, which is why we typically recommend them for back teeth rather than visible front teeth.
- Temperature Sensitivity: Some patients may initially notice increased sensitivity to hot and cold due to the metal’s natural conductivity.
- Impact on Opposing Teeth: The hardness of metal can cause gradual wear on opposing teeth, though proper bite alignment during placement helps minimize this effect.
- Investment Considerations: While the initial cost may be higher than some alternatives, their longevity often makes them more economical over time.
- Metal Sensitivities: Though rare, some patients may have allergies to specific metals. Dr. DiBartola carefully reviews your medical history to select the most appropriate material.
Choosing the Right Metal Dental Crown Material
Selecting the right crown material is
crucial for achieving the best results in both function and aesthetics. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (PFM crowns) combine the strength of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain, making them a popular choice for many patients. These crowns are stronger than all-porcelain crowns but blend in better with natural teeth than metal crowns.
Metal and gold crowns are renowned for their durability, making them ideal for back teeth that endure significant chewing forces. Ceramic crowns, on the other hand, are most suitable for front teeth due to their ability to closely match the color and translucency of natural teeth.
The DiBartola Metal Dental Crown Process
Initial Consultation
During your first visit to DiBartola Dental for a crown procedure, you can expect:
- Comprehensive Examination: Dr. DiBartola will thoroughly assess your oral health, focusing on the affected tooth and surrounding areas. Advanced digital X-rays and intraoral cameras may be used to get a detailed view of your tooth’s structure.
- Treatment Planning: The doctor will discuss your options, explaining the benefits and considerations of different crown materials. You’ll have the opportunity to see before-and-after photos of similar cases. A customized treatment plan will be created, taking into account your preferences and budget.
- Financial Discussion: Our team will review your insurance coverage and provide a detailed cost breakdown. We’ll explore payment options and any available financing plans to suit your needs.
- Addressing Concerns: Dr. DiBartola will take time to answer all your questions about the procedure, recovery, and long-term care. We’ll discuss any dental anxieties you may have and explore sedation options if needed.
Preparation Visit
When you return for your crown preparation appointment:
- Tooth Preparation: The affected tooth will be carefully cleaned and any decay will be removed. Dr. DiBartola will reshape the tooth to create space for the crown, ensuring a perfect fit. If significant tooth structure is missing, a build-up procedure may be performed to create a stable foundation.
- Digital Impressions: Using state-of-the-art scanning technology, we’ll take precise digital impressions of your prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. This eliminates the need for messy traditional impression materials and ensures a more accurate fit for your crown.
- Shade Matching: For aesthetic crowns, we’ll carefully match the color to your natural teeth using advanced shade-matching technology.
- Temporary Crown Placement: Impressions of the prepared tooth are sent to a dental lab where the permanent crown is manufactured, and a temporary crown is placed in the meantime. Dr. DiBartola will ensure the temporary crown is comfortable and functional.
Crown Placement
When your custom crown is ready, you’ll return to our Bridgeville office for the placement procedure. Here’s what to expect during this important step:
- Temporary Crown Removal: Dr. DiBartola will begin by carefully removing the temporary crown that protected your tooth during the healing process.
- Crown Fitting: The new crown will be placed on your prepared tooth to assess the fit. Dr. DiBartola will check for any adjustments needed to ensure it aligns perfectly with your bite and adjacent teeth.
- Final Adjustments: If necessary, minor adjustments will be made to achieve optimal comfort and function. This may involve reshaping the crown or modifying its surface.
- Permanent Cementation: Once the fit is confirmed, Dr. DiBartola will permanently secure the crown using a strong dental adhesive. This ensures that it remains in place for years to come.
- Bite Check: Finally, your dentist will conduct a thorough bite check to ensure that the crown fits seamlessly with your opposing teeth, allowing for natural chewing and speaking.
- Care Instructions: You’ll receive detailed instructions on how to care for your temporary crown and what to expect before your final crown placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How safe are the metal crowns used at DiBartola Dental?
Dr. DiBartola uses only proven, biocompatible materials that have been thoroughly tested for safety. We carefully review your medical history to avoid any potential allergic reactions.
What can I expect for the lifespan of my metal crown?
With proper care and regular dental check-ups at our Bridgeville office, your metal crown can last 20 years or more. Dr. DiBartola will provide specific dental care instructions to help maximize its longevity.
Will my metal crown affect medical procedures like MRIs?
While metal crowns are safe, they can affect certain imaging procedures. Always inform your healthcare providers about your dental work, and we can provide documentation about your specific crown material if needed.
How soon can I eat normally after getting a metal crown?
Most patients can return to normal eating habits within 24 hours of crown placement. Dr. DiBartola will provide specific guidance based on your situation.
Experience Top-Notch Crown Care in Bridgeville, Call Now!
Ready to learn more about how a metal crown can protect and strengthen your smile? Dr. DiBartola and our experienced team proudly serve patients throughout Bridgeville, Scott Township, Carnegie, Heidelberg, and Upper Saint Clair, PA. We’ll help you understand all your options and create a treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Contact DiBartola Dental today by dialing (412) 221-9440, and schedule your consultation at our Bridgeville office. Let us help you achieve the strong, healthy smile you deserve with our comprehensive crown solutions.