What Dentists Do Metal Crowns: My Guide to Stronger Smiles
Table of Contents
- Severe Tooth Decay
- Cracked or Fractured Teeth
- After Root Canal Treatment
- Excessive Wear and Large Fillings
- High Biting Forces
- Full Metal Crowns (Gold, Base Metal Alloys)
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
- Consultation and Diagnosis
- Tooth Preparation
- Crown Fabrication
- Permanent Placement
Introduction: My First Encounters With Metal Crowns
I remember when I first heard about metal crowns at the dentist. I saw a lot of dental treatments when I was younger, and I always wondered why some people had shiny silver or gold teeth at the back of their mouth. When I finally sat down in the dentist’s chair and talked about it, everything made a lot more sense. Since then, I’ve had metal crowns myself—and helped friends and family go through it too. From the very beginning right up to the first big bite after the crown is in, I’ve picked up a lot of helpful tips about what really happens and what people should know.
Let me share everything I wish I knew right from the start.
Understanding Metal Dental Crowns: What Are They?
To put it simply, a dental crown is a cover or “cap” that goes over a hurt or weak tooth. Dentists use crowns when a filling just can’t do the job anymore. It’s like a wobbly door: sometimes a bit of glue will work, but sometimes you need a whole new frame.
Metal crowns, as you can guess, are mostly or fully made of metal. They’ve been around for a long time and have outlasted many fancier types because they’re tough, reliable, and really do the job. Dentists often choose them for back teeth because those teeth do the most chewing.
Why Dentists Recommend Metal Crowns: The Main Reasons
When I’ve talked to dentists or read what experts like Dr. Joe Dental say, there are usually a few main reasons for getting a metal crown:
Severe Tooth Decay
If a cavity is way too big for a filling, the dentist really only has one option: cover it with a crown. Metal crowns are especially good for this. I remember my grandmother needed one for a back tooth that was ruined from too much sugar and not enough floss—she picked gold, and it lasted her many years.
Cracked or Fractured Teeth
A crack in your tooth can go from annoying to a big problem real fast. I’ve seen someone in my family go through this, and a metal crown worked like a helmet, holding everything together and stopping more damage.
After Root Canal Treatment
After a root canal, the tooth gets pretty weak. The inside of the tooth is cleaned out, so the tooth is hollow and a bit like a dry twig. A metal crown goes over that weak tooth and makes it strong again.
Excessive Wear and Large Fillings
Some people wear their teeth down by grinding or just years of chewing hard foods. If fillings keep popping off or wearing down, a crown gives a strong new top. That’s what my dentist did for me after I spent years chewing ice—my molar had a giant groove.
High Biting Forces
Your back teeth do the most work when you chew. Metal crowns can take much bigger bites and pressure than other materials. So, if you love steak more than soup, this really matters.
Types of Metal Crowns and Their Unique Qualities
After talking to dental techs and dentists about metal crowns, here’s how the main types stack up.
Full Metal Crowns (Gold, Base Metal Alloys)
Gold Alloy Crowns
Gold crowns aren’t just for showing off. Usually, they’re a mix of gold and some other metals for extra strength. They fit really well, don’t seem to bother gums, and don’t hurt the tooth above or below. My uncle’s gold crown is over thirty years old and still going strong.
- Advantages: Lasts a really long time, gentle on other teeth, safe for most people.
- Drawbacks: Costs a lot, looks shiny—not everyone wants a golden tooth.
Base Metal Alloy Crowns
These crowns use cheaper metals like nickel-chromium or cobalt-chromium. Dentists like them because they’re super strong, you don’t have to shave off as much tooth, and they’re cheaper. I’ve even seen some made at a china dental lab to save money.
- Advantages: Cheaper, very tough, lasts a good while.
- Drawbacks: Some people are allergic (especially to nickel), and can be a bit rougher on other teeth.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
With PFMs, you get a metal base for strength, but porcelain on top for more tooth-like looks. I’ve worn a PFM crown on a first molar, and it looked natural—no one noticed anything.
- Advantages: Strong inside, looks more like a real tooth, works well even in front teeth.
- Drawbacks: Sometimes a gray line shows at your gums, and the porcelain part can chip if you bite hard things.
The Metal Crown Process: My Walkthrough
If you’re thinking about a metal crown, here’s what usually happens—step by step—based on my experience.
Step 1: Consultation and Diagnosis
The dentist checks the tooth, maybe takes an X-ray, and talks with you about what’s best. They’ll say if a metal crown is right depending on where the tooth is, how bad the damage is, and your budget.
Step 2: Tooth Preparation (First Visit)
Once you’re numb, the dentist shapes the tooth so the crown fits nicely. Then, they take an impression—some places use old trays, others use new digital dental lab scanners.
I remember the weird feeling when a dental assistant packed impression stuff around my tooth, but it was over quick. Then you get a plastic or temporary crown while your real one gets made.
Step 3: Crown Fabrication (Dental Lab)
The dental lab uses your impression to make the custom crown. This might be high-tech or done by hand, depending on the lab and the metal.
Making your crown takes about a week or two. Some dental ceramics labs do mostly porcelain types, while others focus more on metal crowns.
Step 4: Permanent Placement (Second Visit)
When your crown is ready, the dentist pops off the temporary, checks if the new one fits and feels right, and then glues it on tight.
I remember the first time I used my new crown for eating—felt just like my old tooth, only stronger.
The Advantages of Metal Crowns in My Experience
Why pick a metal crown instead of newer types? Here’s what I’ve found, plus what dentists tell me:
- Super Strong and Lasts a Long Time: Metal crowns can really take punishment. I’ve seen crowns last twenty years or more, especially those made from gold.
- Don’t Wear Down Quickly: They don’t chip or break like some other types. My gold crown is still in great shape years later.
- Less Drilling Needed (for Base Metals): Metal crowns can be made thinner, so the dentist doesn’t have to remove as much good tooth.
- Gentle on Other Teeth (Gold): Gold is soft and won’t grind the tooth biting against it.
- Hard to Break or Chip: You can eat pretty much anything and not worry about cracking your crown.
- Cheaper Option (Base Metals): Base metal crowns are a strong choice if you’re watching your budget.
Drawbacks and What You Should Consider
No crown is perfect. Here’s what to think about—and what I’ve noticed with metal crowns:
- Looks: Let’s face it; metal crowns look like metal. They’re shiny and easy to spot, so not best for front teeth if you want a perfect smile.
- Allergy Worries: Some people react to nickel or other metals. Always tell your dentist about allergies, just in case.
- Small Electric Jolt: Rare, but sometimes people feel a zap if the crown touches an old metal filling nearby. I’ve only heard this once—it went away pretty quick.
- Temperature Sensitivity: Crowns can make your tooth a little sensitive for a week or so. Mine felt better after a few days.
Longevity, Cost, and Day-to-Day Maintenance
How Long Do Metal Crowns Last?
This is what everyone asks. In my family, metal crowns last fifteen to thirty years, especially on back teeth. Research backs this up—metal types usually last longer than others.
How Much Do Metal Crowns Cost?
Prices change a lot, depending on where you live, what metal you pick (gold costs most; base metal is cheaper), and your dentist. Sometimes insurance helps with the bill. Some even use a china dental lab to keep prices down.
How Do I Take Care of a Metal Crown?
Just treat it like a normal tooth: brush twice a day, floss carefully, and see the dentist once in a while. Don’t bite ice or super-hard things. And if the crown is near your gums, keep the area really clean so cavities don’t start under the edge.
Metal Crowns vs. Other Materials: Making the Choice
It helps to look at the options side by side:
- Ceramics and Zirconia: Look nice and white, but can chip; nice for front teeth.
- Emax: Looks really natural but sometimes not as strong as metal for back teeth that do a lot of chewing.
- Metal Crowns: Best for back teeth and for people who chew hard or have had crowns break before. If you want strength over looks, metal is a safe bet.
If you’re mostly worried about looks, ask your dentist about other materials too, as some labs now offer great options for natural-looking crowns.
Conclusion: Are Metal Crowns Right for You?
I’ve learned that metal crowns are strong and tough. They aren’t flashy, but they work well and have been proven for many years. If your back tooth needs lots of help and you don’t mind a little shine, a metal crown might be your best choice.
Always talk things over with your dentist. Everything from allergies, to how it looks, to how much it costs—these all matter. Everyone’s mouth is different.
Frequently Asked Questions (With Expert Review)
Q: How do I know if I’m allergic to metal crowns?
A: Always tell the dentist about any allergies to metal. Sometimes you can be tested, or the dentist might suggest gold or ceramic, since these don’t cause as many problems.
Q: What if my crown feels too high or weird after putting it in?
A: Tell your dentist quickly. Usually it just needs a small fix. A crown that’s too high is bad for your bite and other teeth.
Q: Can my new crown get a cavity?
A: The crown itself won’t rot, but the tooth underneath can. That’s why good brushing and flossing are still needed.
Q: Are metal crowns safe for children?
A: Dentists sometimes use stainless steel crowns for baby teeth with big cavities. For grown-ups, gold and base metal types are safe as long as you’re not allergic.
Q: Can I swap my metal crown for ceramic later?
A: Yes, but keep in mind taking a crown off means removing glue and maybe shaving more tooth. Talk about the pros and cons with your dentist first.
Reviewed by Dr. Joe Dental—General Dentist & Restorative Specialist
Everything here follows today’s main dental standards and has been checked for accuracy. Have a personal question? Always ask your dentist directly.
If you want to know more, there are a lot of interesting details and new tech behind every crown—labs like digital and ceramic dental labs are always improving. But my best advice is simple: ask your dentist, listen to their advice, and don’t be shy about what matters most for your health and your smile.
