Which Material Is The Best For Crown On A Molar?
What Is The Crown On A Molar?
A Crown on a Molar is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a molar to cover it, protecting and restoring its shape, size, and strength, and improving the appearance of the back teeth. Dentists may recommend a molar crown for patients in the following cases: a broken or cracked molar, severe decay, after root canal treatment, to protect a weak back tooth, or to support a dental bridge or dental implant. Crown on a Molar can be made from gold and other metals, porcelain fused to metal (PFM), zirconia, all-porcelain, e.max (lithium disilicate), or all resin. (Reference source link)
What Is The Process For Placing The Crown On A Molar?
Placing a crown on a molar typically involves two appointments with the dentist. The first appointment includes examining and preparing the tooth, while the second appointment involves placing the permanent crown.
First appointment: Examining and preparing the tooth
To check if the tooth root is affected by severe decay, infection, or pulp damage, the dentist may take an X-ray to determine the appropriate treatment plan, such as addressing tooth decay or performing a root canal if necessary. To prepare the tooth, the dentist will administer local anesthesia to ensure the patient feels as comfortable as possible during the procedure.
Next, a portion of the natural enamel will be removed to create space for the new crown. The amount of enamel removed depends on the type of crown being used. Once the tooth has been shaped and is ready, the dentist will take an impression of the tooth using either a traditional impression method or a digital scan with a handheld scanner. These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory, where technicians will craft a crown tailored to the patient’s requirements.
The final step of the first appointment is placing a temporary crown made of plastic or acrylic. This temporary crown restores basic chewing function, and aesthetics, and protects the natural tooth while waiting for the permanent crown to be completed.
Second Appointment: placing the permanent crown
During the second appointment, once the permanent crown is ready, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and check the fit and color of the permanent crown. After ensuring everything is perfect, the new crown will be permanently fixed onto the tooth using dental cement. Finally, the dentist will provide care instructions and schedule periodic check-ups.
Which Is The Best Choice Of Crown On A Molar?
Metal Crown: All-metal crowns are the most durable type of dental crowns available today. They can be made in a very thin layer without compromising their strength and durability. Additionally, they require the least removal of tooth structure and maximum preservation of natural teeth. For areas that are not visible but require maximum durability, such as molars, a metal crown is a suitable choice.
Some metals used to make the Crown on a molar include palladium, nickel, and chromium, with gold being the most common.
Zirconia crown: Zirconia crowns are the hardest and most durable ceramic crowns available today. They are made from zirconium dioxide, an extremely strong ceramic material that is virtually indestructible. This makes zirconia crowns highly durable and capable of withstanding strong biting and chewing forces.
Zirconia crowns have undergone significant advancements and are becoming increasingly popular not only for their durability but also for their aesthetics (closely resembling natural teeth, requiring less tooth structure removal compared to PFM crowns) and excellent biocompatibility. Furthermore, their seamless integration with modern digital workflows makes zirconia crowns a top choice for molar positions.
Porcelain fused to metal (PFM): The PFM crown is a traditional type of dental crown that has been widely used for over 50 years, for dental crown restorations in general and crowns on molars in particular, thanks to combining the durability of metal with the natural beauty of porcelain. While it offers high strength, it does have some drawbacks, such as causing more wear on the opposing teeth, the porcelain being prone to chipping or breaking, and the gum line being visible, which may affect the aesthetic outcome.
E.max or Lithium Disilicate: Emax crowns are made out of a lithium disilicate glass ceramic that has exceptional strength, translucency, and durability properties. They are very biocompatible in the mouth and have excellent long-term wear characteristics similar to that of natural enamel (the outer layer of your teeth). They are strong enough to be made into very thin layers and still easily withstand biting and chewing forces. Technically, e.max crowns can be used for molars, but generally, they are not the best option compared to other choices such as PFM, metal crowns, or zirconia crowns.
Manufacturing Crowns On A Molar At Nsw Dental Lab
Crafting a crown on a molar is a precise and complex process that requires meticulous attention to detail. At NSW Dental Laboratory, our technicians are dedicated to ensuring every step of production is handled with care and precision, delivering crowns that meet both functional and aesthetic standards for dentists and patients alike. From metal crowns, zirconia, and PFM to e.max, we provide a wide range of high-quality options.
Beyond production, our technicians at NSW also offer valuable advice to clients and dentists, helping them choose the most suitable crown on a molar for their patients, meeting quality criteria at the most competitive prices. Contact our team at NSW today to enjoy exclusive offers.
