Choosing Gold Crowns

Some dental patients require crowns, or "caps", on their teeth for a variety of reasons. Dentists may use crowns on teeth that have been broken or are otherwise structurally compromised, or to enhance the look or the smile of the patient.

Gold, porcelain on metal and all-porcelain crowns are available to restore a patient’s smile. Each type has "pros and cons" and, since many people want their teeth to look natural, they often avoid considering gold crowns. However, there are special reasons for placement of a gold crown. Gold crowns are most ideal for patients with heavy or strong bites or who grind their teeth. A gold crown encases the remainder of the natural tooth in a substance that is more durable and less abrasive to the neighboring natural teeth than porcelain.

Crowns are not always a dentist’s first choice because the preparatory work involves removal of a large portion of the natural tooth. Gold crowns, which are usually used on molars, however, provide a longevity and durability that other crown material and treatments cannot compare to. Because gold is generally used on molars, the gold material is less likely to be noticed.

Patients who decide to have crowns placed will require two trips to their dentist to complete the procedure. During the first appointment, the preparatory work is done and the dentist makes a mold from which the new crown(s) will be made. At this preliminary visit the patient will receive temporary crowns that will serve a functional need until the permanent crowns arrive. The better the skills of the professionals in the laboratory where the crowns are fabricated the more realistic or natural is the fit and appearance of the crown.

During second trip, the patient will have the permanent crowns fitted with either cement or dental adhesive. People with crowns may have the occasional incident where the adhesive is compromised or a blow to the mouth or face might dislodge the crown, but this is easily remedied by a visit to a dental practitioner. In the next visit to the dentist, he/she will check the natural tooth for damage and properly prepare the surface and reattach the crown. It is important for a patient to discuss the appropriate crown material for their specific case with a dentist.

Dentists will discuss all available options with a patient and educate them about any risks or weaknesses regarding the use of one material over another.