Porcelain-fused-to-metal Crowns

When a tooth needs a restoration, sometimes the best choice is a porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown. A PFM crown consists of a tooth-colored porcelain layer baked onto a metal core.

We might choose a PFM crown to restore a tooth when a large filling has failed, or when the tooth is cracked, broken, or subject to grinding and clenching.

A PFM crown is precision-crafted in a dental laboratory, so it may take two or more appointments to restore your tooth with a PFM crown.

Placing a PFM crown

On your first visit, we numb the area to make you comfortable. We may also use a rubber dam to protect your mouth and the back of your throat while we work.

Using the handpiece, we remove any decay and shape the tooth, so it will securely hold the crown. Next we take an impression of your teeth. The dental lab uses this impression to make an accurate model of your mouth; then they use the model to create a crown that precisely fits your tooth and bite. In the meantime, we often place a temporary crown to protect your tooth.

On your next visit, we remove the temporary crown and try in your new PFM crown. We check the fit and your bite, and when everything is right, we cement the crown in place.

The benefits of PFM a crown

A PFM crown has several benefits. Like all crowns, it covers and protects your tooth. But in addition, a PFM crown has:

• long-lasting durability.
• an inner metal core that helps the crown withstand heavy biting surfaces.
• an outer porcelain layer that can be made to closely match or improve your natural tooth color.