I use a polymeric material called Belle Glass. I have placed well over 1000
of these crowns in the past 4-5 years, and perhaps 3 of them have had some
sensitivity/leakage problems. That is substantially lower than the much
higher rate of failure with other types. Belle Glass has been around for
about 6-7 years in the United States. If your dentist used something earlier
than that, chances are that the failure rate would have been higher.
Gold is in itself not that bad, and yes, I've placed numerous gold onlays and
crowns, without a hitch. The Belle Glass is similar to the old Gold onlays
in that you do not have to grind the tooth down to a nub anymore. And they
look so much more cosmetic than gold.
Also, since the margins of these newer polymer crowns are ABOVE the gum
margin, there is little periodontal problems associated with them. Except
for Gold onlays, full Gold crowns (is that what you had?) have the same
problem as regular porcelain crowns- they can induce future gum problems.
Fortunately or unfortunately, since gum disease is usually painless, one's
crowns may feel fine, but the underlying destruction of the foundation (i.e.,
the gum tissue, surrounding jaw bone) could be deteriorating without the
patient even knowing it. Not so with the newer polymer crowns!
Ed
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