Needing a crown

[trisha]

I went to the Dr. yesterday for my semi-annual cleaning and found out I need a crown on #14. I have never had a crown before. I don't need a root canal, just a crown to replace some very old filings that I think are leaking?
My question is what do I need to be asking my dr. other then where do you send your lab work. He already told me the local lab he sends it to.
The fee is approx. $1150. Is this a general amount charged for this service? Also, what do I need to ask him about the materials used. What materials do I want to avoid. I realize there is all kinds of varying qualities, so what am I look for?????? I am clueless, any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
trisha

[labdude]

See if you can have it sent to Rob.
Or maybe Sixonice.
These guys are great at what they do judging by their posts here, not to mention all the other folks.
Shoot...maybe even Travis.
Your doc might not mind using a lab of your choice.

[TheLabGuy]

Trisha, it really depends on what type of crown you really want. Captek is the most bio-compatible, but the doctor must make sure he reduces enough, it's what i'd want on #14 if i was getting a crown. A anterior crown, it would depend, i'd have to look into some of the all-ceramic options. As for the price, that's high, national average is around 800.00 dollars. We (the lab) charge 155.00 for a captek crown to the dentist, just to give you a comparison. If your thinking all ceramic (no metal), I would go with a lithium disilicate, or Zirconium with Zirpress (personal preferences). Depending on whether you show that tooth when you smile, you may want to consider going to something that is all gold, full cast gold crown. Whatever you do, DON'T PUT NON-PRECIOUS or CHINESE crap in your mouth. I beggeth of you..... Good luck and let us know what you come up with......we want pics, details........hehehe

[DeVreugd]

Originally Posted by TheLabGuy

Trisha, it really depends on what type of crown you really want. Captek is the most bio-compatible, but the doctor must make sure he reduces enough, it's what i'd want on #14 if i was getting a crown. A anterior crown, it would depend, i'd have to look into some of the all-ceramic options. As for the price, that's high, national average is around 800.00 dollars. We (the lab) charge 155.00 for a captek crown to the dentist, just to give you a comparison. If your thinking all ceramic (no metal), I would go with a lithium disilicate, or Zirconium with Zirpress (personal preferences). Depending on whether you show that tooth when you smile, you may want to consider going to something that is all gold, full cast gold crown. Whatever you do, DON'T PUT NON-PRECIOUS or CHINESE crap in your mouth. I beggeth of you..... Good luck and let us know what you come up with......we want pics, details........hehehe

Rob,

Double your fees now !!!!!!

Russ

[TheLabGuy]

I hear ya Russ,
I'm not trying to compete with Davis (DSG) or Baker or any of those michigan labs brother. Our prices are set for the market in Kansas. However, I will say I have a few clients from Michigan. Although if gold keeps going through the roof, I might have to heed to your advice.

[JohnWilson]

If you don't mind showing metal gold is by far the best material of choice for a post restoration. It is the least abrasive material, has some of the best marginal adaptation, requires less tooth reduction over other options as well.

If you want a tooth colored restoration, then its more important to know your Dr's preferences/style. Is he/she into bonding or does he like to cement his restorations? What is his prep design? What quality of lab does he use?

His crown fee is higher than the average but not out of line if he uses a quality lab. Just ask good questions so he knows your dentally aware then ask his opinion on what he suggests.

Good luck,

John

[TheLabGuy]

yeah, what john said......lol

[trisha]

Thanks sooo much guys! you gave me just the info I needed to talk with the doctor and make a more informed decision.
Great, I will keep you informed on what I find out! Rescheduled appt. until the 1st of Jan. for insurance purposes.

trisha

[trisha]

I emailed my dentist about the crown and here is what he said:

Those are good questions. I use an excellent lab in Overland Park, KS called Root lab, which I have used for 18 years. For the tooth we are doing on you I would use a porcelan fused to metal crown, with porcelain covering the entire surface area, making it look like a natural tooth but having the strength needed for a molar. I don't like Captek very well due to a high porc. fracture rate and the new zirconium materials would be good, but the extra expense isn't worthwhile unless you are working on an anterior tooth where the esthetics are of utmost concern.

We use a modified resin cement which is good for bonding, yet kind to the nerve of the tooth.

What do you guys think????? or gals
trisha

[JohnWilson]

Seems like a decent guy, ask him what metal his lab uses for the PFM.

[TheLabGuy]

Yeah, that would be my only concern, is about the metal, make sure it's not non-precious, it needs to be noble or high noble.

Captek-sidenote-porcelain fractures are from not having enough occlusal reduction on the prep (minimum 2mm). I've got about 10,000 captek crowns in patients mouths, never had a fracture yet, but then again I don't deviate from that rule.

[trisha]

Again, thank you very much. I really do like and respect my dentist. I will ask about the metal. My predermination letter states -crown porcelain to high noble.

[TheLabGuy]

Trisha, you're all set if it's high noble, and root dental lab is a respected dental lab in kansas city, kansas. They do nice work there.

[trisha]

Rob, I called the office and found out that he uses high noble. From all of your feed back. I feel comfortable about what is going to be put into my mouth and much more informed. I am glad to know that you have heard of root and are aware of their quality of work.

Much Thanks,
trisha

[TheLabGuy]

Good deal Trisha, let us know how it goes........