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Gold crowns are a good and practical option for a number of reasons. Gold is relatively indestructible in the mouth and will not chip or fracture. Being a soft metal, gold will cause the least amount of wear to the opposing tooth (compared to porcelain crowns), and the intimacy of fit of gold crowns can be extraordinary. Gold crowns suit applications on molars where the aesthetics of the tooth is not as important as the function, and they are especially ideal for patients who have a habit of grinding their teeth.
Whilst one may choose between a full-gold crown or a Porcelain Fused to Gold crown (PFM) depending on their specific needs, Gold crowns are ideal for use on second molars where the teeth are in tight occlusal contact and where conservative preparation is preferred. And,.. if you were to ask Dr Mandikos what type of crown he would prefer to have on his own molars - he might even show his little glint of gold !
In the case below, the first molar had an old amalgam that needed replacement, but the second molar had a crack in it, which caused symptoms of pain and sensitivity each time this young lady bit down on the tooth.
A crown was indicated in order to hold the tooth together and prevent it from flexing on its crack line. The young lady chose to have a gold crown because she knew it was not visible in her smile back there, because it was the most conservative option for her tooth, and because she was seeking the greatest possible longevity of treatment.
This photograph shows an old amalgam in the first molar, and what seems to be an old but small composite filling in the second molar. However, beneath the composite was a large crack. A crown was thus needed to hold the tooth together
This is a photo of the gold crown as it was made on the plaster model of the patient's teeth. The technical precision of our Dental Laboratory is exquisite, and the crown had a perfect fit
The final case photo shows the crown in place, and the old amalgam replaced with a bonded composite restoration. The patient had full relief of her symptoms, and this well made gold crown would be expected to last a very, very long time