Gold Tooth

[AngloScot]

Part of my tooth was knocked out, and my dentist told me i will be getting my tooth filed down for a gold crown to be put on the tooth. What does he mean by 'crown'? And why gold? Will I have to pay anything I am 17 and in full time education but i thought gold teeth were novelty items that have to be payed for.

[archbishop]

The dentist will file down to the level of your gum. He will then drill a hole into the centre of the root.. This is what your crown will go into to give it a base strength. My crowns are all Gold and covered in enamel to match the surrounding teeth colour.

[OBonio]

I suspect gold is also used because it's the least reactive of the metals (ie, it won't rust and cause gum disease).

[New Forester]

A crown can also be (as mine is) a cap sitting on a peg.  It can be made of ceramic, metal, or a combination of both.

 

I wish I'd had the initiative to ask the same question as you when my front tooth was chipped (I was 19).  The dentist said I could have a crown, or leave it be.  I thought a crown would just fill in the chip -- and by the time I knew different, most of my tooth was gone!

 

Gold is often used because it is malleable, non-toxic, does not rust, and is generally very inert compared with other metals.

 

I don't know whether you'll pay for it -- I didn't, but then in those days we had full grants...

[Clanad]

I have 4 crowns, all on the pegs as described by New Forester.  Mine happen to be on molars so are not that visible.  When I questioned the dentist about the difference between ceramic, gold or base metal, he displayed examples of various crowns.  I went with the base metal.  It is gold in color and does not react with anything to give one funny tastes.  They have all been very durable, one being nearly 20 years old.  I suppose  if the crown had been on an incisor and therefore more visible, I may have requested ceramic since the color can be matched very well with the existing teeth... Good luck!

[tomd]

I've got a chipped front tooth where our band violinist punched me, my dentist didn't even comment on it at the time but recently (about two years on) it has started hurting occasionally, and becoming quite sensitive. I'd have it capped or whatever if it was free or on the NHS. Does anyone know anything about this part of DJ Gr@y's question?

[AngloScot]

Thanks people, help appreciated as always.