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Dentistry/Restormation Crown Strength on an Implant/ Abutment

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Expert: - 11/18/2006


Question
I am thinking about having my crown restored and have been given two choices. One will cost $350 and the other $800. The first choice is a metal abutment porcelain fused to metal for the crown and the second is a zirconia abutment with a "full porcelain crown." Can you tell me what the difference between these things might be? I did some looking on PubMed, and they suggested that there might be some differences in the load that they could tolerate, but I could not figure out on what order these differences might be. (The values were expressed in Newtons.) Might the standard metal (which may be Titanium) be only able to hold a few hundred Newtons and the Zirconia able to hold a few thousand? Or might the difference not be that pronounced? Thanks for any help that you can offer.

Answer
Dear Lemas:  Your subject line says "...on an implant", so I will assume you already have the implant in your jaw.  I will also assume that it is a fairly standard titanium implant, which has or will have a post emerging from your gum.  And that you had to wait about 6 months for the implant to integrate with your jaw.  If all this is true, I prefer the porcelain fused to metal crown.  It has been around for about 50 years, so it has good longevity.  You are right to be sure that Titanium metal is used as the substructure, as you will want it to be compatible with your implant.  Zirconia has been used for teeth for only a few years, and I don't yet know the long-term for this material.  I imagine that it will be long-lasting, but no one can say yet.  Play it safe and go with porcelain/metal.  dd

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Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO

Expertise

I am a Family, Implant and Cosmetic dentist. I will answer questions on any aspect of dentistry and matters relating to the smile, gums, jaws and lower face. Member American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, and Atlantic Coast District Dental Association. I have served as District Council Member of Alpha Omega, as well as serving for one term as its President. I am also a member of The Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, and Mount Sinai Hospital Guild. I have served as a Volunteer for Project Dental Health and The Tri-County Dental Health Council.

Experience

Having attained over 30 years of clinical experience in private practice in Michigan, in 2001 I was re-certified by taking and passing the Florida State Dental Board Examination. After moving to Florida, I spent nearly 10 years re-honing my skills while working as an Associate Dentist for several large dental groups. In September, 2004, I was appointed Adjunct Clinical Professor at Nova University's College of Dental Medicine. I am certified in placement of Mini Dental Implants, and I am Director of The Florida Implant Center (floridaimplantcenter.com). On March 1, 2010, at the age of 62, I began all over again by buying a dental practice near my home in the Fort Lauderdale area. As sole owner and Chief Dental Officer of the new Nob Hill Dental Center (nobhilldentalcenter.com), I can now carefully provide dental care to patients who care, all within a caring, joyful environment. Over my career lifetime, I have provided thousands of diagnoses, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, periodontal treatments, TMJ therapies, partials, dentures and extractions, and dozens of implants for my patients. The only aspect of dentistry with which I have very little experience is orthodontics.

Organizations
American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, Atlantic Coast District Dental Society, Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, Alpha Omega Alumni Association, and American Association of Dental Implantologists. Formerly, American Academy of General Dentistry, Michigan Dental Association, Macomb Dental Society, Detroit District Dental Society, Tri-County Dental Health Council (a charitable dental care organization)

Publications
"How To Save Money At The Dentist" Going to press soon.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology from Wayne State University Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Detroit College of Dentistry Adjunct Clinical Professor, Special Needs Department, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Awards and Honors
Membership in The Vedder Honors Society

Past/Present Clients
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