Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crown

A porcelain-fused-to-metal crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fully covers a damaged, heavily filled or root-treated tooth to restore its strength, shape and appearance. A metal core provides durability while a porcelain outer layer gives a natural, tooth-coloured finish. It is a well-proven, cost-effective option for back teeth and for protecting teeth that have had root canal treatment.

A crown is a custom-made restoration that fits over the whole visible part of a tooth, used when a tooth is too broken down, heavily filled, cracked or weakened — often after root canal treatment — to be reliably restored with a simple filling. The porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown combines a strong metal substructure with a layer of dental porcelain bonded over it, giving a restoration that is both durable and tooth-coloured. At Kaja Dental the tooth is first prepared by removing decay and shaping it to receive the crown, and an impression or scan is taken so the laboratory can fabricate a precise restoration; a temporary crown protects the tooth in the meantime. At a second visit the fit, bite and appearance of the finished crown are checked before it is cemented in place. PFM crowns are a long-established, cost-effective choice, particularly well suited to molars and premolars where biting forces are high, and to restoring root-treated teeth that need full-cusp protection against fracture. Because of the underlying metal, in some cases a thin shadow can be visible at the gum margin over time, which is why a fully ceramic crown may be preferred for highly visible front teeth — the dentist will advise on the best material for each tooth. A well-made, well-maintained crown can last many years; it is looked after like a natural tooth with good brushing, interdental cleaning and regular hygiene visits. The dentist confirms whether a crown is the right option and discusses material choices and any need for a post or core build-up at the planning stage.