Can posterior teeth be restored with all-ceramic crowns?
One of my back molars is severely decayed, and my dentist says I need a crown. I've heard that all-ceramic crowns are a good option. I'd like to ask, for back teeth that are frequently used for chewing, is it really possible to use all-ceramic crowns?
Doctor's answer (1)
In general, posterior teeth can be restored with all-ceramic crowns.
An all-ceramic crown is a dental restoration completely made of ceramic materials. Compared to traditional metal-ceramic crowns, all-ceramic crowns offer superior aesthetics, providing a more natural color and translucency. They are especially suitable for anterior tooth restorations where aesthetic demands are high. Their application in posterior tooth restoration also has become increasingly widespread, enabling them to withstand the occlusal forces of posterior teeth and ensuring the stability and longevity of the restoration.
However, if patients have severe oral diseases, such as advanced periodontitis or dental caries, they should first receive appropriate treatment to prevent compromising the retention of the all-ceramic crown or causing the spread of infection. Additionally, when considering all-ceramic crowns for posterior teeth, sufficient dental tissue should be present to support the restoration, avoiding poor long-term outcomes due to rapid alveolar bone resorption.
In daily life, it is recommended to avoid biting hard foods such as walnuts and crab shells to prevent chipping or damage to the ceramic crown. Also, it is best to minimize consumption of excessively cold or hot foods to avoid stimulating the abutment teeth.
