I am looking for a metal-free dentist because I am very health-conscious and try to be extremely careful with what I put in my body. I see a natural-focused doctor for my overall health and I was told I need a crown and am very concerned about having any type of metal placed in my teeth. The dentist mentioned that a CEREC crown may work well for me. However, I am having a hard time researching what a CEREC crown is actually comprised of.
My natural doctor said I shouldn’t even consider a crown and should have the tooth pulled. But, I really don’t want to do that, unless it’s my only choice. I want to avoid metal and lithium, mainly due to a thyroid condition. When I asked my dentist about what was in the crown, he didn’t seem like my concern was valid. He basically said I’d be fine and not to worry.
Do you know how I go about finding a metal-free dentist or at least learning more about CEREC crowns and if they are safe for my thyroid? If I wait too much longer, the tooth will probably need to be extracted anyway.
Thanks for your time.
-Paula in Connecticut
Paula,
Your concern is valid and it doesn’t sound like this dentist is willing or trying to understand your preferences. Unfortunately, it will be very difficult to avoid metal ions completely with CEREC crowns. However, you will be able to avoid a metal base, as the traditional porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. This treatment uses a metal base layer and porcelain is baked on the metal framework. However, there are all-porcelain or all-ceramic crowns, which eliminates the metal base.
How CEREC Crowns are Made
A CEREC crown is milled from a special machine from a block of tooth-colored material. It is shaped into the exact replica of your tooth and permanently bonded in place. However, it will almost be impossible to avoid all metal ions. There are many forms of tooth-colored material available to the dentist. One typical block uses lithium disilicate. To date, the presence of lithium in dental restorations hasn’t been tested specifically to thyroid issues. But, there is no evidence that documents issues with the thyroid either.
Metal-Free Dental Restorations
However, there are metal-free dentists around that share your sentiments. You may need to expand your geographic search if this is extremely important to you. But, any dentist that offers all-porcelain crowns would be an option because it is metal-free. The dentist will take the impression and send it to the dental laboratory where the all-porcelain crown will be fabricated. This sounds like it may be your best option.
You should be able to find a dentist that understands your health concerns and you shouldn’t settle for a tooth extraction if at all possible.
Thank you for your question.
This post is sponsored by Petaluma dentist Rick Lane.