Hello everyone.

I could use some information/advice because I sure didn't get any
from my last dentist.  My situation is this.  A few years ago I had to
have a root canal (no posts) and crown placed on #14.  It had a deep
filling through the top of the tooth placed many years before that
became cracked and began to hurt.  I had just recently relocated and
had to find a new dentist whom then referred me to an endodontist for
the root canal.  Anyway, after the root canal and the final crown
placement (In-Ceram), it couldn't have been two months before small
pieces of it began breaking off.  Now, two years later, most of one
corner of the crown is gone, and I am going to replace it.  I had never
had to have a crown before and didn't know the first thing about them
other than they were basically a shell to cover the tooth.  To keep it
as short as I can, I will say that I was not given the opportunity I
should have been given to make an informed decision about the crown
that was placed.  In fact I was given no information at all, but
that's probably a topic for another discussion.

I don't have a large smile to begin with, and aesthetics that far
back in my mouth would not have been a huge consideration for me.  What
would have been far more important to me would have been to preserve as
much of my tooth as would have been possible and to have used a
material/materials that would last as long as possible without the need
for replacement.  I know that is over simplifying things and there is a
great deal more involved such as the skill of the dentist and lab.

I was actually quite shocked with how little of my tooth still remained
after the preparation for the crown was done.  I am concerned, perhaps
irrationally, there is a chance I may break it off while eating
someday.  I don't want any more reduction to this tooth.  My question
is this, with the type of preparation, shoulder etc... that would have
initially been done for the in-ceram crown, is a porcelain fused to
metal crown even an option for replacement.  If it is, would it likely
to be a better choice for long-term success.  I probably paid close to
$2000 to save this tooth.  Was not knowledgeable enough when it was
done to have known that I should have been given options.  If I had
been, I would have chosen gold.  Of course this next fee will be all
out of pocked because my insurance will not pay for a crown replacement
until after seven years.  I realize that no one, regardless of their
talent/skill, can insure the longevity of any crown and there are many
variables involved, I just cannot afford nor do I want to keep outlying
additional money when it may not be necessary.  I sure don't want to
loose the tooth.  I know what I need to do on my part hygiene wise.
What are my best options for preserving what remains of my tooth?  With
the amount of reduction already done, I am thinking I might as well go
with something tooth colored but with a greater probability of it
lasting more than two years.

Thanks for any advice you can avail.  I will be choosing a new dentist
and want to be more knowledgeable when I talk with them whomever they
maybe.