Is Zirconia or eMax more preferable for a premolar tooth (i.e., tooth # 4)?

eMax has been the standard crown material we've been using for the past 5 years. Its more translucent and bonds better to your tooth. From your question, it sounds as if your tooth has a metal post inside of it. If thats the case, eMax crowns will need to be made with an opaque layer that will block out and metal that may show thru.

Thank you for your question.The choice of bonding or cementing is dictated by the crown material, the patient/tooth need and dentist preference.There are a wide variety of shades and types of cements and adhesives now so your dentist will be able to test and use the best one for you.e.max longevity has been shown in some significant 5 and 10 year trials, so done well, shade change or 'shine-through' should not be  a problem.Good luck with whatever you choose to do - Kind regardsThomas Dey, BDS, MSc

I do single crowns in my office in e Max that I fabricate in one visit using my Cerec scanner and milling unit. No messy and uncomfortable impressions that everyone hates and no need to return for multiple visits. When I need to cover metal underneath I use a low translucency e Max that more easily covers the metal color.  

Hi:Emax can be placed on premolars.  It is also true that zirconium is best cemented.  If there is any metal or discoloaration it should be communicated with lab so it would be blocked out if emax is being used.Best,Dr. Maddahi