Choosing a crown type Porcelain/Gold/PFM

I will need to have a root canal done on tooth # 3 due to extensive cavities and it will then need a crown.

I am somewhat concerned about apperance because part of the tooth shows when I smile.

A few weeks ago when I last saw my general dentist he said that due to the amount of decay, putting in a porcelain crown would not require removal of significantly more tooth structure than putting in a gold crown.

He also implied that any variations are normally only on top of the tooth, ie on the sides you don't need to remove a lot more tooth for a porcelain crown than a gold one.  Is that right?

Also, I know that PFM requires removing more tooth structure than a simple gold crown, but does PFM require removal of more tooth structure than for a plain porcelain crown?

Is it possible to get a metal crown with porcelain fused just on the outside surface?  I don't mind if the biting surface is metal since it's not very visible and I understand that metal puts less wear on the opposing teeth.

I understand that porcelain crowns have a higher failure rate than gold crowns.  Is a porcelain crown likely to lead to faster loss of the tooth itself than with a gold crown, or is it just a matter of having to pay for a replacement crown that makes it less desirable?

[lynn117]

you seem to have all the facts already. i have never heard of porcelain fused to only one side. it might be structurely too week to be possible. in my opinion get gold. if it only shows a little the extra durability and the lower breakage problems would be a big selling point so it all depends on if you are willing to give up a little in the cosmetic department and can afford to purchase a replacement sooner.