When you have a cavity or a damaged tooth, your dentist may recommend a filling or a crown. While both treatments can help restore your tooth’s function and appearance, they are not interchangeable. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the differences between fillings and crowns, as well as the situations when each one is the best option.
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are often made of porcelain, ceramic, or metal, and can be customized to match the color and shape of your natural teeth.
How are dental crowns done?
First, the dentist will numb the area around the tooth and remove any decay or damage. Then, they will shape the tooth to make room for the crown. An impression of the tooth will be taken and sent to a dental laboratory where a custom crown will be created. A temporary crown will be placed on the tooth while the permanent crown is being made. Once the permanent crown is ready, the dentist will cement it onto the tooth.
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What are dental fillings?
Dental fillings are materials used to fill cavities and restore decayed or damaged teeth. Fillings can be made of various materials, including composite resin, porcelain, and amalgam.
How are dental fillings done?
First, the dentist will numb the area around the tooth and remove any decay or damage. Then, they will clean the area and prepare it for the filling material. The filling material will be placed in layers and cured with a special light. Once the filling is complete, the dentist will shape and polish it to match the shape and color of your natural tooth.
Dental Crown vs Filling: When to Choose Which
When it comes to choosing between a dental crown and filling, there are a few factors to consider. Let’s take a look at some situations where one treatment may be more appropriate than the other.
Size of the Tooth’s Cavity
If you have a small cavity, a filling may be sufficient to restore your tooth. However, if the cavity is large or extends into the root of the tooth, a crown may be necessary to provide adequate support and protection.
Condition of the Decayed Tooth
If the tooth is severely decayed, a filling may not be enough to restore it. In this case, a crown may be necessary to cover and protect the remaining tooth structure and prevent further damage.
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Root Canal Treatment
After a root canal procedure, a crown is usually recommended to protect the tooth and restore its function. This is because the tooth may become weakened after the root canal treatment, and a crown can provide added strength and support.
Broken or Cracked Tooth
If a tooth is broken or cracked, a crown may be necessary to restore its shape and function. A filling may not be sufficient to provide the necessary support and protection.
In summary, the choice between a dental crown and filling depends on the size of the cavity, the condition of the decayed tooth, whether a root canal procedure has been performed, and the extent of the damage. Your dentist will be able to assess your individual needs and recommend the best treatment option for you.
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Let Dentist For Life Dental Help You Choose an Appropriate Treatment Option
If you’re unsure whether a filling or crown is the best option for your damaged or decayed tooth, the team at Dentist For Life Dental can help. Our experienced dentists will assess your individual needs and provide personalized recommendations for the most appropriate treatment option.
Schedule a Free Dental Crown Consultation
If you think that a dental crown may be necessary to restore your tooth, we offer free consultations at Dentist For Life Dental. During this consultation, we’ll evaluate your tooth and discuss the benefits and risks of getting a crown. We’ll also answer any questions you may have about the procedure or recovery process.
Don’t wait any longer to restore your beautiful smile. Contact Dentist For Life Dental today to schedule your free dental crown consultation.
