When you have a dental issue, it can be tough to understand what kind of treatment you need. Did you know that there are various types of dental restoration options available? The two most common ways to stop tooth decay are crowns and fillings. However, both differ significantly from one another. Keep reading to learn the key differences between each type so you can decide which is best for your needs.
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns, which are also referred to as dental caps, prevent future tooth decay by encasing an entire tooth. In addition, they are used in cases where teeth are chipped or cracked in order to give the tooth extra stability and reinforcement.
How are dental crowns done?
There are several materials that dentists use to design a crown, such as gold, resin, and ceramic.
Dental crowns are sampled from the patient’s teeth impressions and created in a laboratory to look like natural teeth. They are also designed to provide an indistinguishable feel from real teeth.
A dentist will begin by eliminating any decay when preparing to place a crown. They will fill the hole with a composite mixture and put a dental crown over it as well. The patient will return to the dentist after the initial appointment so that the dentist can replace the temporary tooth crown with a permanent one. The permanent crown will be sealed into place by the dentist.
What are dental fillings?
The most common way to fix a cavity is by getting a dental filling. Bacteria are the leading cause of cavities, also known as tooth decay or dental caries. If you don’t brush and floss properly, the bacteria have a chance to eat away at your tooth’s enamel. And what’s the result of that? A cavity.
How are dental fillings done?
The dentist numbs the area and uses a drill to get rid of the damaged or decayed part of the tooth. After that, they fill the hole with gold, silver amalgam, composite resin, or porcelain. The procedure can be completed in a single visit.
Cavities are much easier to treat in their early stages, and fillings can effectively address the problem. Fillings prevent the spread of bacteria and restore teeth to their normal condition. Although fillings don’t last forever, most will last for five years or more.
Dental crown vs filling: the size of the tooth’s cavity
Dentists are more adept than patients at identifying cavities. They can often find tooth decay early on, whether with an x-ray or by sight. These small holes can easily be repaired with a filling.
The size of the tooth’s cavity is one element that determines if a dental filling or crown is necessary. Cavities gradually grow deeper and wider the longer they go untreated. Even a tooth with a filling is susceptible to getting another cavity. A dentist will usually recommend a crown to a patient when they note that the tooth decay is occupying a large surface area. If a tooth is mostly made up of dental fillings, there may not be enough room to drill. In this case, the best choice is a crown.
Dental crown vs filling: condition of the decayed tooth
If there is more filling material in your tooth than the natural tooth remaining, you may need a crown. A tooth with a large filling is weaker than other teeth; moreover. It can’t support chewing and biting so well. Not only can this break or crack the tooth, but it also puts strain on the other teeth and jaw, causing discomfort.
Even if your tooth only has one big filling or many fillings placed over time, it can still develop pulpitis, which is an infection of the dental pulp.
On the other hand, a crown covers the existing tooth completely, preventing bacteria from getting any further.
Dental crown vs filling: Root canal treatment
Root canal procedures commonly involve the placement of a crown. Treatment involves clearing out the diseased tooth material and then filling it with a healthy composite substance. The tooth is capped with a crown to protect it and give it extra strength.
Did you know that missing teeth can actually cause your remaining teeth to move and give you problems with your jaw? A dental crown will preserve your tooth and allow you to chew properly again.
Dental crown vs filling: Broken or cracked tooth
A dental crown is designed to resemble a real tooth, making it an ideal solution for repairing a cracked, chipped, or broken tooth. Although small cracks may seem unimportant, they give bacteria a chance to break down enamel. If a filling isn’t possible, such as when the crack is small, then the dentist may recommend getting a crown instead of waiting for a cavity to form. It will stop decay and fix a patient’s smile.
Let No Gaps Dental help you choose an appropriate treatment option
Porcelain crowns and dental fillings are good choices for treating cavities or tooth decay.
At No Gaps Dental, we understand that choosing between dental crowns and fillings can be difficult. When you visit our friendly dentists, they can help assess which option is best for your individual needs. Book your consultation or call us on (02) 8007 6727 today at one of our 15 conveniently located dental clinics.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
References
Dental Crowns
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-crowns
What Is A Filling?
https://www.colgate.com/en-in/oral-health/fillings/what-is-a-filling