What will your dentist recommend to restore your damaged or decayed tooth? Oftentimes, a simple filling will be enough to get your oral health back on track, but in other cases, a dental crown may be required instead. Both kinds of restorations have their own benefits that can make them worth considering. Here’s a closer look at the differences between fillings and crowns as well as the reasons why you might need one over the other.
How are Fillings and Dental Crowns Different?
A filling can help replace parts of your enamel that are missing due to decay. While metal fillings have been used in the past, nowadays many dentists favor tooth-colored fillings made out of composite resin; this material can be used to completely fill in any holes in your tooth while blending in seamlessly with the rest of the dental structure.
Meanwhile, a dental crown is a special cap that can fully cover a tooth. This not only restores the tooth’s shape and size, but it also keeps it safe from further harm. Dental crowns can potentially be made out of many different materials; porcelain is a popular option since it can be shaded to look like a natural part of the smile.
When Should You Get a Filling?
Fillings are generally an appropriate solution for making relatively minor repairs, such as treating small cavities. It should be noted that fillings rely on support from the remaining tooth structure to stay in place. Thus, it’s only possible to place one if the tooth in question is in good condition overall and doesn’t have any cracks.
When Should You Get a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is typically needed to address issues that can’t be fixed with a filling alone. This can include teeth that are badly cracked or significantly weakened. Additionally, dental crowns made out of tooth-colored materials can sometimes be placed for cosmetic reasons, such as to correct teeth that are misshapen or badly discolored.
How Will You Know Whether You Need a Filling or a Dental Crown?
You will need to consult with your dental team to determine whether a filling or a dental crown is truly the best choice in your case. A thorough examination of your tooth will be performed in order to assess the nature and extent of the damage. After gathering the necessary information, your dentist will be able to point you toward the restorative option that’s right for you.
Regardless of whether you need a crown or a filling, it’s best to act quickly. Leaving a damaged or decayed tooth alone for too long can easily lead to an even worse situation; having the issue dealt with as promptly as possible can make all the difference for your oral health in the long term.
About the Author
Dr. Sheri McIntosh studied dentistry at the Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and she currently belongs to a number of dental organizations such as the North Texas Dental Society. She provides state-of-the-art care while taking a conservative, patient-focused approach. At her Fort Worth practice, Distinguished Dental, she offers lifelike fillings and personalized dental crowns. If your tooth is in need of repair, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. McIntosh by visiting her website or calling (817) 337-8300.