When it comes to repairing damaged teeth, two of the most common restorative treatments out there are dental crowns and fillings. Both of these options can help to restore your tooth’s structure and function, but they also serve slightly different purposes, depending on the extent of the damage. That said, if you’ve been told you need one of these treatments, you might have questions about how they compare to each other. Here’s what you need to know.
What Exactly Is a Dental Filling?
A dental filling is a conservative treatment option used to restore a tooth that has been affected by mild to moderate decay or minor damage. During an appointment to receive a filling, your dentist will remove the decayed or damaged part of the tooth, clean and sanitize the area, and fill it with a special, biocompatible substance that is also tooth-colored (usually a composite resin). Because fillings preserve most of your natural tooth, they are often a go-to treatment when decay is caught early on.
What Are Dental Crowns Used For?
A dental crown, sometimes referred to as a “cap,” covers the entire visible portion of a tooth, meaning it’s much larger than a dental filling. Crowns are typically used when a tooth is severely damaged, decayed, weakened, or otherwise compromised—they’re also often used following root canals. They can handle situations that wouldn’t be possible for fillings alone to tackle. Dental crowns of the past were often made of metal amalgam, which is a durable, silver-colored material. These days, however, tooth-colored, natural-looking materials like porcelain, ceramic, or a combination of components can be used.
The decision between a crown and a filling depends ultimately on the extent of the damage, as well as what your dentist thinks is best. They’ll also consider the location of the tooth and how much healthy structure is remaining when they make their proposed treatment plan. They will prioritize the long-term wellness of the tooth in either case, so rest assured that there is no wrong answer here—only right ones!
About the Practice
Our team here at Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Weatherford has served the needs of patients in the area and the surrounding DFW metroplex for several years. We proudly offer a wide variety of restorative treatment options, including both dental crowns and fillings using durable, safe, and natural-looking materials. We also offer CEREC same-day restorations. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to schedule an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (817) 594-3806.