Dental crowns and dental fillings are restorative procedures used to repair and reinforce damaged teeth. While both procedures are highly effective, your dentist will determine which one is best suited to address your specific dental concerns.
Wondering if you need a crown or a filling? Here’s our quick guide on dental restoration, so you know what to expect from your next visit.
What is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that fit over damaged teeth to protect the existing tooth and provide structural support. Typically, dental crowns are used as a restorative treatment for severely damaged teeth since they provide increased stability and long-term protection.
How is a Dental Crown Installed?
Crowns used to require a time-consuming installation process. Now, the process can be done in a day! First, the damaged tooth is filed down so the crown fits over the top without crowding other teeth or feeling bulky. Then, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth so your crown can be customized to fit perfectly over the altered tooth and blend with neighboring teeth. Our machine will take the impression of your teeth, and create a crown on the spot!
Why Do You Need a Crown?
Crowns are commonly used for more severe dental damage like extreme decay or cracks. Since the crown encases the entire tooth, it’s more effective at preserving the structural integrity of your tooth. Crowns are made to function like regular teeth and should last for years without needing to be replaced or repaired.
What are the Drawbacks?
Crowns are typically more expensive than fillings, but our ability to do the process in-house has made these more affordable overall. Additionally, in order to install the crown, your dentist will need to irreversibly alter your tooth. This is why it’s essential to visit a dental professional you trust, and confirm that a crown is the right restorative treatment for you.
What is a Dental Filling?
Fillings are fairly straightforward dental procedures designed to address minor decay or chips. Fillings are usually composed of durable materials such as composite resin, silver, or porcelain.
How Is a Filling Installed?
Most folks have had a filling to treat a minor cavity at some point in their life, so the procedure is familiar for many. First, your dentist will go in with a specialized tool and remove any decay from your tooth, leaving behind a small indentation or hole in the tooth. Then, the tooth is filled with composite resin and the filling material is secured into place. Fillings don’t require any major alterations to your teeth, and should last for years without needing to be repaired.
Why Do You Need a Filling?
Fillings are used to treat most minor cavities. Since the procedure is relatively straightforward, most patients only require a single appointment to have a tooth filled. Fillings should integrate seamlessly into your mouth, and provide protection from further decay. Because they are a simple procedure, fillings usually are less expensive than crowns.
What are the Drawbacks?
Fillings don’t provide as much structural stability as crowns. For this reason they aren’t an ideal treatment for damage like cracks or major chips. Additionally, fillings aren’t quite as sturdy as crowns and may need to be replaced after years of continued use.
Know When to Visit the Dentist
If you suspect you might have a damaged tooth, cavity, or other dental issue, pay a visit to the dentist as soon as possible. It’s almost always best to be proactive with dental concerns so the problem doesn’t worsen over time. If you have persistent tenderness, swelling, pain, sensitivity to temperature, or other concerning symptoms, reach out to your dentist for an appointment.
Treasured Smiles Adult and Cosmetic Dentistry
At Treasured Smiles Adult and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer a wide array of dental treatments including restorative treatments, cosmetic treatments, periodontal treatments and more. Our team of highly-trained dental professionals is dedicated to helping you get the care you need in a friendly and laid-back environment. Our state-of-the-art office combines the newest technology with comfortable design so you can relax during your visit.
We offer our patients the best dental care available, and are committed to helping every patient receive successful dental treatments. If you’re interested in scheduling a consultation or routine cleaning, contact us today!