Dental crowns and fillings are considered two very important treatments in the service of keeping your teeth healthy. However, how do you know which one to choose? Let’s break down the basics of dental crowns and fillings so that you can understand what each one is, why they’re used, and when one takes precedence over the other.
Dental Crowns vs. Fillings: The Major Differences
Although both are very common dental treatments, crowns and fillings differ in terms of materials used, procedures, and even cost. Let’s dive into exactly what sets them apart.
- Material Used
Fillings are normally fabricated from amalgam, which is a blend of metals, composite resin, that is, tooth-coloured, or even gold. In each of these instances, these materials would be applied since they happen to be very strong and can stick to the teeth. Crowns, on the other hand, could be fabricated from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or even a mixture. Crowns could also be made with porcelain or ceramic since they look like natural teeth.
- Treatment Procedure
The procedure to get a filling is quite simple. The area will be numbed, after which your dentist will remove the decay and fill the space with the chosen material. It usually takes an hour or so to complete this process. Getting a crown requires a bit more work. First of all, the tooth is prepared, this involves the removal of a portion of it to have space for the crown. An impression is then taken to make a custom crown that fits perfectly. You may be advised to wear a temporary crown, while the permanent one is under construction. Once it’s ready, cementing the permanent crown onto your tooth follows.
- Cost Comparison
There is also a difference in cost. Fillings are generally cheaper, especially if you are using some type of basic material like amalgam. Composite fillings are a little more expensive, but still affordable. While crowns, on the other hand, are more expensive.
When Is a Dental Crown Necessary Instead of a Filling?
So, how does one know if one needs a crown instead of a filling? It really depends on your tooth’s condition and what it needs to stay healthy.
- Extent of Decay or Damage
If there is just a small cavity, then in most cases, a filling will do. However, when the decay or damages are huge, then a filling may not be sufficient. A crown is necessary in case there isn’t enough healthy tooth structure left to hold up a filling. A crown when done properly at a reputable dental clinic, such as Zen House Dental, encompasses the whole tooth and offers the required strength and stability which cannot be offered by a filling.
- Strength and Durability Required
This is particularly the case with teeth that take a lot of pressure, like molars. Such teeth may require the enhanced strength provided by a crown, more so if they are badly decayed or previously treated by root canal.
- Aesthetics Consideration
If appearance is a consideration for you, then crowns may be the better option, more so if they are for your front teeth. Porcelain and ceramic crowns can be colour matched to your natural teeth colour, thus blending in very well and naturally. Fillings can also be colour matched, especially those made of composite resin.
- Tooth Location
Where the tooth is damaged can also dictate whether you receive a crown or a filling. Molars, which are exposed to pressure during chewing, have been known to benefit from crowns due to their strength. Front teeth may be ‘ok’ with fillings, but if they are ruined, a crown could be the better option for both strength and appearance.
Final Thoughts
The choice between a dental crown versus a filling depends on your tooth’s condition and what is needed to restore it. Fillings are used for small cavities, but crowns provide added protection, strength, and endurance against more serious damage. From chipped teeth to big decay and smiles that need enhancing, the kind of damage your tooth has taken will let you know which course of action is best.
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