When Is a Crown Needed Versus a Dental Filling?

dental filling Scottsdale, AZ

There are major differences between a dental crown and a dental filling, but dentists use them for the same reason — to repair a decayed or damaged tooth. When dental professionals suggest one over the other, you may need to know why. The ultimate aim is to provide the most effective solution to restore the appearance and function of the affected tooth without incurring unnecessary costs.

Defining dental crowns and dental fillings

When a tooth suffers decay or cavities, the standard solution is a dental filling. The filling material can be porcelain, composite resin, gold, or silver amalgam. The process is relatively straightforward and painless. Dental fillings are highly effective, particularly if the decay is discovered before it gets severe. It will prevent the bacteria from spreading and restore the tooth’s health. Dental fillings generally last for about five years or more.

Dental crowns, on the other hand, are like tooth caps. They completely cover a tooth that has suffered structural impairment due to decay, breakage or fracture. Crowns are fabricated from materials like porcelain, metal-fused porcelain, composite resin and gold. They are customizable to look and feel like natural teeth. Dental crowns cost more than dental fillings and can be expected to last between five to 15 years with proper care.

Factors that determine the choice of fillings or crowns

To determine which option (dental fillings or crown) would be more effective, a dentist will consider the following factors:

Size of the cavity

The size of the cavity is one of the factors that decide the choice between a dental filling and a dental crown. When tooth decay goes untreated for long, it gets bigger and deeper. If the cavity is detected on time, a filling is good enough. However, if the decay has affected a significant portion of the tooth, the dentist will suggest a dental crown.

Tooth condition

If a tooth has been filled too many times, then a crown might be in order. The reason for this is that the tooth becomes weaker as more fillings replace its original structure. Soon, it will not be strong enough to withstand normal biting and chewing. This may cause the tooth to crack or break completely. Also, a tooth composed of large fillings or several small fillings is vulnerable to pulpitis — an infection of the root by bacteria. The crown will protect the tooth from the infection.

Broken or cracked teeth

A crown is customized to look like a natural tooth, which means it is perfect for repairing chipped, cracked, or broken teeth. The crown will protect the tooth from further damage that may expose it to infection. It is impractical to use a dental filling to restore a cracked tooth, regardless of the severity of the damage.

Root canal

If the core of a tooth is infected, the dentist will clean out the infection, but the loss of the tooth’s core makes the tooth hollow and weaker. Performing a root canal and placing a dental crown over the tooth is the only way to save the tooth from extraction.

Final note

When you meet with the dentist, they will recommend the best option between a dental filling and a dental crown to restore your tooth to its original state.

Request an appointment here: https://sonorandesertdentistry.com or call Sonoran Desert Dentistry at (480) 439-0117 for an appointment in our Scottsdale office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Cavities Explained By Your Dental Practice

Good dental practice stresses that developing cavities is a common health issue. Cavities affect the elderly, adults, teenagers, and children. The accumulation of bacteria results in plaque. Because plaque is sticky, it keeps pouring acids on teeth. This destroys the enamel layer. When this happens, cavities appear in the form of holes in teeth.Cavities come…

Dental Bridges: A Lasting Solution For Missing Teeth

Dental bridges are a reliable and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, restoring both the function and appearance of the smile. They fill the gaps created by one or more absent teeth, preventing surrounding teeth from shifting and maintaining proper alignment. Dental bridges offer a long-term solution that supports oral health, enhances chewing and speaking,…

Dental Practice FAQs: How Are Cavities Treated?

While most people visit a dental practice every six months, others only go on occasion or not at all. For those individuals, the thought of seeing a dentist causes a lot of anxiety. Hopefully, the information provided about how a dentist treats a cavity will answer questions and put them at ease. These people will…

Dental Practice: Oral Hygiene Care Tips

A dental practice can elevate one’s dental health. Being gifted with good teeth does not mean that they will last forever. Once permanent teeth are set in, maintaining dental health is crucial. Extending that care into one’s home makes sure that teeth and gums keep off dental problems. Here are some tips for practicing proper…

Recent Posts

Cavities Explained By Your Dental Practice

Cavities Explained By Your Dental Practice

Good dental practice stresses that developing cavities is a common health issue. Cavities affect the elderly, adults, teenagers, and children. The accumulation of bacteria results in plaque. Because plaque is sticky, it keeps pouring acids on teeth. This destroys the enamel layer. When this happens, cavities appear in the form of holes in teeth.Cavities come…

Dental Bridges: A Lasting Solution For Missing Teeth

Dental Bridges: A Lasting Solution For Missing Teeth

Dental bridges are a reliable and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, restoring both the function and appearance of the smile. They fill the gaps created by one or more absent teeth, preventing surrounding teeth from shifting and maintaining proper alignment. Dental bridges offer a long-term solution that supports oral health, enhances chewing and speaking,…