Helpful Dental Information

When Is a Crown Needed Versus a Dental Filling?

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

Tips For Making Your Dentures Last

Many who have lost their natural teeth can smile confidently again, thanks to dentures. These oral appliances restore chewing, speaking function, and appearance after someone has lost a few or all of their teeth. Dentures come in a full set for those who have lost most or all of their teeth and a partial for…

What To Expect During Your First Visit To Get Dentures

If you have lost a significant number of teeth or if they are severely damaged, dentures may be an effective treatment option for you. Dentures can help restore your eating and speaking ability while improving your smile and self-esteem. However, if you are considering dentures, you may wonder what to expect during your first appointment…

The Denture Repair Process

Occasionally, dentures need adjustments or repairs to ensure optimal comfort and effectiveness. Your mouth changes over time, and your dentures must change with it. Adjustments and repairs can help make that possible. These involve corrections to dentures to fix issues with fit, comfort, and minor damage. Read on to learn more about the repair process.Start…

What To Expect When Wearing Dentures For The First Time

Traditional dentures, or false teeth, are an effective way to replace missing teeth. While getting dentures is an exciting step, it is normal to be intimidated by the adjustment period. This article will dive into what patients can expect when getting dentures for the first time.It may take up to one month to fully adjust…

Dr. Haleh Bazargan

Share
Published by
Dr. Haleh Bazargan

Recent Posts

Tips for Making Your Dentures Last

Many who have lost their natural teeth can smile confidently again, thanks to dentures. These…

3 days ago

What to Expect During Your First Visit to Get Dentures

If you have lost a significant number of teeth or if they are severely damaged,…

5 days ago

The Denture Repair Process

Occasionally, dentures need adjustments or repairs to ensure optimal comfort and effectiveness. Your mouth changes…

1 week ago

What To Expect When Wearing Dentures for the First Time

Traditional dentures, or false teeth, are an effective way to replace missing teeth. While getting…

2 weeks ago

The Importance of Regular Check-Ups for Denture Wearers

Regular check-up visits are ideal for denture wearers to protect their smile and help ensure…

2 weeks ago

5 Common Questions About the Denture Process

Dentures are a great solution for people who have lost some or all of their…

3 weeks ago