If you have been experiencing tooth pain, or you have noticed in the mirror that one of your teeth is damaged, you should certainly visit your dentist. After they perform an examination, they will likely recommend a restorative treatment to protect your tooth from additional harm, prevent future pain, and renew the structure and appearance of your tooth. Depending on your situation, either a filling or a dental crown might be the best option for your smile. How do these treatments compare to each other? This blog post explains.
Dental Fillings
A dental filling is a restoration that repairs a small or moderate area of tooth damage. If your dentist finds a cavity that can be repaired with a filling, they will remove the decayed portion of the tooth, clean the area, and insert a tooth-colored resin into the space. The resin bonds with the tooth, shields its sensitive interior, and can provide years of protection from additional harm.
Fillings are typically used in cases where a tooth’s natural structure is still strong enough to support normal use. For example, they are great for mild to moderate decay, small cracks, and other relatively minor types of damage.
Fillings are great because they take just one appointment to place and come with a pretty comfortable treatment process. They also tend to cost less than crowns.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a custom restoration that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth. You can think of it as a protective cap that fits over the tooth. A crown can restore a tooth’s strength, shape, size, and appearance.
Most modern crowns are made of tooth-colored materials that blend in seamlessly with the surrounding dentition. With proper care, they often last for a decade or longer. The process for designing and placing a crown usually takes at least two appointments.
Crowns can be used in a variety of situations. For example, they are often the treatment of choice when a tooth is so badly damaged that a filling would not be able to repair it. They can also restore the shape of badly worn teeth. Additionally, they are frequently needed to protect a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy. They are even used purely for cosmetic purposes in some cases.
Crowns and fillings are both key parts of restorative dentistry. In all likelihood, your dentist will recommend the most conservative option that fits your unique situation. Whichever type of restoration you receive, you can be confident that a stronger and healthier smile awaits you!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Sara Curcio has 20 years of experience in the world of dentistry, and she has been recognized by her peers as one of Connecticut’s Top Dentists. Under her leadership, our team offers a variety of restorative services, including both fillings and crowns. If you believe your teeth need to be repaired, we would be happy to welcome you into our South Windsor office for a consultation. Contact us at 860-644-2476.