Dental crowns and fillings are both common treatments used to restore damaged teeth, but they serve different purposes. Knowing the difference can help you understand why your dentist may recommend one over the other and how each option protects your oral health.
What Is a Dental Filling?
A dental filling is used to repair minor tooth damage caused by decay or small fractures. During the procedure, the dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and fills it with a material such as composite resin, amalgam, or glass ionomer.
Fillings are ideal when the tooth structure is mostly intact and only a small portion of the tooth needs to be restored. They help prevent further decay, restore normal function, and preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that completely covers a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are used when a tooth has extensive damage or has undergone procedures like a root canal, which leave it weaker and more vulnerable to fracture.
Crowns provide full coverage and protection for compromised teeth, making them a long-term solution for teeth that cannot be adequately restored with a filling alone.
How Dentists Decide Between a Crown and a Filling
The choice between a crown and a filling depends on the extent of tooth damage, the tooth’s location, and your overall oral health. Minor cavities or small cracks may only require a filling, while larger areas of decay, significant fractures, or weakened teeth usually require a crown.
Dentists also consider bite pressure and aesthetic needs. For example, molars that endure heavy chewing forces often benefit from crowns, while visible front teeth with minor damage may be treated with fillings for a more conservative approach.
The Importance of Professional Evaluation
It’s not always easy to determine which treatment is best just by looking or feeling discomfort. A dentist can assess the health of your tooth through examination and imaging, ensuring that the chosen treatment restores function and prevents further complications.
Choosing the wrong option or delaying treatment can lead to more extensive damage, increased sensitivity, or even tooth loss. Professional guidance ensures that you receive the most effective and durable solution for your individual situation.
About the Practice
Richland Dental is here for you with comprehensive restorative dentistry services designed to maintain healthy, functional smiles. Our experienced team offers both dental fillings and crowns, evaluating each patient’s needs to determine the most effective treatment. With a focus on patient education and comfort, we ensure that every restorative procedure supports long-term oral health.
Call us at (972) 812-9701 or request an appointment online.