Thanks to technological advancements, there are now multiple ways you can restore a damaged tooth. Be it broken, chipped, or even cracked; cosmetic dentistry has various procedures to back you up. However, two of the most common treatment methods are dental crowns and dental fillings.
Where some cases require one over the other, the rest of the time, a combination of the two is precisely what’s needed for effective results. But if you’re trying to find out which option is better, crown vs. filling, keep on reading this blog.
What is a Crown?
Dental crowns are quite similar to their namesake. They’re little crowns that cover the top of your tooth when damaged. Perhaps that is why they’re also called ‘dental caps.’ Crowns are mostly made from ceramic or porcelain, allowing them to last a long time.
When your tooth is badly infected, your dentist drills away the problem area until it’s completely clean. They then print the shape of your teeth via digital imaging, or a mold, for a more natural-looking finish, before attaching it on top.
What is a Filling?
Everyone has gotten a filling at least once in their lifetime. It’s a restorative procedure that works on soothing the ache inside your teeth, especially when bacteria has taken root. Your dentist removes the infected pulp inside your tooth before filling it to the brim with the special filling material. This is because it is mostly used to fight cavities.
Dental fillings are usually cost-effective and versatile, making them the perfect treatment option. Not to mention, you have so many different filling options to choose from! Be it gold, silver, glass ionomer, or composite, as long as the bacteria in your tooth is sealed off, the choice is yours.
Should You Get a Crown or Filling?
If you’re suffering from an infected tooth, you’re probably looking for a way to soothe it. But between dental crowns and fillings, choosing it can be a bit difficult. That is why to help you decide, we’ve mentioned below some of the categories you need to consider beforehand:
Size of the Cavity
Depending on the size of the cavity, your dentist can better analyze which treatment is more beneficial for you. If you’re suffering from a regular cavity, a dental filling might be your best bet. However, if the damage is deep within, you might have to opt for a crown instead.
Tooth Condition
If your tooth is too far gone and has depleted over time due to bacteria or cracks, you’re better off getting a crown. Nonetheless, a dental filling is enough to seal the gap if it only has a mild chip or cracks down its center.
Root Canal
In most cases, root canals need to be sealed off with a mix of dental fillings and crowns. Considering the severity of a root canal, filling itself can not hold the fort down. This is exactly why your dentist uses a dental crown as a permanent lid to cover everything up.
Longevity
Each treatment has a varying lifespan depending on how well you maintain your oral hygiene. For instance, crowns can last for 20 to 30 years if properly taken care of. Whereas depending on the type of dental filling you get, your filling can fall out in either five years or 10.
Conclusion
To summarize, a dental crown vs. filling has a ton of differences that set the two apart. So if you’re wondering what treatment option best fits you, it’s better to let your dentist decide. For more information, contact Spring Cypress Dental at (281) 256-3222.