Both dental fillings and crowns serve the same role; restoration of decayed teeth. For severe cases, our doctors recommend crowns instead of fillings.
Deciphering Dental Fillings
When a tooth develops cavities, it refers to a hole in the tooth due to decay. In order to get rid of the decay, the doctor will numb the area around the affected tooth, then remove the decay through a drilling method. After the decay removal, it is not wise to leave the space uncovered. That is where dental filling comes in. Doctors use either composite, porcelain, gold, or amalgam to seal off the area. Sealing not only makes it efficient to perform normal oral cavity functions but also prevents further infections of the tooth. Dental fillings are not intensive and can be accomplished within a short period of time.
Understanding Dental Crowns
Dental crowns go beyond just filling the hole after removing the decay. After filling the hole, doctors secure a temporal cap over the restored teeth and seal it completely with the cap. Beyond restoring a decayed tooth, dental crowns are also used to reconstruct broken teeth. With the advancement of technology, dental experts tailor-make crown caps specifically suited to your natural teeth. The measurements are precise. Crowns take longer to secure since you have to go for a second visit to get the permanent crown. With proper maintenance and oral care, crowns can last from 5 to 15 years at most.
Factors That Favor Dental Crowns As Opposed To Dental Fillings
If the cavity hole has taken up a big portion of your tooth, then crowns are a better option. More so if it is a second dental filling, the room to drill and fill again may be a challenge. In such a case, the doctor may recommend that you get a dental crown. Too much filling in the tooth makes the tooth quite unstable. However, with the complete sealing of a crown, your tooth will remain secure and stable for a long time. Crowns prevent the bacteria from spreading anymore. The choice between a dental crown or filling does not have to be confusing for you. Our doctors will work with you to explore the best choice depending on how severe the cavity on your tooth is. Simply reach out to us today.