Don’t ignore a toothache. If you’ve been feeling persistent tooth pain, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist. Depending on the extent of tooth decay, your dentist may recommend either a or dental crown.
Dental crowns are typically used to treat severely damaged teeth, while filings generally treat minor tooth decay and damages. Learn more about whether you may need a crown or a filling, keep reading.
General Differences Between Tooth Fillings and Dental Crowns
Here’s a quick list of the common differences and uses of crowns and fillings.
Remember that this is just a general guide and everyone’s oral health is different.
Scheduling a dental exam is important so that we can learn more about how to best assist your needs.
For additional information, keep reading!
Dental Crown
- Treats severe tooth decay or damage
- Covers and strengthens tooth
- Requires dental impressions
- Often used for severe tooth decay or damage
Tooth Filling
- Treats minor tooth decay or damage
- Fills in the tooth
- No dental impressions needed
- Often used for minor tooth decay
More Information on Tooth Fillings
Cavities are caused by untreated dental plaque. If the cavity is small enough, your dentist should be able to remove it and .
Unlike a dental crown, a dental filling doesn’t require your dentist to remove as much or any tooth enamel. Rather, your dentist will only remove the decayed tooth matter before filling the hole with composite resin or amalgam.
Many of our patients appreciate that a tooth filling is less invasive than a crown, but a tooth filling is not always an option.
When fillings are an option, they are also not as noticeable as they used to be when gold or silver were commonly used. Composite fillings match the color of your natural enamel, so we often recommend them for teeth that show when you smile and talk.
During the dental filling procedure, your dentist will remove as little tooth enamel as possible to restore your smile, but if your teeth are too badly decayed or damaged, your dentist may recommend dental crowns.
If you are unsure whether you need a tooth filling or crown, feel free to request an appointment with our dental office. Our dentists will be more than happy to examine your smile and determine the best treatment.
Remember that the best way to maintain a healthy smile--other than proper brushing and regular dental check-ups--is to never ignore severe tooth pain. Dental pain is your body’s way of telling you something may be wrong with your oral health.
More Information on Dental Crowns
The only way to cure tooth decay is to drill out the cavity before it spreads, but what happens when the cavity has spread too far?
Once a cavity reaches a certain size, your dentist won’t be able to drill out the decayed tooth matter without compromising the structural integrity of your tooth. Thankfully, a covers the entire visible portion of your tooth above the gum line, restoring its natural strength after the decayed portion has been removed.
At Sarah Palmer D.D.S., we offer CEREC crown to strengthen your tooth.
The benefit of CEREC crowns is that they’re same-day-crowns. In the past, getting a crown made typically took two weeks or more, requiring multiple dental visits. With CEREC technology (one of the many technologies offered at our dental practice) you can get a crown made and fit in the same appointment.
A crown also matches the color of your natural tooth enamel so you can smile with confidence. No more having to worry about golden or silver teeth!
While crowns typically last longer than fillings, they do require your dentist to remove tooth enamel.
Your dentist will have to remove enough enamel so the crown can properly fit over your tooth. Note that once tooth enamel is removed, it never grows back. However, you’re much better off with a dental crown if your tooth has been made fragile by a large cavity or .
Avoiding a tooth crown when you need one could result in a cracked or damaged tooth or an even more severe case of tooth decay.
For more information on how to prevent tooth decay, check out our blog on how to prevent dental plaque buildup.
Need to See The Dentist?
If you’re in need of a dental crown or a dental filling, or you just have questions about them, feel free to reach out and contact our dental office online or by phone at (616) 534-0080. Our Grandville, MI dentists are dedicated to helping you maintain good oral health by providing fillings, crowns, dental bridges, veneers, and other services.