Do you have a toothache that won’t go away? Have you chipped or fractured your tooth? These are common situations in which a dentist may recommend a dental restoration, such as a filling or a crown. Which one will best address your issue? What’s the difference between a filling and a crown?
Composite Dental Filling
When you have a cavity in the early stages, a filling is often the best choice for addressing the problem. The doctor first removes decay from the teeth and thoroughly cleans it, before adding a composite resin to the tooth. After curing the resin with a light, the tooth will be polished for a more lifelike appearance. A composite restoration offers a number of benefits, including:
- A natural appearance
- Metal-free
- Long lasting
In addition, the same material can be used as part of our dental bonding procedure, repairing teeth that have become chipped or have permanent discoloration.
A Dental Crown
A crown is also a restoration, however, instead of repairing small portion of the tooth structure, it fits over the visible part completely. We may use them for a variety of situations, including:
- Addressing serious decay
- Repairing chipped or fractured teeth
- Securing a dental bridge
- Completing a root canal procedure
- Restoring a dental implant
The process begins with the doctor preparing the tooth, removing a small amount of structure. After an impression is taken, a dental lab will fabricate the new restoration from ceramic. The restoration is then placed on the tooth. Like composite fillings, ceramic crowns are metal-free and esthetically pleasing in appearance.
Which One Does My Smile Need?
That depends on a number of factors, including your personal goals for your smile and the level of damage your tooth ahs sustained. Of course, we will look at your tooth with digital x-rays and other technology to decide the best course of treatment.
