Tooth decay is one of the most common oral health problems that any dentist will have to deal with, which is why it’s no surprise that there are several ways to handle it. Both dental crowns and dental fillings are able to deal with cavities, and both are well within most dentists’ areas of expertise.
However, if you’re someone who needs one of these restorative treatments, you might not necessarily know the difference between them. That can make it hard to decide which one is best for you. If you’re in that position, here’s what you should know about how to contrast the two procedures.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings involve removing the decayed enamel around the area of decay, then filling the hole with a malleable material. They can be made of several materials, but nowadays the most common is a tooth-colored composite resin.
The integrity of dental fillings is highly dependent on the strength of the tooth, which makes them ideal for minor to moderate cavities.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are like small caps that can be placed on the tooth to protect them. Like dental fillings, they can be made of several different materials, both metal and ceramic.
Unlike dental fillings, dental crowns can completely cover the teeth. This has several aesthetic benefits as well as boons for their ability to protect the tooth. However, unlike fillings, they usually necessitate removing healthy enamel for them to be placed.
Should I Get Dental Crowns or Dental Fillings?
Both dental crowns and dental fillings are remarkably useful, so which one you should go for comes down to your individual needs. In general, dental fillings are the least invasive option—they’re a quick and easy fix to tooth decay, so if you’re in pain they can help you.
However, if you’re dealing with a very serious cavity, a filling may not be enough. In that case, a dental crown could be necessary.
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer Pham was drawn to dentistry because of the mix of art and science that’s unique to the field, and after ten years of work, she still isn’t tired of it. Every day brings a new challenge, and gives her an opportunity to hone her craft. Dr. Pham received her degree from the Temple University School of Dentistry, and she is a member of both the American Dental Association and the Seattle Study Club.
If you have any questions about restorative dentistry, you can reach her at her website or by phone at (703) 666-3867.