How do you treat tooth decay or restore a tooth severely affected by cavities? Crown vs filling is the most common cavity procedure to stop tooth decay or restore teeth severely affected by one or more cavities.
Generally, there are several types of restorative dental options used by professional dentists to treat tooth decay. Crowns and fillings are the two most common ways to restore teeth affected by one or more cavities and knowing the differences between them is quite important.
Based on the extent or size of the tooth decay, a professional dentist may use crowns or dental fillings to repair a decayed or damaged tooth.
Dental crowns are often used to repair severely damaged teeth, whereas fillings are used for treating minor tooth decay or damage.
Stick around to find out the key difference between crowns and fillings.
What are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are the most common procedure to fix cavities. Tooth decay or dental cavities are caused by bacteria feeding on sweet foods left in your teeth.
Lack of brushing and flossing regularly causes the bacteria to eat away your tooth’s enamel. This will start with a tiny white opening in your tooth and will become larger with a darker colour over time.
Tooth fillings are a cavity procedure used by dentists to repair the structure of the tooth while it’s still intact. The procedure involves using a drill to remove the decayed part of the tooth.
After that, the dentist will fill the remaining hole in your teeth with a particular filling such as resin, porcelain, or gold. The aim is to restore the shape of the tooth severely affected by a cavity.
Fillings are a relatively painless procedure done by the dentist. Perfectly installed fillings can last for several years. It will prevent the decay from eating away at your tooth.
Tooth fillings are cavity procedures done when the structure of the tooth is still intact. It prevents the bacteria from spreading any further while restoring the decayed tooth to its normal shape.
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What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are prosthetic teeth used by dentists to restore and repair teeth severely affected by cavities. Crowns are made out of ceramics or porcelain to look like your teeth.
This prosthetic tooth is caped over the treated damaged tooth. Dental crowns are designed to prevent future tooth decay.
During this procedure, the dentist will remove old or decayed fillings left in a tooth. The next step is to fill the empty space with a material and then place a temporary crown over it.
The patient will schedule a second appointment with the dentist to replace the temporary crown with a permanent one.
Filling vs Crown: When it’s best for Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are designed to repair a tooth severely affected by cavities. The procedure is not recommended for cracked teeth. It works best for teeth in good condition.
Tooth fillings rely on the structure of the tooth to repair the tooth affected by cavities.
If the decayed area of the tooth is small, dental fillings are the best option for this minor repair.
Tooth fillings cost less compared to crowns and it only requires one visit to the dentist.
When it’s best for Dental Crowns
Crowns are made out of ceramics or porcelain to look like your teeth.
Dental crowns are designed to extend the tooth’s life, especially for a cracked tooth that won’t heal. It’s best to hold a cracked tooth together, preventing it from any further breakdown.
Dental crowns are a better option for a large portion of a tooth that needs fillings. Placing a crown on the tooth at the early stages of tooth decay will prevent any further damage.
Crowns are also the best option to cover a discoloured tooth. If your tooth is weak, placing a crown on it can prevent further cracking and weakening.
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Filling vs Crown: How Dental Fillings are Done
Dental fillings are the most common procedure to fix cavities.
Firstly, the area around the affected tooth is numb, then a drill is used to remove the decayed or damaged part of the tooth. The next step is to fill the hole with a particular filling such as composite resin, porcelain, amalgam, silver or gold.
It’s best to treat cavities in their early stages, as the fillings will prevent any further damage to the tooth. The bacteria won’t spread and the teeth will be restored to their normal condition.
How Dental Crowns are done
A dental crown is a prosthetic tooth used by dentists to restore and repair teeth severely affected by cavities.
Dentists generally use materials like gold, resin, and ceramic to design a crown. Crowns are sampled from a patient’s teeth impressions and designed to appear like a natural tooth.
The procedure begins with the dentist removing any decayed teeth. Then the hole created by the decay will be filled with a composite mixture before a dental crown is capped over it.
The patient needs to schedule a second appointment with the dentist to replace the temporary tooth crown with a permanent one.
Filling vs Crown: Factors that Determine the Choice of Filling vs Crown
A dentist has to determine which option will be more effective for a patient with tooth cavities. To do this, the dentist will consider these factors.
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Tooth Condition
For a tooth that has been filled multiple times, the best option to restore its structure may be a dental crown.
The tooth becomes weaker as more fillings are used to replace its original structure. This will cause the tooth’s structure to be fragile and not strong enough to handle chewing or biting.
A crack will likely occur because of this or even break completely. Placing a dental crown over the tooth will protect it from an infection.
Size of the Cavity
A dentist also considers the size of the cavity before recommending a dental filling or a dental crown.
If left untreated, tooth decay can get bigger and deeper, causing more damage to the affected tooth. This is why it’s recommended to treat cavities at the early stages.
If tooth decay is detected on time, dental fillings are the best option to repair the affected tooth. But in a situation where the decay has affected a large portion of the tooth, the dentist will recommend a dental crown.
Root Canal
The dentist will recommend a root canal treatment if your cavity causes injury to your tooth nerve or the core of the tooth is infected.
A root canal treatment is the best option to save the tooth from extraction.
Broken or Cracked Teeth
Crowns are made out of ceramics or porcelain to look like your teeth.
Dental crowns are the best option for repairing and restoring cracked, chipped or broken teeth.
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Filling vs Crown: Key Differences between Dental Fillings and Dental Crowns
| Dental Filling | Dental Crown |
| Dental fillings are the most common procedure to fix cavities. | A dental crown is prosthetic a tooth used by dentists to restore and repair a tooth severely affected by cavities. |
| Filling leaves your natural tooth in place and fix the affected area. | Crown covers the whole decayed or damaged tooth. |
| Fillings are used to treat tooth decay and damage. | Dental crowns are used in more severe cases |
| Dental fillings rely on the tooth’s structure and cannot fix a crack. | Crowns can fix a cracked tooth and can hold the crack together |
Conclusion
Based on the extent or size of the tooth decay, a professional dentist may use dental crowns or fillings to repair a decayed or damaged tooth.
Dental fillings are the most common procedure to fix cavities. A dental crown on the other hand is a prosthetic tooth used by dentists to restore and repair a tooth severely affected by cavities.
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References
- Artofmoderndentisry: Crown vs. Filling: What’s the Difference?
- Nogapsdental: Dental Crown vs Filling — Which One Is Best For Your Needs?
- Dentalhealthsociety: Dental Fillings vs. Crowns: Deciding What You Need
- Wayzatadental: Crown Vs Filling: Which One Is Right For You?
- Stpetedentist: When Should I Get a Filling Versus a Crown?
- Beachesdentalmonavale: UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FILLINGS AND CROWNS
