When it comes to addressing dental issues such as cavities or damaged teeth, two common treatment options are dental fillings and dental crowns. Both procedures aim to restore the function and appearance of the affected teeth, but they differ in terms of materials used and the extent of tooth coverage. So Dental Filling vs Crown: 4 Things to Consider before going for it.
When it comes to addressing dental issues such as cavities or damaged teeth, two common treatment options are dental fillings and dental crowns. Both procedures aim to restore the function and appearance of the affected teeth, but they differ in terms of materials used and the extent of tooth coverage.
Choosing between a dental filling and a crown can be a crucial decision, as it can impact the longevity and overall health of your teeth. In this article, we will explore the key factors to consider when deciding between a dental filling and a crown. By understanding these four important considerations, you can make an informed decision that suits your unique dental needs and ensures long-term oral health. So, let’s delve into the world of dental fillings and crowns and discover the vital aspects to keep in mind before making your choice.
Choosing between a dental filling and a crown can be a crucial decision, as it can impact the longevity and overall health of your teeth. In this article, we will explore the key factors to consider when deciding between a dental filling and a crown. By understanding these four important considerations, you can make an informed decision that suits your unique dental needs and ensures long-term oral health. So, let’s delve into the world of dental fillings and crowns and discover the vital aspects to keep in mind before making your choice.
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns, often known as porcelain crowns, are a coat that covers the visible area of the tooth. The form of each crown is determined by the original tooth. The benefit of porcelain crowns over metal-based crowns is an aesthetic component, since the replacement appears like the original, which is significant if you obtain the crown for your front teeth.
Porcelain crown treatment often requires two appointments. Because your tooth has been prepped for the porcelain crown. The dentist will take X-raysof the tooth and the bone around it during the initial appointment. If there are any following problems, you may require root canal treatment:
Tooth decay.
Risk of infection.
Injury to the tooth’s pulp.
The dentist will next locate and remove any vulnerable areas of the tooth to give space for a temporary crown. If your tooth has lost too much of its structure, a filling can be utilized to expand your tooth before the crown covers it.
After the natural tooth is ready, a paste or putty is used to make a copy of the tooth. The copies will also be made for the teeth above and below the tooth that’s getting the dental crown. The involved impressions are to ensure that the crown will not interfere with your eating.
The impressions will be delivered to a laboratory. The crowns will be made in a laboratory, which usually takes 2 to 3 weeks. While you wait for the permanent crown, your prepped tooth will be repaired with a temporary crown before your next appointment.
The second appointment is generally within the following two weeks, during which your temporary crown will be removed and the permanent crown will be examined. If everything is in order, the gum tissue behind your teeth will be numbed and the new crown will be placed.
Dental crown treatment in one day. If your dentist has the required equipment, dental crowns can also be manufactured in the office. This operation is carried out in the same manner as the conventional method, beginning with the removal of decay and contouring of the tooth to guarantee a complete fit inside the crown.
Because permanent crowns are manufactured in a single day, the next stage is different from the previous technique. Scanning equipment (sometimes known as a “wand”) is used to obtain digital images of the tooth inside your mouth. These photos are analyzed by computer software, which creates a 3D model of the tooth. The computerized design is then sent to a second in-house machine, which cuts a ceramic block into the shape of the crown. This technique is known as computer-aided or computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM). The crown is ready to be cemented into place in about 15 minutes.
Tooth fillings are made to restore teeth that have been worn down, including cracked or fractured teeth (such as from nail-biting or tooth grinding).
Your dentist will first remove the affected portion of the tooth before filling the hole left on the tooth where the decayed material was removed.
Dental Fillings Procedure
To start the tooth fillings procedure, the dentist will initially use a local anesthetic to temporarily numb the tissue around the tooth. Next, a drill, air abrasion tool, or laser will be used to remove the decaying area. The tool selection is influenced by the dentist’s comfort level, training, and investment in the particular piece of equipment, as well as the location and severity of the decay.
Your dentist will then probe or check the area to see if all of the decay has been removed. The dentist will prepare the space for the filling as soon as the decay has been entirely removed by cleaning out the cavity of bacteria and debris.
Your dentist must place a liner composed of glass ionomer, composite resin, or another substance to protect the nerve if the decay has already spread close to the root. Your dentist will frequently polish and finalize the tooth fillings after they have been placed.
The additional actions below must be taken in order to get dental fillings that fit your teeth. Before systematically putting the tooth-colored material on, your dentist will first remove the decay and clean the area. Then, each layer is “cured” or made harder using a certain light. The dentist will mold the composite material to get the desired outcome after completing the multilayering procedure, cut off any extra material, and polish the finished repair.
Dental Filling vs Crown 4 things to consider
To determine which option (dental fillings vs crown) would be more effective, a dentist will consider the following factors:
Size of the cavity
One of the factors that influences the decision between a dental filling and a dental crown is the size of the cavity. When tooth decay is left untreated for an extended period of time, it grows larger and deeper. If the cavity is discovered in time, a filling will suffice. If the decay has affected a large portion of the tooth, the dentist will recommend a dental crown.
Tooth condition
If a tooth has been filled too many times, a crown may be necessary. The reason for this is that as more fillings replace the original structure of the tooth, it becomes weaker. It will soon be too weak to withstand normal biting and chewing. This can cause the tooth to crack or completely break. A tooth with a large filling or several small fillings is also susceptible to pulpitis, which is a bacterial infection of the root. The crown will keep the tooth from becoming infected.
Broken or cracked teeth
A crown is made to look like a natural tooth, making it ideal for repairing chipped, cracked, or broken teeth. The crown will shield the tooth from further damage that could lead to infection. Regardless of the severity of the damage, using a dental filling to restore a cracked tooth is impractical.
Dental Filling vs Crown: 4 things to consider
Root canal
If the core of a tooth becomes infected, the dentist will clean it out, but the loss of the core leaves the tooth hollow and weak. The only way to save the tooth from extraction is to perform a root canal and place a dental crown over it.
Frequently asked questions about Dental crown vs filling
When is a dental crown recommended instead of a filling?
A dental crown is typically recommended instead of a filling in the following situations:
1. Extensive tooth damage: If a tooth has significant decay, fractures, or large cavities that cannot be adequately restored with a filling, a dental crown may be recommended. Crowns provide more coverage and support to the tooth, protecting it from further damage.
2. Root canal treatment: After a root canal procedure, the tooth may become weakened and more susceptible to fracture. In such cases, a dental crown is often placed over the tooth to provide strength and protection.
3. Cracked or fractured tooth: If a tooth is cracked or fractured, a dental crown can help hold the tooth together and prevent further damage. Fillings are insufficient for treating extensive cracks, while crowns provide better stability and support.
4. Tooth with a large filling: When a tooth has a large filling and there is a risk of the filling compromising the structural integrity of the tooth, a dental crown may be recommended. The crown can provide reinforcement and prevent the tooth from breaking.
5. Cosmetic purposes: Dental crowns are sometimes used for cosmetic reasons to improve the appearance of severely discolored, misshapen, or poorly aligned teeth. Crowns can provide a more aesthetically pleasing and uniform smile.
6. Tooth wear or grinding: If a patient has a habit of teeth grinding (bruxism) or significant tooth wear, a dental crown may be recommended to restore the shape, size, and function of the affected tooth.
It’s important to note that the decision to recommend a dental crown over a filling is based on various factors, including the extent of tooth damage, location of the tooth in the mouth, and the patient’s oral health needs. Your dentist will evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most suitable treatment option for you.
Are dental crowns more expensive than fillings?
Yes, dental crowns are generally more expensive than fillings. The cost of a dental crown can vary depending on factors such as the material used, the complexity of the case, the location of the dental practice, and any additional procedures required. On average, the cost of a dental crown can range from $800 to $2,500 per tooth.
On the other hand, dental fillings are typically less expensive than crowns. The cost of a filling can vary depending on factors such as the size and location of the cavity, the type of filling material used (such as amalgam or composite resin), and the dental practice’s pricing structure. The average cost of a dental filling can range from $50 to $400 per tooth.
It’s important to note that these cost ranges are approximate and can vary significantly based on individual circumstances and geographical location. It’s always advisable to consult with your dentist for an accurate cost estimate based on your specific dental needs.
Additionally, dental insurance coverage can play a role in the cost of both crowns and fillings. Some insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost, but coverage levels and limitations can vary. It’s recommended to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage for these procedures.
Does dental insurance cover the cost of dental crowns and fillings?
A dental crown is typically recommended instead of a filling in the following situations:
1. Extensive tooth damage: If a tooth has significant decay, fractures, or large cavities that cannot be adequately restored with a filling, a dental crown may be recommended. Crowns provide more coverage and support to the tooth, protecting it from further damage.
2. Root canal treatment: After a root canal procedure, the tooth may become weakened and more susceptible to fracture. In such cases, a dental crown is often placed over the tooth to provide strength and protection.
3. Cracked or fractured tooth: If a tooth is cracked or fractured, a dental crown can help hold the tooth together and prevent further damage. Fillings are insufficient for treating extensive cracks, while crowns provide better stability and support.
4. Tooth with a large filling: When a tooth has a large filling and there is a risk of the filling compromising the structural integrity of the tooth, a dental crown may be recommended. The crown can provide reinforcement and prevent the tooth from breaking.
5. Cosmetic purposes: Dental crowns are sometimes used for cosmetic reasons to improve the appearance of severely discolored, misshapen, or poorly aligned teeth. Crowns can provide a more aesthetically pleasing and uniform smile.
6. Tooth wear or grinding: If a patient has a habit of teeth grinding (bruxism) or significant tooth wear, a dental crown may be recommended to restore the shape, size, and function of the affected tooth.
It’s important to note that the decision to recommend a dental crown over a filling is based on various factors, including the extent of tooth damage, location of the tooth in the mouth, and the patient’s oral health needs. Your dentist will evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most suitable treatment option for you.
Which option is more suitable for restoring a severely damaged tooth, a crown or a filling?
When it comes to restoring a severely damaged tooth, a dental crown is often the more suitable option compared to a filling. Here are the reasons why:
1. Greater structural support: A dental crown provides more extensive coverage and support to a severely damaged tooth. It encapsulates the entire visible portion of the tooth, protecting it from further damage, fractures, or breakage. In contrast, a filling is more appropriate for smaller areas of decay or minor damage.
2. Strength and durability: Dental crowns are typically made from stronger materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys. These materials offer greater strength and resilience, making them better suited for withstanding the biting and chewing forces exerted on the tooth. Fillings, especially composite resin fillings, may be prone to wear or fracture when used to restore severely damaged teeth.
3. Preservation of tooth structure: In cases where a tooth has extensive decay or large fractures, a dental crown allows for the preservation of the remaining healthy tooth structure. It covers and reinforces the tooth, preventing the need for extraction in many cases. Fillings, on the other hand, require the removal of a significant amount of tooth structure to create space for the filling material.
4. Longevity of the restoration: Dental crowns generally have a longer lifespan compared to fillings. With proper care and maintenance, crowns can last for many years, providing a durable and stable restoration for the severely damaged tooth. Fillings may need to be replaced more frequently, especially if the tooth undergoes additional stress or if the filling becomes worn or deteriorates over time.
Summary
When you visit the dentist, they will advise you on the best option for restoring your tooth to its original state, which will be either a dental filling or a dental crown. Make an appointment with BeDentalat here
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