Dental crowns and fillings are two common dental treatments that are done to help patients preserve their oral health. With that said, it’s easy to become confused about which one you may require and how they differ. We will help you explore the distinctions between dental crowns near you and fillings in this post to help you determine which is best for you.
Dental Fillings
A dental filling is a routine treatment in which damaged tooth material is removed and a material such as composite resin, porcelain, or amalgam is used to fill the cavity. Usually, fillings are used to repair teeth after trauma or cavities damaged them. They are a pretty easy and uncomplicated operation that may be completed in only one consultation.
Dental Crowns?
A dental crown, often called a dental cap, is a prosthetic that is used to cover a tooth that is broken or decayed. Porcelain, metal, or a combination of the two is commonly utilized to create the crowns. In addition to covering dental implants or serving as the anchor for a dental bridge, they are often employed to restore teeth that have been severely decayed or weakened. Fillings are less invasive than crowns, which take two appointments to complete.
How to Know if You Need a Filling or a Crown?
The degree of your tooth’s damage will determine whether you need a filling or a crown. A filling is usually sufficient to restore the tooth if the cavity is minor and has not significantly damaged the tooth structure. To restore the tooth’s strength and usefulness, a crown can be required if the cavity is severe or the tooth is seriously decayed, injured, or weakened.
Which choice is ideal for your particular situation will be determined by your dentist. To assess the severity of the damage, your dentist will examine your tooth during your appointment and take X-rays. Our dentist in Chilliwack will recommend either a filling or a crown depending on the results of the exam.
There are situations where a tooth may be severely damaged to be repaired with a filling or a crown. In these circumstances, your dentist near you might advise having the tooth extracted and then replacing it with a dental implant or bridge.
FAQs
- Can dental crowns be repaired?
It is possible to repair a cracked or broken dental crown. The repair process will vary depending on the extent of the damage and the material the crown is made of. Dental bonding or alternative methods may be able to repair the damage in some cases, but in other cases, the crown may need to be totally replaced. It’s important to contact your dentist if you think your dental crown needs to be repaired. - Are dental crowns safe?
Yes, dental crowns are usually considered safe. For a very long time, they have been a widely used method of restoring broken or fragile teeth. Dental crowns are made of reliable, biocompatible materials and can be made of metal, porcelain, or a combination of the two. Any dental operation carries some potential dangers and issues, which your dentist will discuss with you before the procedure. - Can dental crowns be whitened?
No, dental crowns cannot be whitened with traditional teeth whitening treatments. Dental crowns are often made of porcelain or ceramic, which do not whiten as effectively as natural teeth do. - Are dental crowns and caps the same thing?
Yes, dental crowns and caps are the same thing. They refer to a dental restoration that encases a weak or broken tooth in a protective covering that appears and works like a natural tooth, covering and protecting the tooth. Dentists and other dental professionals frequently use the terms dental crowns and caps interchangeably.
Visit Eagle Landing Dental if you are looking for any dental restorations. Our team of experts offer dental crowns in Chilliwack, fillings and other restorative services. We’re here to help you get your smile back on the right track!
Book your appointment at our local dental office today!