From cavities to injuries to serious tooth infections, there are several reasons why someone might need to have their smile restored. Dental crowns and fillings are two things that are commonly used to do just that. Though they serve similar purposes at times, there are still some key differences between the two. Read on to learn about the difference between crowns and fillings as well as how they can be used to repair your smile.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown, which is also referred to as a dental cap, is a type of restoration that completely encircles a tooth. They are shaped like teeth and color-matched to blend in with the rest of your smile. Crowns are often used to repair large cavities and may also be placed after a patient undergoes a root canal. They are typically bonded to the tooth using dental cement and improve both its look and function.
What Is a Dental Filling?
A dental filling is a restoration that’s used to restore the function, integrity, and look of a tooth. They are often used to fill in teeth once the decayed part has been removed and can be made from a variety of materials, including gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, plastic, or composite material. Many patients prefer tooth-colored composite fillings since they seamlessly blend in with the rest of one’s smile.
How Are They Different?
It’s important to understand the difference between crowns and fillings so that you can determine which one is the best option for your smile. A filling is bonded into a tooth and replaces the decayed part of it without requiring significant structural changes. Fillings are the best option when there aren’t any cracks in the tooth or the decay is minimal.
On the other hand, dental crowns are prosthetic devices that are cemented to teeth to strengthen them and protect them from harm. Before a dental crown is placed, your dentist will need to shape the tooth to ensure that it fits correctly. This will prevent the crown from disrupting your bite and ensure that it looks natural. Crowns are the best option when the tooth is cracked, weak, misshapen, discolored, or a large portion of it needs to be filled.
Now that you understand the difference between crowns and fillings, it should be easier to get an idea of which one you need. Make sure to schedule a consultation with your dentist so they can help you determine the best way to get your smile back on track!
About the Practice
Stansbury Dental offers a range of effective, efficient, and high-quality oral health treatments so that the residents of Tyler and the surrounding cities can achieve the gorgeous, healthy grins they’ve always wanted. If you have a tooth that is damaged or decayed, they offer both dental crowns and tooth-colored fillings to restore the function and look of your smile. If you’re interested in setting up an appointment with Stansbury Dental or want to learn more about the difference between crowns and fillings, call their office at (903) 561-1122 or visit their website.