Dental Crown vs. Teeth Filling: Which One is Right for Me?

First, let’s discuss what dental crowns and fillings are. They are both restorative dental options that help stop decay and restore the health of your affected tooth.

A dental crown, in simple terms, is a cap or prosthetic tooth composed of ceramic or porcelain. The dentist will place it on top of your existing tooth, which has suffered significant damage. Crowns are an excellent choice to shield a weak tooth from outside factors without compromising the aesthetics of your smile.

Dental fillings, on the other hand, are restorations usually made from silver, porcelain, and composite resin. When you have minor tooth decay, the dentist will etch away the damaged area of the tooth and fill it with restorative material. There are many types of fillings for teeth, and you can discuss your options with your dentist. With fillings, the dentist prevents decay from eating away your remaining tooth. If you keep up with the maintenance, dental fillings can last years!

There are some factors that separate dental crowns from fillings.

If you have severe tooth decay or damage, your dentist will recommend a crown. To do so, they will take impressions of your tooth and send them to the lab. Once prepped, the crown will cover and strengthen your damaged tooth.

A tooth filling is more suitable for minor decay or damage, and it does not require a dental impression. The dentist will just clean and fill your tooth with a suitable material. Then, they will check your bite and you will be good to go!

As discussed, fillings are suitable for minimal damage, while crowns are used for extensive decay. The first thing to do when you suspect tooth decay is see your dentist. They will thoroughly inspect your tooth and prevent the problem from becoming worse. If left untreated, the decay can start affecting the integrity of your tooth, and you might require more intensive treatment.

Your dentist will decide between tooth filling and crown depending on the extent of damage. In short, dental crowns are more suitable for severe damage, whereas fillings are recommended for minor decay. Discuss with your dentist to see which option is right for you!