Dental Fillings vs. Dental Crowns: Which Should You Choose?
If left untreated, dental cavities and decay can lead to severe oral health issues, including tooth loss. Seeking restorative dentistry treatment is key to preventing further damage and restoring oral health. When it comes to treating tooth decay, both dental fillings and dental crowns are viable options, but how do you know which one is right for your needs? Learn more about dental fillings versus dental crowns. To find out which option is right for you, contact Bloomington, IL dentists Jay W. Chrisman and David D. Wyse to schedule your personal consultation.
When Are Dental Fillings Used?
Dental fillings are used to repair teeth damaged by dental cavities, preventing further decay and damage. Traditionally made of metal, advances in dentistry have led to more aesthetically pleasing, tooth-colored treatments. Tooth-colored fillings made of composite resin are customized to match the color of the surrounding tooth, creating a seamless finish. Tooth-colored fillings are bonded directly to the tooth, preserving more of the tooth's structure than traditional metal fillings.
Dental filling treatment is performed by removing any areas of damage and decay, preserving as much of the healthy portions of the tooth as possible. Damaged areas of the tooth are removed using a dental drill or laser. Once all damaged portions of the tooth are removed, the tooth is cleaned and the filling is placed, completing treatment and restoring dental health.
When Are Dental Crowns Used?
Dental crowns are custom-made, tooth-shaped restorations designed to fit over a damaged tooth, restoring dental strength and appearance. Dental crowns are specifically used when decay or damage is too severe for treatment with dental fillings. Crowns may also be used to protect teeth weakened by large fillings from breaking or can be paired with dental implants to replace missing teeth.
Dental crown treatment usually requires two dental visits to complete. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared by removing decay and thoroughly cleaning the tooth. Using the iTero™ Digital Impressions Scanner, Drs. Chrisman and Wyse will take precise digital impressions of the tooth. These impressions are forwarded to a dental lab where each crown is custom-crafted to exacting detail. A temporary crown will be placed while the custom crown is crafted. Once the crown is finished, a second appointment will be needed to remove the temporary crown and bond the finished crown in place.
Determining the Proper Treatment
Dental fillings and dental crowns are equally beneficial in treating dental damage and restoring oral health. The type of treatment used is determined by the severity of the dental problem. In general, dental issues are treated using the most conservative approach suitable to the degree of damage. For those with mild to moderate tooth decay, dental fillings are often the most suitable treatment, while those with severe decay or large fillings tend to benefit more from dental crowns.
Find Out Which Treatment Is Right for You
For more information about treatments to restore your oral health, or to find out which options are right for your needs, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Chrisman and Wyse Cosmetic and General Dentistry.
