Do You Need A Dental Crown Or Filling?
Crowns and fillings are each used to solve different dental concerns, but there some places where the need for one or the other overlaps. Deciding which of these are the best alternative, and which you need is typically the province of your dentist. Understanding how that decision is made can help you feel more confident in the procedure about to be performed, and how it will help your oral health in the long run. One of the most basic factors involved is just how much of your natural tooth remains once the decay has been removed.
Conditions of the Remaining Tooth
When your dentist has finished addressing the decay that exists in your teeth, he’ll have to assess the condition of the remaining tooth. If the remaining tooth is in good shape and there is sufficient mass, then a filling made of composite will be able to repair it. If not, a partial or complete crown will be necessary to repair the tooth.
How Likely Tooth Fractures Or Decay Are
Teeth that are fractured have a higher chance of developing cavities and experience decay. Patients who have a particularly heavy bite, or are prone to grinding their teeth, may not benefit from a filling. In these cases, your dentist is likely to use the crown to resolve the situation. Fillings are far more prone to fracturing.
When It’s Time For A Filling
Fillings are perfect for restoring teeth that have only taken minor damage or lost limited amounts of material. Crowns don’t involve the removal of any additional material in most cases, whereas the filling always involves the removal of the additional dental mass. The benefit is that much of your natural tooth structure is retained, and they also produce a better seal than many other dental solutions.
The composite material used in creating filling bonds well with the teeth, and mimics the appearance of natural teeth well. You’ll know that your teeth are looking great, and are largely indistinguishable from your natural teeth when the procedure is completed. Fillings ensure that your smile remains beautiful and looking natural while retaining the uniform and symmetrical nature of your teeth. Crowns can often be identified by the casual observer; fillings generally escape notice.
If you think you may be in need of dental reconstruction and are wondering if a filling or crown is the right solution for you, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist. They’ll bring you in and do an assessment of your current dental health, checking your gums, cheeks, and of course, your teeth for concerns.
After the exam, they’ll be able to determine if you’re in need of dental reconstruction and what form will work best. Dr. Shadi Heidarian at Heritage Park Dental has been providing restorative dentistry for patients in the Palo Alto, CA, area for years, and would be proud to serve your family today! Just call and make an appointment with their team.
