When teeth are damaged by decay, injuries, or accidents, this doesn’t mean that you are necessarily going to lose them. With modern dental techniques and technology, there are many ways that they can be restored and protected so that they last for many years into the future. Two of the most common options out there are dental fillings and crowns. However, they are very different from each other. Continue reading to learn about the difference so you can find out which one is the best option for you.
What Are Dental Fillings and How Do They Work?
A dental filling is used to treat minor damage to a tooth, such as small cavities and fractures. The first step involves your dentist administering a local anesthetic, if needed, to numb the area. Next, your dentist will prepare your tooth by removing any damaged parts and apply an acid gel to clean the area. The way, lingering bacteria and debris can be removed. The filling material is then added to the tooth. Fillings can be made up of numerous different materials. Some of the most common ones include porcelain, amalgam, composite resin, and gold. However, these days, dentists usually choose a tooth-colored composite resin for the best possible results.
What Are Dental Crowns and How Do They Work?
A dental crown also helps to restore a damaged tooth, but it is much different from a filling. Crowns are covers or “caps” that are placed over your damaged teeth. They restore damage and can replace missing teeth to their original size, shape, and function. A dentist might opt to use a dental crown to:
- Protect a tooth that has a large filling and not enough natural tooth structure.
- Attach a bridge to replace a missing teeth.
- Protect a weak tooth from experiencing more damaged in the future.
- Restore a fractured tooth.
- Cover a misshapen tooth.
- Attach to a dental implant.
Crown can be made from several different materials, like metal alloys, ceramics, porcelain fused to metal, porcelain, and composite resin. They are made to be the exact size, shape, and color needed to blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Your tooth enamel is the strongest substance in your entire body, but it isn’t completely safe from damage. Thanks to restorations like dental crowns and fillings, damaged teeth don’t always need to go. Your teeth can stay healthy for many years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Louis Olberding is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for over two decades. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, International College of Oral Implantologists, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and several other professional dental organizations. For more information on dental fillings and crowns or to schedule an appointment at his office in Lincoln, visit his website or call (402) 488-2325.