What is the Difference Between a Crown and a Filling?
When you have dental problems like cavities or a damaged tooth, your dentist might suggest a crown or a filling to fix it. Both of these treatments are essential for keeping your oral health in check. They make sure your teeth stay strong and functional and although they often get used interchangeably, they actually serve different purposes.
In this article, we'll break down the key differences between dental crowns and fillings to help you understand when and why they might be recommended by your dentist.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown, also known as a tooth crown or cap, is a customised cover designed to fully encase a damaged or weakened tooth. Think of it as a protective helmet for your tooth, designed to strengthen weakened teeth while restoring their shape, size, and function.
Crowns come in different materials, such as porcelain, metal alloys, or ceramics. Each type offers specific benefits, such as aesthetics, strength, or durability, making them suitable for various dental needs. Your local dentist in Toowoomba will recommend the best type for your specific situation.
The Process of Getting A Dental Crown
Getting a dental crown involves several steps, and here's how it works for you:
- Your dentist will examine your tooth's condition, sometimes with the help of X-rays, to understand the extent of any damage or decay.
- To ensure a comfortable experience, your dentist will numb the tooth area. They'll then remove any damaged or decayed parts of your tooth to make space for the crown.
- An impression or mould of your prepared tooth is taken. This mould is sent to a dental lab, where skilled technicians craft your unique crown with precision.
Usually, you'd get a temporary crown to protect your tooth while you wait for the permanent one. But at our Toowoomba practice, we make it all happen in one go. We offer Same-Day Crowns using advanced CEREC technology.
With our CEREC Same-Day Crowns, the entire process from digital imaging to crown design and creation, is completed in a single visit. You won't have to wait for weeks!
You also won't have to deal with a temporary crown altogether, which can sometimes be less comfortable or prone to coming loose.
Depending on your specific situation, you may even be able to return to work or your daily routine while waiting for your crown to be created. This minimises the disruption to your schedule and lets you enjoy the benefits of a fully restored smile without the wait.
When Might You Need a Dental Crown?
Several situations might lead to a dental crown being recommended for you:
- Guarding Weak Teeth: If a tooth is weakened by extensive decay or a large filling, a crown can provide essential support and protection.
- Post-Root Canal Care: After a root canal, a tooth can become delicate. A crown is often placed to protect the treated tooth from potential fractures.
- Fixing Broken Teeth: Cracked or fractured teeth can regain their strength and structure through crowns.
- Cosmetic Enhancements: Crowns can also enhance your smile's appearance by covering discoloured or misshapen teeth, giving you a more confident grin.
- Bridge Anchors: Dental crowns serve as reliable anchors for dental bridges, filling in the gap left by missing teeth.
What is a Dental Filling?
A dental filling is a restorative material used to repair teeth damaged by decay or trauma. Unlike crowns, which cover the entire visible part of your tooth, fillings are placed directly into the affected area. They are typically used to repair small to moderately sized cavities caused by tooth decay.
Common filling materials include amalgam, composite resin, ceramics, and glass ionomer. Oftentimes, the choice of material depends on your tooth's location and your preference so it’s best to consult with your dentist.
The Process of Getting a Dental Filling
The process of getting a filling is relatively quick and straightforward with a few steps involved.
- Your dentist begins by thoroughly examining your tooth to identify the extent of the damage or decay.
- To ensure a pain-free experience, your dentist administers a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area.
- The damaged or decayed portion of your tooth is skillfully removed, leaving a clean and healthy foundation.
- After preparing the tooth, your dentist applies the chosen filling material to restore the tooth's structure.
- The filling material is shaped and polished to ensure it fits comfortably within your bite and looks natural.
When Might You Need a Dental Filling?
Fillings are excellent for preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible. They're a more conservative approach to dental restoration. That’s why they are important in helping solve the following dental issues:
- Cavities: Fillings are most commonly used to treat cavities caused by tooth decay, preventing the decay from spreading further.
- Chipped Teeth: Teeth that have been chipped or fractured due to accidents or trauma can be repaired using fillings.
- Tooth Wear: If teeth are worn down due to grinding or clenching, fillings can help restore their original shape and function.
- Cosmetic Corrections: Fillings can also be used for minor cosmetic enhancements, like fixing small gaps or irregularities.
Key Differences Between a Crown and Filling
Now that we've explored the ins and outs of dental crowns and fillings, let's pinpoint the key differences that set these two treatments apart:
Purpose
The most obvious difference between a crown and a filling is their purpose. A dental crown provides structural support and protects weakened or damaged teeth, while fillings only repair small to moderate cavities or tooth damage from decay or injury. Crowns cover the entire tooth, while fillings target specific damage.
Tooth Preservation
Fillings are the go-to choice when it comes to preserving as much of your natural tooth structure as possible, requiring minimal removal of damaged areas. Crowns, on the other hand, involve more extensive reshaping, potentially causing significant tooth reduction.
Extent of Damage
A crown is for substantial damage that compromises the tooth's core structure, while a filling works best for minor to moderate damage, keeping the tooth's core intact.
Appearance
A dental filling matches your natural teeth, making it nearly invisible. A crown, though strong and supportive, may be more noticeable due to the materials used.
Filling or Crown?
If you have any questions about dental crowns, dental fillings, or any other restorative dentistry procedure in Toowoomba, don't hesitate to reach out to our team at Garden City Dental Practice. Give us a call on 4634 0664 or conveniently book online and we’d be happy to help you address your unique dental needs.
