Do I Need a Dental Crown or a Filling?

From the Practice Blog · Originally published May 2, 2019

Do you want to know whether a dental crown or a dental filling will ideally fix your tooth problem? The decision on which of these two dental restoration options is going to work for you depends on the current condition of your tooth that requires repair. Anytime you have a tooth that is in jeopardy, it is essential that you set up an appointment with a dental professional as soon as possible for advice. The longer you wait to address any tooth problems you are currently living with, the more difficult it will become to resolve the issue. Ready to learn more about crowns and fillings?

About dental crowns

Thinking a dental crown may fix your tooth problem? A dental crown is also known as a dental cap and is a restoration option that is commonly used to fix teeth that are in jeopardy of being lost. Dental crowns restore a tooth that is so damaged that it is no longer able to provide proper functioning, and they help to give it its strength back. Teeth need to be strong for them to do their job correctly and when one of them is so weak that it is not able to function properly, dental crowns can help.

A dental crown is placed directly over a tooth, essentially making it a false tooth to take the place of the jeopardized tooth. The process of placing a dental crown in one’s mouth usually takes two visits to the dental office. According to the American Dental Association, the purpose of a crown is to make a tooth stronger or to improve the way it looks.

About dental fillings

A dental filling is used to repair cavities in teeth. A cavity is a small hole in a tooth that continues to grow and therefore needs attention promptly. Cavities are caused by tooth decay, which comes from a buildup of plaque and bacteria on the teeth. A cavity can be minor or major, and either way requires a dental professional to fill the cavity so the tooth is no longer in jeopardy. Since there is a variety of filling options available to patients nowadays, they can choose the type of filling they want to address their cavity, i.e., porcelain, silver, gold, metal.

A dental filling fills the hole in a tooth, preventing further decay from occurring. The process of placing a dental filling in one’s mouth normally takes one visit to the dental office. According to the American Dental Association, a dental filling is intended to replace tooth structure lost to decay.

Have you made a decision?

Have you decided that a dental crown is going to work for you? Or maybe all you need is a dental filling? Now that you've read the above information and understand more about the differences between these two common dental treatments, you probably have a better idea of which option is going to fix your tooth problem. The only way you can know for sure is to make an appointment for a full mouth evaluation. If you have any remaining questions that you need answering before making an appointment, we are ready to provide the answers you seek.