Do I Need a Dental Crown or Filling?

If you have cavities or a weakened or fractured tooth, your regular or emergency dentist will likely recommend a filling or a crown. Sometimes these treatments can be used interchangeably, but it’s often better to use one over the other. Dentistry relies on several factors to help determine which option to recommend to patients.

It’s important, though, to first understand the difference between crowns and fillings. A crown is a prosthetic device cemented onto the tooth, providing coverage, and strength to a tooth. A filling is a material bonded into a tooth, replacing the damaged tooth structure.

Here are some of the ways that a dentist thinks about whether to recommend a filling versus a crown.

Fillings are best when:

• There are no cracks. Fillings aren’t recommended for cracked teeth, but teeth in mostly good condition are candidates. The filling relies on the tooth’s strength to do its job, as the filling’s job is to repair and replace the tooth structure damaged by decay.
• The decayed area is small. For minor repairs, fillings are the best and safest option.
• Cost is an issue. Fillings cost less than crowns but both can be competed in one visit.  That said, you don’t want to compromise your dental health because of finances or an extra visit. A tooth that’s not properly repaired can cost more in the long run, possibly requiring a root canal, bridge, implant or denture.

Crowns are best when:

• Your tooth is cracked. A crown can help extend the tooth’s life. A cracked tooth won’t heal and a crown is the best way to hold the tooth together so it won’t breakdown further.
• A large portion of the tooth needs filling. A filling doesn’t always protect the tooth over the long term. If a big portion of the tooth needs filling, a crown might be a better option. The filling can act like a wedge when you chew, putting pressure on the tooth and causing fractures. Placing a crown earlier might save you additional visits and cost later.
• Your tooth is weak. The crown can prevent it from cracking and weakening further, so you can avoid dental implants and dentures if possible.
• You want to cover a discolored or misshapen tooth. A crown looks like a regular tooth. The dentist will match the color, size and shape so that it’s aesthetically pleasing as well as functional.

General Differences Between Tooth Fillings and Dental Crowns

Here’s a quick list of the common differences and uses of crowns and fillings.  Remember that this is just a general guide and everyone’s oral health is different.  Scheduling a dental exam is important so that we can learn more about how to best assist your needs.

Factors that determine the choice of fillings or crowns

To determine which option (dental fillings or crown) would be more effective, a dentist will consider the following factors:

Size of the cavity

The size of the cavity is one of the factors that decide the choice between a dental filling and a dental crown. When tooth decay goes untreated for long, it gets bigger and deeper. If the cavity is detected on time, a filling is good enough. However, if the decay has affected a significant portion of the tooth, the dentist will suggest a dental crown.

Tooth condition

If a tooth has been filled too many times, then a crown might be in order. The reason for this is that the tooth becomes weaker as more fillings replace its original structure. Soon, it will not be strong enough to withstand normal biting and chewing. This may cause the tooth to crack or break completely. Also, a tooth composed of large fillings or several small fillings is vulnerable to pulpitis — an infection of the root by bacteria. The crown will protect the tooth from the infection.

Broken or cracked teeth

A crown is customized to look like a natural tooth, which means it is perfect for repairing chipped, cracked, or broken teeth. The crown will protect the tooth from further damage that may expose it to infection. It is impractical to use a dental filling to restore a cracked tooth, regardless of the severity of the damage.

Root canal

If the core of a tooth is infected, the dentist will clean out the infection, but the loss of the tooth’s core makes the tooth hollow and weaker. Performing a root canal and placing a dental crown over the tooth is the only way to save the tooth from extraction.

Searching for a Lady’s Island Dentist Near Me

Our dentist in Beaufort, SC are be happy to talk to you about the pros and cons of getting a filling or crown, should you need one. Be sure to ask any questions, so you can make the best choice for you if they’re both an option. In some obvious situations, the dentist will suggest only one type of treatment.  We welcome new patients and look forward to helping you achieve the optimal oral health.  To schedule an appointment in our Lady’s Island dentist office, contact us at (843) 986-0177 or feel free to use our online appointment form.