Tooth enamel is incredibly strong, but it isn’t completely indestructible. Fortunately, just because your teeth have been damaged by decay, an injury, or an accident doesn’t necessarily mean that you are going to lose them. With modern dental techniques and technology, there are a variety of ways that teeth can be restored and protected. Two of the most common restorative options out there that dentists use today are dental fillings and dental crowns. However, they have some key differences. Read on to learn about each one so you know what you can expect.
How Do Dental Fillings Work?
Dental fillings are generally used to treat minor damage to the teeth, like cavities and small fractures. The first step when getting a filling involves your dentist administering a local anesthetic, when necessary, to numb the area. Next, your dentist will prepare your tooth by removing any damaged parts and applying an acid gel to sanitize the area. This way, lingering bacteria and other debris can be eliminated. The tooth is then filled with high-quality dental material. This can include porcelain, amalgam, composite resin, or gold. However, today, dentists generally use tooth-colored composite resin for superior results.
How Do Dental Crowns Work?
A dental crown helps to restore a damaged tooth, but it is a lot different from a dental filling. Crowns are covers or “caps” that are placed over your damaged teeth. They are used to restore damage and can replace missing teeth to their original size, shape, and function. A dentist might opt to use dental crowns to do the following:
- Protect a tooth with a large filling
- Secure a bridge to replace a missing tooth
- Protect a weak tooth from additional damage
- Restore a fractured tooth
- Cover a misshapen tooth
- Attach to a dental implant
Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including metal alloys, ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, composite resin, and porcelain. They are made to be the exact size, shape, and color necessary to blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth.
If you have a tooth that needs some extra support, restorations like fillings and dental crowns can help to keep your smile complete for many years to come. During your consultation with your dentist, they will examine your smile to determine which one can better build up your smile. This way, you can show off beautiful, healthy pearly whites well into the future!
About the Practice
At Advanced Dental Treatment Center, Dr. William Carini and Dr. Kirsten Farr work together to serve patients in the Greenfield community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. If you have a tooth that is damaged, they would be happy to help. To learn more about dental crowns and fillings or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (414) 209-7465.