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Crowns strengthen and restore damaged teeth and fill gaps.
Fillings restore damaged teeth and help prevent tooth decay.
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We offer many tooth replacement options like Implants, Crowns, and Dentures.
Do you have a cavity?
Do you have a cavity? Both a dental crown and tooth-colored filling are capable of repairing damage done to teeth. However, there are differences between the two that could affect which one our Grand Rapids dentists recommend during your next appointment.
Deciding between a crown and a filling depends on multiple factors, including cost, length of procedure, durability, and the extent of your tooth’s decay. We can evaluate your specific case and help you decide which direction to take.
Here’s how these two restorative dental treatments stack up against each other.
As mentioned above, dental crownsand fillings are both common ways to fix teeth, but they serve different purposes and are used in varying situations. While white fillings are typically used to repair lesser cavities and small-scale damage, porcelain dental crowns are often employed for more severely affected teeth.
If your teeth are severely damaged or decayed, you’re better off spending the extra money for a porcelain crown. For intensive tooth repair, a filling wouldn’t be capable of properly restoring the tooth to its natural function and appearance.
Dental crowns cover the entire visible portion of your tooth above the gum line, providing comprehensive protection and support. In fact, some of our patients call them “tooth caps.” Since crowns cap your underlying teeth, they are more durable and usually last for longer periods of time than fillings.
Related Post → When Should You Have a Dental Crown Replaced?
Tooth crowns also help protect the underlying enamel from experiencing further damage and sensitivity. Teeth that have been weakened by repeated restorative dental procedures may also benefit by being fitted for dental crowns. One of our local family dentists will be able to advise you on whether a crown is necessary for the amount of tooth damage present.
Like the name suggests, fillings are able to fill in small areas in your tooth (i.e., cavities) that have decayed or otherwise been damaged. Small cavities often call for fillings. If the damage done to the tooth is minimal, you may be able to get away with just having a filling done instead of getting a dental crown.
Patients tend to prefer fillings over dental crowns because they can be completed within a single visit to our Grand Rapids, MI, dental office. Also, unlike with dental crowns, our dentists will not need to take impressions of your teeth in order to do fillings. That means that your cavity treatment will take less time and cost less money.
In addition, tooth fillings preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible and fill in only those areas that are damaged. Cosmetic white fillings also match the color of your natural enamel, which is perfect for teeth that show when you smile and talk.
Both procedures begin with a thorough oral examination and the administration of optional dental sedation to help you relax. It’s possible that dental X-rays may also be needed to assess the extent of decay or damage but we’ll discuss this with you beforehand. Generally speaking, however, our dentists will evaluate whether the tooth is a good candidate for repair or if more significant intervention, like tooth removal, is necessary.
In the event the tooth can’t be saved, our dentists can discuss tooth replacement options with you such as dental implants, dental bridges, or dentures to fully restore your smile.
When deciding the best dental procedure for your tooth, you’ll need to consult with one of our dentists. They’ll be able to determine whether the damage is severe enough to warrant a dental crown procedure or if you’ll be able to get away with a filling.
Even if the damage done to the tooth is minimal, some patients choose porcelain crowns for their durability and overall appearance, i.e., to correct discoloration. Ultimately, the choice will need to be discussed by you and one of our dentists.
Our dentists in Grand Rapids, MI, are dedicated to providing patients with quality dental care. We are proud to offer a range of dental services that include crowns, fillings, dental bridges, and porcelain veneers. Call Contemporary Family Dental today at (616) 209-3969, or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.
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