Should You Get a Dental Crown or a Filling?

There’s more than one way to repair a damaged or decayed tooth. Sometimes your dentist may recommend having the tooth in question covered with a dental crown. In other cases, they may suggest a filling instead. Both of these restorations are highly reliable, but how will you know which one is truly right for you? Here’s what you need to know to determine whether a crown or a filling is the best option in your case.

What is a Dental Crown, and When Should You Get One?

A dental crown is designed to completely cover an injured tooth. Depending on the material it’s made of, it can often be designed to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. Covering a tooth with a crown will help restore its shape, size, and ability to function properly.

You may need a dental crown if your tooth has suffered from extensive damage of some kind, such as severely cracked enamel. Additionally, crowns can strengthen weakened teeth so that they can be safely used to bite or chew again.

What is a Filling, and When Should You Get One?

A dental filling is a type of restoration that is used to fill in holes or cavities in your tooth, replacing any enamel that was lost. Oftentimes, fillings are made out of composite resin, a highly biocompatible material that can be shaded to look like a natural part of your smile.

Fillings are often used to address cavities while they’re still small. They can also be a good solution for other types of minor dental damage as long as the tooth in question is not badly cracked.

Which Type of Restoration is Right for You?

Obviously, the answer to this question depends heavily on your specific circumstances. The severity and underlying cause of the damage will need to be taken into account. Your dentist will have to carefully examine your tooth and gather as much information as possible about your situation before they can help you figure out which type of restoration is right for you.

Remember, dental crowns and fillings may have their differences, but they are both reliable options for repairing damaged smiles. If you have any reason to suspect that you may be in need of a crown or filling, you should reach out to your dentist. The sooner you act, the sooner you can restore your tooth and get your oral health back on track!

About the Author

Dr. William J. Twohig is a holistic dentist in Weyauwega who has over 40 years of experience. When it comes to dentistry, he cares about helping his patients preserve their natural teeth and keeping their bodies free of toxic materials. As such, he is proud to offer dental crowns and tooth-colored fillings made out of natural-looking, biocompatible materials. If you have a tooth that’s in need of repair, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Twohig by visiting his website or calling (920) 867-3101.