Your teeth are something you must maintain at all costs. After all, damaged teeth can make you self-conscious and lead to more serious health problems. Take advantage of dental services that may help you recover your teeth and give you the self-assurance to flash your grin!
You can repair damaged teeth in two ways: dental crown and filling. However, what’s the difference between these two techniques? No worries, though, because this article will help you understand how these two dental services work and what kind of treatment you should choose for your damaged teeth.
What Is a Dental Filling?
Dental filling is a dental method that helps treat a tooth cavity. The dental filling starts with removing the decayed tooth material using a dental drill. The dentist will clean and cleanse the region after removing the decay. Next, the dentist will apply a dental adhesive to the tooth and place the dental filling material into the cavity. The dental sealant will help the dental filling material stay in place.
There are four main types of dental fillings, which are:
- Gold Filling – This type is more tolerated by the gum tissues and can last up to 20 years without losing their function. However, this is the most expensive one since your dentist must use more gold to fill the tooth.
- Composite Filling – This type is made of plastic and glass, which makes it tooth-coloured. Furthermore, this is the most popular type of dental filling because it’s more affordable and blends with your natural teeth.
- Porcelain Filling – This type is made of ceramic and glass, making it look natural. It is the most expensive type of dental filling, but it can last up to 20 years without losing its function.
- Amalgam Filling – This type is made of mercury, silver, tin, and copper. It is the most affordable type of dental filling, but it doesn’t look as natural as composite fillings.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is like your prosthetic, porcelain teeth—meaning it can cover a tooth that is damaged, decayed, or has a large filling. It is also used to improve the appearance of a tooth. Crowns are custom-made to fit the tooth they cover and bonded to the tooth with dental adhesive.
Unlike dental fillings, dental crowns are permanent. Moreover, they aim to restore your teeth’s function and appearance instead of replacing a missing or severely damaged tooth.
Which Is Better: Dental Fillings or Crowns?
The dental services you choose will depend on your needs and budget. For instance, dental fillings are a great option when you have a small cavity or need to restore a tooth’s function. They are also ideal when you want to avoid using a dental crown. Meanwhile, dental crowns are a good option when you have a large cavity, when you need to restore a tooth’s appearance, or when you have a tooth that is severely damaged.
Final Thoughts
Dental crowns and fillings are important for restoring damaged or decayed teeth. However, there are some key differences between the two that patients should be aware of. Patients should examine the pros and cons of both treatments with their dentist to decide which is best for them.
The TLC dentist provides affordable and premium dental services in Earlwood for patients who want to repair their damaged teeth. Schedule an appointment with us today for more details!
