Smile restoration may become imperative for a range of reasons, including cavities, injuries, or severe tooth infections. In such scenarios, dental crowns and fillings often serve as go-to solutions. While they share similar objectives on occasion, there exist substantial differences between these two dental treatments. It’s vital to gain a clear understanding of these procedures to make informed choices regarding your oral well-being. Keep reading as we delve into the distinctions between crowns and fillings and their respective roles in enhancing and restoring your smile.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown, often called a dental cap, is a type of restoration that encircles a tooth entirely. It’s frequently employed to treat extensive cavities and can also be placed following a root canal treatment.
Crafted to mimic the form and hue of your natural teeth, dental crowns are carefully customized to harmonize with your smile seamlessly. Typically affixed to the tooth with dental cement, these crowns improve both the appearance and the functionality of the tooth.
What Is a Dental Filling?
Dental fillings are custom-made restorations crafted to restore and improve the strength, functionality, and appearance of a tooth. They are commonly employed to fill the void left after removing decayed areas, reinstating the tooth’s original form and structure.
Fillings can be fashioned from a range of materials, such as gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, plastic, or composite materials. Among these options, tooth-colored composite fillings are favored by many patients because they effortlessly harmonize with the natural color of neighboring teeth, resulting in a visually pleasing and seamless smile.
How Are They Different?
It’s crucial to gain a clear understanding of the distinctions between crowns and fillings to make well-informed choices regarding your dental care. Fillings are an excellent choice when there’s minimal decay and no cracks in the tooth. They are bonded to the tooth, replacing the decayed portion without significant structural alterations.
On the other hand, dental crowns are prosthetic devices designed to fortify and safeguard teeth. Before placing a dental crown, your dentist will reshape the tooth to ensure a precise fit, preventing any interference with your bite and ensuring a natural appearance. Crowns are the preferred option when dealing with a cracked, weak, misshapen, discolored tooth, or when a substantial filling is needed.
Keep in mind that making informed decisions about your oral health is of utmost importance. Your dentist is always available to provide guidance on the best treatment options tailored to your specific needs!
About the Practice
At Laith Family Dentistry, their commitment lies in delivering personalized care to each patient, customizing their services to cater to unique needs. Among their extensive range of treatment choices, they provide restorative solutions like dental crowns and fillings. Whether you’re dealing with a damaged or decayed tooth, Laith Family Dentistry can assess and recommend the most suitable treatment to restore both the functionality and aesthetics of your smile. To learn more about their restorative services or to schedule an appointment, please contact their Northwest San Antonio office at (210) 782-6842 or visit their website.
