Dentists use dental fillings and crowns to restore damaged teeth. A dental filling is a material, such as metal or porcelain that the dentist uses to fill a tooth cavity. A dental crown is a cap-shaped material that the dentist uses to cover a damaged tooth. Below are some factors determining whether to use a dental filling or crown.
Cavity Size
Dental cavities often start small and only expand with time without treatment. A dental filling may be adequate for your cavity in the initial stages. You need a dental crown if the cavity has widened and affected most of the tooth structure.
The cavity size matters since enamel erosion weaken teeth. A tooth with a large cavity is relatively weaker than a tooth with a smaller cavity. A dental crown strengthens the tooth better than a filling. Thus, a crown is better for larger cavities.
Past Fillings
Dental erosion might continue even after filling the initial cavity. Some people go for second and third dental fillings as their cavities widen. However, multiple fillings are not advisable.
Your tooth weakens with the decrease in its natural structure, which happens every time you need a filling. A tooth with multiple fillings has a high risk of breaking or cracking due to its weakened status. Thus, a filing is great for initial cavity treatment, but a crown is better for subsequent treatments.
Other Tooth Damages
A dental filling is an artificial material that the dentist uses to fill an eroded part of a tooth. The treatment works best for teeth with cavities as their only defects. Additional defects usually mean a tooth is too weak for a filling. For example, you should consider a dental crown if your tooth has both a cavity and a crack. The crown will cover the cavity and strengthen the tooth.
The Need For Root Canal Treatment
Endodontic treatment (root canal treatment) rids your tooth root of diseased tissues and bacteria. The dentist cleans the tooth root, sterilizes it, and fills it with an inert material as part of the treatment. Unfortunately, root canal treatment leaves your tooth relatively weaker than before. Get a crown if you have an infected tooth root and a cavity.
Seek dental treatment as early as possible if you suspect a problem with your teeth. Your dentist will examine your teeth and determine the best restoration for your case. Listen to the dentist's advice, including post-treatment care, for the best results.
