Comparing Dental Restorations: Fillings vs. Crowns
Dr. Patrick Tanner is a leading dentist serving the South Ogden area. He offers some of the most advanced cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry treatments, helping promote total dental wellness as well as smile aesthetics.
We'd like to take a moment right now to consider how two kinds of dental restorations compare to one another, namely dental fillings and dental crowns.
About Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are traditional restorations that are used for cavities and minor instances of tooth decay. These kinds of restorations help replace and rebuild that compromised tooth structure, halting the progression of tooth decay and restoring the overall strength and integrity of a person's bite.
Dental fillings com in both tooth-colored and metal forms. The tooth-colored fillings blend in seamlessly with a tooth's natural structure and is comprised of composite materials, and tend to be preferred today given the combination of aesthetic enhancement and overall effectiveness.
Ideal Uses for Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are best for addressing minor amount of tooth decay and basic cavities. Sometimes fillings can be used to address small chips and cracks in teeth as well.
About Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are substantial dental restorations that are used to repair a tooth that has been seriously damaged or decayed. A crown is used to cap a tooth, protecting it from serious harm and soreness. With a dental crown on, patients can bite and chew as they normally would without worrying about pain.
As with dental fillings, crowns come in both tooth-colored and metal forms. Typically the metal crowns are used in the molars and pre-molars given their durability and relative lack of visibility.
Ideal Uses for Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are best when used to address major tooth damage or tooth decay. When a tooth is severely compromised in terms of structure, crowns are typically the last resort to save a tooth from extraction.
Are Dental Fillings Better Than Crowns or Vice Versa?
Not necessarily. It all really depends on the situation.
For minor tooth decay and damage, it's best to use dental fillings. For serious tooth decay and damage, dental crowns are more ideal. When the tooth decay or damage is minor, dental fillings are typically a better option. We'll be sure to tailor treatment to you and your need so you get the treatment that's most ideal for you.
Other Dental Restoration Options
If fillings and crowns are not ideal, there are intermediary restorations that may be helpful. These are known as inlays and onlays. Inlays and onlays are like fillings, but they are able to restore major portions of tooth structure, including the cusps (biting surfaces) of the teeth.
Good Preventative Care Is Always the Best Option
Ultimately, the best way to ensure lasting dental health is to practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly. Always keep the basics of brushing and flossing in mind.
Contact South Ogden Smiles
To learn more about your dental restoration options and how we can help you achieve excellent dental health, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Patrick Tanner and the entire team at the practice look forward to your visit and addressing your dental care needs.
