Dental Crowns vs. Fillings: What’s the Best Option for You?

When it comes to dental restoration, dental fillings and crowns are among the most popular options available on the market. Both are sought-after for fixing common to complex dental conditions, such as cavities, fractures, cracks, and decays. However, they also share some dissimilarities, which are covered in this comprehensive blog. Knowing these subtle differences between dental crowns and fillings can help you make an informed decision based on your dental conditions. Keep reading!

A] What Are Dental Crowns?

A tooth that has been weakened or damaged is covered by a custom-made covering to restore the tooth’s size, shape, strength, and appearance, known as a dental crown or cap. The dental crown is also used to cover teeth that have undergone root canal treatment. It is a tooth-shaped structure that covers a damaged or weakened tooth through dental crown procedures, like tooth shaping, impression, temporary crown, permanent placement, and cementation.

B] What Are Dental Fillings?

The dental filling is a common dental procedure performed to address common dental complications, such as minor tooth decay, cavities, cracks, or fractures. The procedure utilises specialised materials, such as composite resin, silver amalgam, gold, porcelain, and glass ionomer, to fill in the decayed portion. The dental filling procedure is done by removing the decayed portion and filling it with suitable material. The process involves decay cleansing, cavity filling, shaping, and hardening.

C] Key Differences Between Dental Crowns and Fillings

1. Extent of Tooth Damage

When finding out the best option for the damaged tooth, assess the extent of your tooth damage. Select the dental crown when your tooth has been weakened and damaged severely. A dental crown is used for extensive tooth damage, covering the entire tooth above the gum line. It is known for its comprehensive protection and structural support.

On the other hand, a dental filling is suitable for minor dental repairs, where small to medium-sized cavities are treated by placing specialised restorative materials into the cavity. Dental fillings only fill the damaged area, acting like a repair kit for moderate decay or small cavities.

2. Coverage and Protection

Understanding the type of coverage your tooth needs is crucial when comparing crowns and fillings. A dental crown provides full coverage by encapsulating the entire visible part of the tooth, making it ideal for teeth that need reinforced protection and structural stability. This makes crowns especially useful for teeth that have undergone root canals or have large fractures.

In contrast, dental fillings are designed to repair only the specific portion of a tooth affected by decay. They do not cover or reinforce the entire tooth structure. This partial restoration is suitable when the majority of the tooth remains intact and functional.

3. Procedure Complexity

The complexity of the treatment process varies significantly between crowns and fillings. Getting a dental crown involves a multi-step procedure that usually requires at least two dental visits. The first visit includes preparing the tooth, taking impressions, and placing a temporary crown. The final crown is placed in a follow-up appointment.

In comparison, a dental filling is typically a quick and straightforward process. Most fillings can be completed in a single visit, where the dentist cleans the cavity and fills it immediately with the chosen restorative material.

4. Durability and Longevity

When choosing between tooth restoration options, consider how long each treatment is expected to last. Dental crowns are known for their exceptional durability, often lasting 10 to 15 years or more with good oral hygiene and regular dental care. They are built to withstand heavy chewing forces, offering the best option for tooth decay with long-term performance.

Dental fillings, on the other hand, have a shorter lifespan. Depending on the material used, such as composite, amalgam, or other materials, fillings usually last between 5 to 10 years. They are more prone to wear and may require earlier replacement.

5. Aesthetic Considerations

Cosmetic appeal plays a role, especially for visible teeth. Dental crowns can be made from materials like porcelain or ceramic that closely match the colour and translucency of natural teeth. This makes them a preferred choice for restoring front teeth where appearance is a major concern.

Fillings also come in tooth-coloured materials such as composite resin, allowing for a natural-looking finish. However, metal amalgam fillings may be visible when you speak or smile, making them less ideal for highly visible areas in the mouth.

6. Cost Consideration

Budget is another important factor when deciding between the two options. Dental crowns are generally more expensive due to the materials involved, the laboratory work, and the multi-visit process required for fitting them properly. They are considered an investment in both function and aesthetics.

Dental fillings tend to be more affordable, especially for smaller cavities. The cost varies depending on the type of filling material used, with composite fillings typically being more costly than amalgam but still less expensive than a full crown.

D] Choosing the Best Option for a Damaged Tooth

When choosing the best option for a damaged tooth, always assess the extent of damage. If it is minor, dental fillings may be the best option. On the other hand, if your tooth has been damaged severely, the dental crown would be a more viable choice. Other than that, size, location, budget, and material preference also play a significant role when choosing the best option for a damaged tooth. Aesthetics and bite force are also the prime factors that must be considered when selecting the best treatment option for yourself.

That’s why a dentist consultation is a must for better and informed decision-making. They have the expertise to choose the best option for you based on your dental conditions and expectations. Oris Dental, a renowned dental clinic, offers cost-effective plans for dental crowns in the Sunshine Coast and dental fillings in the Sunshine Coast. Book your appointment now, and we will let you know what’s better, a crown or a filling.

Conclusion

So here we are, we have explored the common differences between a dental crown and a filling. We have also discussed how long crowns last compared to fillings. Now, you will have a basic idea of which one would be a viable option for your existing dental conditions. However, don’t forget to consult an expert dentist to solidify your choice.

Oris Dental houses some top dentists on the Sunshine Coast. They are sought-after for their extensive knowledge and experience in performing dental crown and filling procedures. Contact us today and make your smile more beautiful and appealing.

FAQs

1. How to fix a broken tooth?

To fix a broken tooth, several dental procedures are available based on the severity and location. They include contouring, crowns, veneers, root canal therapy, or extraction with replacement. Consult your dentist to choose a suitable treatment to fix the broken tooth based on its severity and location.

2. Does a cracked tooth need a crown?

No, not every cracked tooth needs a crown. It depends on the severity and location of the cracked tooth. It is always suggested to consult a dentist, like Oris Dental, to know when you need a dental crown.

3. Can I get a filling instead of a crown?

Yes, you may get a filling instead of a crown. However, it depends on the severity of the damage and the overall health of the tooth. Therefore, always consult a dentist before making any decision.

4. What is the lifespan of dental crowns and fillings?

Dental crowns are known for their exceptional durability, often lasting 10 to 15 years or more with good oral hygiene and regular dental care. On the other hand, fillings usually last between 5 to 10 years.

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