Crown vs. Filling: What Do I Need and Why?

If you’ve been experiencing tooth pain, it’s time to visit your dentist. And while pain is probably the most obvious sign that something’s wrong, oral health issues can often be present even without it.

The best thing you can do to avoid serious problems is to visit your dentist at least twice a year and more often if necessary! That way, you can prevent needing things like crowns and fillings. 

But what if you need one of those things? They’re pretty standard solutions, so you shouldn’t be scared. Keep reading for more information on these two procedures and why you might need one or the other.

Crown vs. Filling

You’ve undoubtedly heard these terms before, but it’s easy to confuse them. One of the reasons for this is that they typically treat the same issue: tooth decay. 

The primary difference lies in tooth decay’s severity and the treatment method.

Filling

A filling is a lot like how it sounds. Because tooth decay begins within the tooth, this method treats minor decay or tooth corrosion. Your dentist will remove the decayed tooth matter and replace it (or fill it in) with amalgam or composite resin.

While gold and silver were more common in the past, your dentist can now make fillings much less noticeable. Composite fillings will match the color of your natural enamel, allowing them to blend in when you smile or talk!

Crown

A crown is what your dentist will use when tooth decay is more severe, and a filling won’t solve the problem. Essentially, when a cavity has grown too much, your dentist can’t drill out the decayed tooth matter without affecting the structural integrity of the entire tooth. A crown covers the entire visible part of the tooth, allowing your dentist to remove all decaying tooth matter without visible damage. 

Crowns are also designed to match your other teeth so that you can talk and smile with confidence. As you might imagine, getting a crown is a little more work. You’ll need dental impressions, and your dentist must remove some tooth enamel.

Experiencing Tooth Pain?

Feeling pain or discomfort in your teeth is never normal and often can indicate a problem that’s been present for longer than you think. Plaque is difficult to remove at home, and tartar is impossible without a professional’s help. These things can lead to cavities, gum disease, and more. 

Seeing your dentist at least twice yearly is the best way to avoid these problems! Get in touch with LeCroy Dental today for a peace-of-mind checkup or to talk about solutions for an oral health issue you’re experiencing. We guarantee a comfortable and relaxed experience!