Mordor Intelligence reports that the U.S. restorative dentistry market will grow at a CAGR of 7.07% over the next five years. The prevalence of dental problems like cavities and the high demand for crowns and fillings facilitate this growth.
Choosing between a dental crown vs. filling may be overwhelming when it comes to restoring your damaged teeth. They both have some similarities and differences, which can determine your decision.
Be cautious not to make a wrong decision. You may end up with serious dental complications that can affect your overall health.
Unsure about a dental crown vs. filling? In this blog, we’ll break down each to help you choose the best option for your dental needs. Keep reading to learn more!
Understanding Dental Crowns and Fillings
Understanding each of these options and how they work is key to avoiding costly mistakes. Here is information to enlighten you about them.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a custom-fitted cap designed to cover and protect a compromised tooth. It’s tailored to the shape and size of your damaged tooth. Dental crowns work by protecting, restoring, and supporting the affected tooth.
Dental crowns have varying material compositions, including:
- Composite resin
- Porcelain
- Ceramic
- Metal
- Zirconia
A dentist will first assess the location of your tooth before choosing the material for your dental crown. For instance, porcelain or ceramic crowns are ideal for front teeth because of their aesthetics.
Zirconia crowns are sturdy and durable, making them perfect for molars. They can easily endure the chewing pressure.
Other factors a dentist can evaluate include:
- The surrounding teeth color
- The function of the tooth requiring a crown
- The visibility of your teeth when you smile
Filling
A dental filling is a restorative material used to fill cavities or minor cracks in the tooth structure. During filling, a dentist first removes the decayed or chipped portion of the tooth.
They then clean the cavities before placing the filling materials. The fillings must be shaped to match your tooth’s natural contours. After this, the dentist applies a chemical reaction or curing light to harden the filling.
Dental fillings work by repairing cavities or other minor damage. Early intervention helps prevent further tooth deterioration and complications like gum disease.
Dental fillings for cavities come in varying options, including:
- Silver fillings (amalgams)
- Cast gold fillings
- Glass ionomer fillings
- Tooth-colored composites
- Ceramic fillings
Fillings and Dental Crown Benefits
Both fillings and crowns are restorative dental solutions. A filling is ideal for cleaning your decayed tooth. This alters the progression of cavities, which can cause:
- Toothaches
- Tooth loss
- Gum infections
- Tooth abscesses
- Bad breath
Some fillings release fluoride, which can strengthen your damaged tooth. Other filling advantages include:
- Minimally invasive
- Cost-effective
- Enhanced aesthetics
Dental crowns are ideal for enhancing your tooth’s appearance. They can boost your smile and overall self-confidence.
Crowns also protect the teeth from decay, erosion, and staining. Their other benefits include:
- Improving oral hygiene
- Improving chewing ability
- Preventing your teeth from falling out
- Increased durability
Dental Crown vs. Filling
The coverage of dental crowns is different from that of fillings. Crowns act as a cap – covering the entire tooth. Dental fillings only fill the decayed portion of the tooth.
The two also differ based on the extent of tooth damage they correct. Dental crowns strengthen and restore severely cracked or weak teeth, while fillings repair minor to mild decay.
Crown vs. filling cost also makes the two different. Dental crowns are costlier than fillings.
The crown procedure is more complex than the filling procedure. Crowns require multiple visits for full restoration compared to dental fillings.
Lastly, they differ based on their longevity. Dental crowns can last longer than fillings.
Choosing Between a Dental Crown and Filling
To make the right choice, assess the extent of your tooth’s damage first. For severely fractured or decayed teeth, crowns will suffice, and vice versa.
A dentist checks if your tooth structure is still intact to determine the level of damage. They also assess the size of the decayed portion.
Your aesthetic priorities can also determine your choice. Crowns are more suitable for a better smile.
Other factors that can determine what you choose include:
- Dentist’s recommendations
- Cost
- Location of the cavity
- Chewing habits
- Potential allergies
When to Choose Crowns or Fillings
A crown is ideal if you have large cavities that a dentist can’t correct with a filling. Some signs of large tooth cavities include:
- Persistent, throbbing toothaches
- Gum swelling
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Visible holes
- Gum bleeding
A weak, worn-out, or fractured tooth is also a sign you need a dental crown. If you’ve undergone root canal treatment, consider a crown to protect the fragile tooth against damage.
Mild toothache and sensitivity are signs you need a dental filling. They result from minor cavities.
Fillings are also essential if food often gets trapped in tooth cavities. Minor chips and teeth gaps can trap food particles.
Tips for Choosing a Restorative Dentist
Dentistry is a professional field. So you need a well-trained and qualified dentist. Take time to evaluate their credentials, such as:
- Specialty certifications
- Dental licenses
- A dental degree
- Membership in professional bodies like the American Dental Association
Don’t also forget to evaluate the dental technology your practitioner has adopted. Consider digital photography, digital X-rays, and 3D crowns.
Compare the fees charged by several dentists. Request a breakdown of the cost structure to learn what the fees cover.
Reputation also matters. Read the dentist’s online reviews and get recommendations from past clients.
Aftercare Tips
Aftercare tips are essential for maintaining the integrity of these restorations. They prevent complications and extend the restoration’s longevity.
Some aftercare tips for crowns and fillings include:
- Avoiding hard or sticky foods
- Avoiding too hot foods
- Managing pain or sensitivity through over-the-counter drugs
- Brushing or flossing the teeth daily
- Avoiding grinding the teeth
Making the Right Choice for Your Dental Health and Smile
Choosing between a dental crown vs. filling is more about protecting your teeth and smile. If you’re unsure, Albee Family Dental can guide you with expert advice tailored to your needs. Our team leader, Dr. Jennifer Albee, has over 20 years of experience in the dental practice.
If you live in Rochester, NY, and need a trusted family and cosmetic dentist, call us today. Quality care is our goal!
