Tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the entire body. However, it isn’t completely indestructible. It can be damaged by a variety of causes, including decay and injury. The good news is that there are various restorative options out there to restore the appearance and function of your teeth. Fillings and dental crowns are both popular solutions, but which one is best for you? Here’s what you should know.
How Do Dental Fillings Work?
Dental fillings are used to treat minor damage to the teeth, like cavities and small fractures. The first step when getting a filling involves your dentist administering a local anesthetic to numb the area. Next, your dentist will prepare your tooth by removing damaged portions of the tooth and applying an acidic gel to sanitize the area. This way, lingering bacteria and other debris can be eliminated. The tooth is then filled with high-quality dental materials. This includes porcelain, amalgam, composite resin, and gold. Today, we typically use tooth-colored composite resin for the best results.
How Do Dental Crowns Work?
A dental crown helps to restore a damaged tooth, but it is a lot different from a filling. Crowns are covers or “caps” that are placed over your damaged teeth. They are used to restore damage and can replace missing teeth to their original size, shape, and function. A dentist may opt to use dental crowns to do the following:
- Protect a tooth with a large filling
- Secure a bridge to replace a missing tooth
- Protect a weak tooth from additional damage
- Restore a fractured tooth
- Cover a misshapen tooth
- Attach to a dental image
Dental crowns can be made from various materials, including metal alloys, ceramic, porcelain fused-to-metal, composite resin, and porcelain. They are made to be the exact size, shape, and color needed to blend in with the rest of your smile.
If you have a tooth that needs some extra support, restorations like fillings and dental crowns can help to keep your smile complete and healthy for many years going forward. During your consultation with your dentist, they will examine your smile to determine which one can better build up your smile. This way, you can show off beautiful, healthy teeth well into the future!
About the Author
Dr. Megan McInnis is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than a decade. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas. Currently, she is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Oregon Dental Association. To learn more about fillings or dental crowns, or to schedule an appointment at her office in Portland, visit her website or call (503) 761-1414.