Does Your Decaying Or Damaged Tooth Require A Filling Or A Crown?

Fillings and crowns are two of the most common methods of tooth restoration, but how do we decide which one is used?

Many of you reading this blog will have had a filling when you have had tooth decay, whether that be an amalgam one or a more modern and discreet tooth coloured filling. Some of you may have had a crown instead. Both of these are effective ways of restoring a decaying or damaged tooth. In today’s blog, we are going to take a look at some of the factors that determine which of these restorative treatments are used.

Naturally, every patient’s dental problem is unique and this is a guide only. If you require treatment for tooth decay, you will be examined by the dentist at our Chelmsford dental practice and a decision will be taken from there.

Fillings

Amalgam dental fillings have been used since the early 1800s, with white dental fillings being available only from around the 1960s, albeit their frequent use was much more recent  than that. Fillings take their name from their very purpose; to ‘fill’ a cavity that has been caused by tooth decay. It is an effective and strong way of restoring a tooth, although prevention is always the best option of course.

When are fillings most likely to be used?

Small to medium cavities

Providing that the structure of the tooth has not been compromised too significantly, either amalgam or tooth coloured fillings can be used. Which one of these is used can be decided between your dentist and you, the patient. There are a number of possible considerations here including, strength, appearance and cost.

Chips and minor damage

If the integrity of the tooth has not been compromised too much, a filling can sometimes be used to restore it. As chips and small damage such as this often appear on the front teeth, it is probably more likely that white fillings would be used to provide a more aesthetic outcome. Porcelain veneers are also an option which could be used in certain situations.

Replacing old fillings

Where a filling currently exists and has become damaged; providing that no significant further damage has occurred to the tooth, a new filling may be used to replace it. This is an area where white fillings have an advantage over amalgam ones as the latter can shrink over time, allowing bacteria and possibly further decay to occur. This can cause sufficient damage to the tooth for a filling not to be the best option.

Dental crowns

Sometimes also known as a ‘cap’, crowns are used where more significant damage has been caused to a tooth. They require a tooth to be shaped in such a way that the crown can be attached to the top of the tooth using a dental adhesive. This not only provides for a more natural appearance but strengthens and helps to protect the remainder of the tooth as well.

When are crowns used?

More advanced tooth decay

When tooth decay has spread to such an extent that filling the tooth would provide insufficient strength and support to it, a porcelain or ceramic dental crown may be used instead. This can help to extend the lifespan of the tooth, whereas, with a filling, further damage may occur much sooner.

Cracks and fractures

If a tooth has cracked or broken to the extent that further damage is likely, our Blue Sky Dental dentists may decide that a crown offers the tooth the best possible outcome. While fillings could possibly be used, they may provide insufficient strength in some cases and crowns can provide a more secure option.

Root canals and teeth implants

When a root canal procedure is performed, it is sometimes necessary to remove a section from the top of the affected tooth. This naturally weakens it as well as making it look unnatural. In most cases, once the treatment has been carried out, a crown will be added to strengthen and improve the appearance of the tooth.

Crowns are also the final part of a dental implant procedure, they are attached to the implant through the use of an abutment (collar).

Cosmetic purposes

Sometimes a tooth or two may be misshapen or worn down a little, distracting from an otherwise nice smile. In situations like this, the fitting of a crown can restore the natural appearance and provide the patient with an improved smile.

As noted earlier, the decision of which to use, a crown or a filling, will depend on individual cases. If you have damaged a tooth or suspect that you may have tooth decay, why not contact us now so that any restorative work can be carried out before further damage occurs? To make your appointment with us, please call Blue Sky Dental of Chelmsford today on 01245 211070.