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\u2019s blog, we are going to take a look at some of the factors that determine which of these restorative treatments are used.<\/p>\n
Naturally, every patient\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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\u00a0 than that. Fillings take their name from their very purpose; to \u2018fill\u2019 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.<\/p>\n
Small to medium cavities<\/strong><\/p>\n 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<\/a> and you, the patient. There are a number of possible considerations here including, strength, appearance and cost.<\/p>\n Chips and minor damage<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Replacing old fillings<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Dental crowns<\/strong><\/p>\n Sometimes also known as a \u2018cap\u2019, 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.<\/p>\nWhen are crowns used?<\/h3>\n