Just as you're also concerned about your overall health and well being, the same attention should also be given to your oral health. Even if it's only a tiny part of your body, oral health is just as important. You wouldn't want to find out later on that your teeth are laden with cavities, and your gums are full of tartar and plaque.
Luckily for you, today, technology has brought about so many advancements in many fields, including dentistry. The dentists like those at orthodontics Temple Terrace FL now have better means of treating any of your dental concerns. The dentists now have better means of treating any of your dental concerns. Two of these most common, expensive, and serious treatments are dental crowns and fillings.
Despite this fact, however, it's also common knowledge that not too many people understand the difference between a dental crown and a dental filling. Generally, the difference lies in the severity of the damage brought upon by cavities in your teeth. Your dentist knows for sure, which is the best choice. But, as the patient, it helps if you also see for yourself what's going on, the details of your procedure, and what each entails.
Before answering the question as to whether or not it's a crown or a filling that you'll need, it's also essential to make that distinction between both. Especially when you're not well versed in the field of medicine or dentistry, having background knowledge on each of these procedures will help you make a more informed choice as to which one you need best.
For starters, you can also get hold of a reputable dentist, by visiting this website, to have a brief background on each of these procedures: https://www.grovecitydentalofblackfoot.com/
Hence, read through below to learn in-depth about a dental crown and a dental filling. Then, it's expected that after the end of this run-through, you'll already be on the same page with your dentist as to which dental procedure it is you need.
What Is A Dental Crown?
First, learn about what a dental crown is. This is the preferred procedure when tooth decay is more severe or when so much damage has already happened to the subject tooth. Dental crowns offer a very personalized treatment form, as these are customized to fit perfectly over the affected tooth.
Dental crowns are also generally used after a root canal procedure. This refers to that procedure done on a tooth with a cavity so deep that it has already reached the pulp or is dangerously close. When this happens, the patient can suffer extreme pain and, in worst cases, infection and abscess. Dental crown follows a root canal procedure for the very reason that root canals typically removes much of the inner structure of the tooth. Thus, the tooth weakens. A crown can help restore the tooth and prevent it from further breaking.
When Is A Dental Crown Absolutely Necessary?
Dental crowns are considered as a must in the following situations:
For the protection of a weak tooth due to decay, such that it's prevented from breaking even further, or to hold together the pieces of a cracked tooth
For covering and supporting a tooth where a majority of it is already composed of filling, or when there isn't a lot of the natural tooth left
For the restoration of a tooth that's severely worn down or is severely broken
For the holding of a dental bridge
For covering a severely discolored tooth
For covering a dental implant
For a cosmetic modification, hence purely aesthetic purposes to have a better smile
With this, it's also important to highlight the fact that while dental crowns are mostly used for an adult with permanent teeth, there are instances when a child will also need it. Some of these cases would typically include the following:
To decrease the need or frequency of using anesthesia, especially for children that are unable to sit still or cooperate with the dentist
To save a tooth severely damaged by decay that also can't be held together or solved by a dental filling
To be proactive and protect the teeth of a child that's at a higher risk of tooth decay, especially for children that can't cope up with maintaining a good oral hygiene
How Is A Dental Crown Done?
A dental crown is first completed by removing the compromised tooth’s structure from its place in your gums and mouth. Then, an impression or model is made of this affected tooth. Once this is completed, the dental crown is set on the prepared tooth. This delicate procedure can help to ensure that the dental crown looks as natural as possible. Even more so, whatever pain or sensitivity that's associated with the procedure is also eliminated.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowning procedures also come with quite a price tag. So, when your dentist recommends this to you, you might also wonder how long will this last you. The good news is that the average lifespan of a dental crown that's well maintained is at around 15 years. When proper care is really followed, some dental crowns can even last for about 25 to 30 years.
To make your dental crown last longer, keep in mind the following care tips:
Visit your dentist regularly, which means at least once every six months
Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth
Do not bite any hard objects that aren't food
Always practice good dental hygiene
What Is A Dental Filling?
Dental fillings are the preferred choice when you're trying to tackle minor tooth decay due to cavities. This is a standard restorative care dental procedure that's being used today for the treatment of tooth decay. Dental fillings are used for two purposes:
To remove the decay, so that the cavity also wouldn't grow larger. Else, if this isn't done, you may experience more damage and pain on your tooth.
To renew the strength of the affected tooth, so that it can function again as it used to before the cavity took over.
There are generally two types of material that are being used for dental fillings. One is white filling, which is a composite type. The other is the traditional "silver" filling known as amalgam. Today, this latter form is generally no longer in use.
Your dentist is the right person to give you proper recommendations on which material works to be the best for you. But, white is commonly used as this gives that impression of a healthier and more natural smile. Plus, the silver amalgam filling also contains traces of mercury, which isn't healthy.
How Is A Dental Filling Done?
A dental filling is a type of restorative dental procedure. This entails drilling through the cavity, as a part of preparing the tooth for the filling. Then, the damaged or decayed material of the tooth is removed. Once this is done, the filling is set into position.
What Are The Differences Between A Crown And A Filling?
Now that you know more about each of these procedures, it's important also to determine the difference between both. This section outlines it for you.
Dental fillings are used for teeth that have only yet suffered minor cavities. Note that cavities happen because the plaque and bacteria are moving their way from the exterior of the tooth, which results in tooth decay. When decay occurs, this portion of the tooth or gums will need the space to be filled and sealed with a dental filling.
On the other hand, dental crowns are used when the damage is so severe, such that a dental filling will only be to no avail. If your tooth has already been chipped, broken, or damaged, then a dental crown is the appropriate choice.
Dental fillings use metal amalgam or a special tooth-colored material that will take the place of that part of the tooth that has succumbed to decay. Dental crowns, on the other hand, are caps or covers that sit over the portion of the tooth that is decayed. First, for aesthetic purposes, it makes your tooth look whole again. Then, for its functional part, it'll help you chew and bite better.
In essence, both dental filling and dental crown are similar in such a way that they address different levels of tooth decay. Apart from decay per se, dental crowns also are capable enough to address more pressing concerns such as teeth that are chipped, cracked, and broken.
While you may have heard, too, that dental procedures are scary, the truth is that these are quite painless nowadays, thanks to technology. For both procedures, local anesthesia will be given. This helps to numb the area where the tooth is. Dentists also have the option of sedation, which can also be done for specific cases. This will help you relax better throughout the entire procedure.
When Do You Need A Crown vs. When Do You Need A Filling?
When the cavity has already caused damage to your teeth, then you'll need either a dental crown or dental filling. If this doesn't sit in very well with you, then the key is in practicing proper oral hygiene. To help you start a healthier oral lifestyle today, here are some of the best practices that you can apply at home:
Never go to bed without brushing your teeth. The general recommendation is to brush your teeth at least twice a day. But, this doesn't mean that you can neglect night brushing. As much as possible, never skip through brushing your teeth before you sleep.
Use the proper equipment. First off, you're going to need a toothpaste that has fluoride. When in the right quantities (pea-sized for adults), fluoride will do you no harm. Then, choose the toothbrush that works best for the kind of teeth that you have. If you're confused with the vast array of options that are available in the supermarkets, you can ask your dentist, too, as they can give an excellent recommendation to you. Electric or battery-operated toothbrushes are also good at reducing plaque and the chances of gingivitis. If you have any disease that also makes it difficult for you to brush correctly or get a good grip on your toothbrush, then an electric one works to be an excellent choice.
Brush properly. Apart from having the right equipment for brushing, it's also imperative to brush correctly. Don't rush it. Doing a poor job of brushing your teeth can be just as bad as not brushing at all. You'll want to move your toothbrush in a gentle, circular manner. That way, plaque is successfully removed.
Keep your equipment clean. Good oral health doesn't only mean cleaning your teeth and your mouth. It also means ensuring that the tools you use to clean your mouth are clean all the time. Right after every time that you brush, always rinse your toothbrush with water. Store it in an upright position, to give the bristles a chance to air dry. This can prevent the growth of yeast, bacteria, and mold.
Pay attention also to your tongue. When you're done with your teeth and gums, don't forget that other part of your mouth: your tongue. Gently brush your tongue every time that you brush your tongue to prevent oral health problems and bad mouth odor.
Despite these, however, you can still stand a chance of needing a dental crown or a filling. Hence, it's best to visit your dentist regularly, at least once every six months. It's your dentist who can provide you with a proper assessment of the treatment that your teeth will need.
That said, here are other compelling reasons why it's essential to see your dentist regularly:
To prevent any dental pain or discomfort
For possible detection of oral cancer
To manage and prevent the build-up of plaque, tartar, and cavities
To treat and prevent gum disease
Conclusion
With this, now you're better informed as to whether or not it's a dental filling that you need or a dental crown. Whatever the chosen procedure is, the bottom line is this. Both forms of dental procedures are designed to preserve the health and the life of a tooth that has already been damaged by cavities. The goal here really is to avoid having the tooth extracted permanently. By addressing the decay through these procedures, further damage on your teeth may be put to a stop or delayed. Hence, the remaining healthy portion of your tooth is kept. Should your dentist recommend you to have any one of these procedures, trust that it's always for the best interest of your oral health. The cost will always be worth the benefits that it'll bring you.
