Tooth decay is an insidious menace, and a tooth that develops it will not get better on its own. Thankfully, restorative dental treatments can stop tooth decay in its tracks by eliminating the source of the infection and rebuilding the tooth’s lost structure. Two of these treatments are fillings and dental crowns, and either one can be the better option depending on the patient’s situation. Here’s a brief overview of fillings and dental crowns to help you understand which may be the better treatment for you.
How Do Fillings Work?
Dental fillings are usually one of the first things people think of when they hear the word “cavity,” and they are used to eliminate and replace infected dental tissue while preserving and reinforcing the tooth’s overall structure. Before performing a dental filling, your dentist will use a local anesthetic or dental sedation to ensure that the process is completely painless. They will then remove the infected tooth structure and replace it with tooth-colored composite resin, creating a beautiful restoration that seamlessly blends in with the rest of the smile.
Fillings are generally preferable in cases where the tooth decay is not extensive. In cases where the overall strength and structure of the tooth have been compromised, a dental crown may be the better treatment.
How Do Dental Crowns Work?
Dental crowns are caps that imitate the color, luster, and structure of natural teeth, and they are designed to fit over compromised teeth to restore them to their original strength and appearance. They usually require at least two appointments to be placed. After using a local anesthetic or dental sedation to render the process painless, your dentist will remove the infected tissue from the tooth and reshape it so that it can host a crown. Your dentist will then take bite impressions of the treated tooth, place a temporary crown upon it, and send it on your way.
After your permanent crown has been manufactured at a lab, you will come back to the dental office to have it placed. The temporary crown will be removed and the permanent one will be cemented in place. After any final adjustments, you will be free to enjoy your newly restored tooth. With excellent care, a dental crown can last for fifteen years or more before needing replacement.
Dental crowns and fillings can both be excellent treatment options depending on the patient’s particular situation. These procedures have saved many teeth from extraction and many patients from painful and damaging oral infections.
About the Practice
North Garland Family Dental is dedicated to preserving the oral health of the good people of Garland, TX. Led by Drs. Scott Peterson and Yaritza Vazquez, the staff sees to each patient receiving compassionate and comprehensive care in a comfortable and friendly office environment. Services offered include general, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as fillings and dental bridges. To learn more about what these treatments may be able to do for you, contact the office online or dial (972) 530-7979.
