Restoration Roulette: Do I Need a Filling or Dental Crown?

Do you have a damaged or decayed tooth requiring repair? You might think it’s safe to wait to schedule a dental appointment, but the longer it goes unaddressed, the more likely you are to sustain additional injuries or develop an infection.

Thankfully, your dentist can provide a tooth-colored filling or lifelike dental crown to protect and rebuild your troubled tooth, but how do you know which treatment is right for you? Continue reading to learn more about the options to make an educated decision to restore your smile.

What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Cavities occur when harmful bacteria in your mouth produce acids that work in tandem with the foods you eat to gradually erode your enamel. Because this protective outer layer doesn’t regenerate, you’ll need your dentist’s help to address any areas of decay. In the past, metal amalgam was used to mend damaged teeth. Though durable, this material could cause sensitivity or draw unwanted attention.

Thanks to contemporary technology and materials, today, your oral healthcare provider uses color-matched, biocompatible composite resin to rebuild sections of lost enamel. This is applied as a putty-like material that can be easily sculpted into an ideal shape before being hardened with an ultraviolet curing light for a repair that can last 5 to 10 or more years if cared for correctly.

What are Dental Crowns?

In some cases, a tooth-colored filling can sufficiently restore your tooth to prevent additional harm while allowing you to continue using it normally. However, if you have sustained more severe injuries, your dentist might recommend a dental crown, instead.

These tooth-shaped caps are usually made from resilient ceramic that reflects light like enamel and can be customized to be the right shape, size, and tone for seamless results. They can also last years with the right care, like brushing and flossing twice daily and visiting your provider every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning.  

What Treatment is Best for Me?

It’s natural to wonder which of these two options best meets your unique needs, and only your dentist can help determine the right treatment. Once they have a chance to examine your mouth, they can suggest an appropriate solution based on their findings and the reason for the restoration.

For instance, if you have a minor cavity from eating too many sugary foods, a tooth-colored filling and an improved at-home dental hygiene routine might be all that’s needed to fix your grin. If you’ve sustained a more serious injury, have undergone a root canal, or have lost too much enamel, they are more likely to provide a dental crown.

Whatever method you and your dentist decide, they can deliver comfortable, lifelike results that restore your smile’s appearance and functionality.

About the Practice

At Marvel Dental, our phenomenal dental team welcomes patients of all ages and every stage of oral health without lectures or judgment. Whether it’s been six months or six years since your last visit, we’re here to help. Call (817) 933-3883 to schedule your appointment and get the care and support you need from an experienced team.