Crowns vs. Fillings - Do You Know the Difference?

Dental care can seem complicated, and it might be hard to sort through all the information out there. One question we answer a lot is this: What is the difference between a filling and a crown? And why would I need one instead of another? Access Dental and Dentures has the best dental clinics in southern Missouri, and we are here to help answer your questions and take care of all your dental needs. Keep reading to learn more! 

What are Composite Fillings? 

Composite (tooth-colored) fillings are a mixture of glass or quartz filler in a resin medium. All that to say, composite fillings provide good durability and strength for damaged teeth. Composite fillings are also light-cured to match your teeth so it looks natural. 

When Should Composite Fillings be Used? 

This kind of filling should be used in small to mid-sized tooth repairs that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure. Direct dental composites can also be used for filling cavity preparations, filling gaps between teeth using a shell-like veneer, minor reshaping of teeth, and partial crowns on single teeth.

What are Dental Crowns? 

Crowns strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure when there is a lot of decay or damage. They can also improve the appearance of your teeth. Crowns are made from different materials which include the full porcelain crown, the porcelain fused-to-metal crown, and the all-metal crown. You and your dentist will decide which type is appropriate, depending upon the strength requirements and esthetic concerns of the tooth involved.

Fitting a crown requires at least two appointments. During your first visit, the tooth is prepared for the crown, an impression or mold is made of the tooth, and a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth. At the subsequent visit, the temporary crown is removed and the final crown is fitted and adjusted and cemented into place.

Why Would I Need a Crown?

The reasons your dentist may suggest restoring your tooth with a crown can vary from case to case. Some of the indications for a using a crown are:

A previously filled tooth where there now exists more filling than tooth. The existing tooth structure becomes weakened and can no longer support the filling.

• Extensive damage by decay.
• Discolorations and compromised esthetics.
• Fractures
• Root canal – After root canal, teeth tend to become brittle and are more apt to fracture. They, therefore, need to be protected by a crown.
• Bridges – When missing teeth are replaced with a bridge, the adjacent teeth require crowns in order to support the replacement teeth.

Best Dental Care in Missouri

If your teeth have experienced damage or decay and you need a repair, Access Dental and Dentures is here to help! We can check your teeth and determine exactly what's needed to get you back to your best and healthiest smile. Give us a call to schedule your next appointment! 1-877-DENTIST

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST

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