Our teeth are coated in a protective layer of enamel. Not only is this the hardest substance in the human body, but only diamonds are tougher than tooth enamel. However, our teeth can still become damaged or undergo decay/infection. Without treatment, you may eventually risk losing the tooth altogether. Do you need a crown or a filling to restore your tooth to full function and health?
Why Do You Need to Repair Teeth?
When a tooth becomes cracked or chipped, or if it develops tooth decay, then you need a restoration. Otherwise, a cavity can form and spread until bacteria comes in contact with the pulp, leading to a dental infection that threatens the stability of your tooth. If you experience frequent discomfort in your tooth (which could be a sign of decay or a fracture) or your tooth becomes chipped, please see the dentist right away for a diagnosis and if necessary, to discuss treatment options.
Dental Crown
A dental crown is a restoration that fits over the visible portion of the tooth. We may make them from metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or all-porcelain, depending on where the restoration is needed. Typically, teeth near the front benefit from an all-porcelain restoration as it is strong and esthetically pleasing. We can use a dental crown to repair a broken, fractured, or severely decayed tooth. They can also aid in tooth replacement, restoring single tooth dental implants or anchoring dental bridges into place.
Dental Filling
While a crown can address a variety of issues, dental fillings are designed primarily to repair cavities in the teeth. The procedure involves removing the decay and applying a composite resin to the tooth, which can be shaded to blend with the rest of the tooth. The doctor then sculpts the tooth under a curing light. The entire procedure takes one visit and can help protect the tooth from the risk of further decay or infection.
