Dental restorations are used to repair or reshape teeth that have been compromised by infection or injury or that were simply stubby or oddly shaped to begin with. Two of the most common types of restorative devices are dental crowns and dental fillings, and both these appliances can be excellent ways to preserve oral health depending on the needs of the patient. Here’s a quick look at how fillings and crowns work, why they can be necessary, and how they differ.
Dental Fillings
Dentists have used fillings to repair damaged teeth for centuries, and modern tooth-colored fillings are more lifelike than any previous version of the treatment. Fillings are typically used to restore enamel lost due to infection or injury, and they may be necessary if you have cavities or cracks or chips in your teeth.
When placing a dental filling, your dentist will begin by applying a suitable anesthetic to ensure your comfort. Then, they will remove the damaged dental structure, sanitize the treatment area, and rebuild the lost enamel with layers of tooth-colored composite resin. When this is done, the dentist will harden the restoration with a specialized UV light. With proper care, fillings can last up to fifteen years or more.
Dental Crowns
Dentists have also restored teeth with crowns made from various metals for many years, but modern oral care providers usually prefer to use crowns made from tooth-colored materials like zirconia. Crowns can be used to rebuild dental structure lost due to severe decay or injury or an intensive dental procedure like a root canal, and they can also resculpt unusually shaped teeth for cosmetic reasons.
Placing a dental crown always begins with the patient receiving an appropriate anesthetic to render the process painless. Then, the dentist will carefully remove the damaged dental structure from the tooth, sanitize the treatment area, take measurements of the tooth, and fit it with a temporary crown so the patient can get used to using it. About two weeks later, the patient will return to have their customized dental crown cemented into place. After any final adjustments, the patient will be ready to show off their gorgeous new smile.
Dental fillings are typically used to address small areas of damage like mild to moderate cracks, chips, and cavities. Crowns, on the other hand, are usually used to rebuild teeth after severe infection or injury. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand the best way to achieve and maintain a healthy smile.
About the Author
Dr. Steven Sokolik earned his dental degree at the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine and keeps his skills sharp and current with frequent postgraduate coursework. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the Iowa Dental Association. His office in Keokuk offers general, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as crowns and fillings. If you are concerned about tooth decay or would like to schedule a checkup, contact the office online or dial (319) 524-1477.