Did you know that of U.S. adults ages 20–65 have had at least one cavity in their permanent teeth? Cavities are small holes in your teeth caused by tooth decay. If they aren’t treated, they can worsen and cause more permanent damage, sometimes resulting in the loss of the tooth itself.
But what’s the best way to repair a cavity before it progresses into something worse? Should you get a tooth filling or a dental crown?
What Is a Tooth Filling?
If a patient has a cavity, our dentists first must . Then, they can clean the unfilled portion of your tooth to make sure no bacteria remains. As you might expect, dentists use tooth fillings to fill the area where the decay was, strengthening your tooth again.
Previously, dentists used metal amalgams to fill any cavities. These were clearly visible, usually silver in color but sometimes gold, when a patient opened their mouth. Nowadays, most dentists use a composite resin that matches the color of your tooth.
Getting a filling that blends in with your tooth isn’t just about your looks. Using a composite resin instead of a metal amalgam has many benefits, including:
- Stronger teeth: Metal amalgams weaken the structure of your tooth over time; composite resins, on the other hand, actually increase the strength and structure of your tooth.
- Endurance: Fillings made with composite resin last longer than metal amalgam fillings; with proper care, your filling can last more than a decade.
- No discoloration: Not only does composite resin blend in with your natural teeth, but it also doesn’t discolor your teeth over time like metal amalgams.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over your natural tooth. This fixes the shape, structure, and strength of a broken, damaged, or decaying tooth.
If you need a dental crown, our dentists will first clean, file, and shape your existing tooth. This may include removing an old filling and/or adding a new filling to your tooth to give it strength and structure.
Next, our dentists will take impressions of your tooth and make a ceramic crown for you right in our office. They’ll then bond your crown to your tooth.
Do I Need a Filling or a Crown?
Our dentists will advise you on whether a filling or a crown would be best for your specific dental needs. But generally speaking, tooth fillings are usually best for small cavities. Dental crowns, on the other hand, are used in a , including:
- Restoring a cracked or broken tooth
- Covering or supporting a large filling
- Covering a misshapen tooth
- Supporting a dental bridge
- Covering a dental implant
Schedule Treatment for Your Cavity Today
If you’re suffering from a cavity, you don’t have to know right away whether a filling or a crown is right for you. All you have to do is schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible. Our Novi, MI, restorative dentists can look at your tooth and determine whether a filling or a crown is the way to go. Call R. Peter Maly DDS at (248) 347-3700 today, or contact us online to schedule your appointment.