Teeth are incredibly strong. The tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the body. It is even stronger than your bones. However, it isn’t completely indestructible. Your teeth can be damaged from injuries, tooth decay, and other causes. During your consultation with your dentist, they will suggest the best possible solution to restore your tooth. Two common options are dental crowns and dental fillings. Here’s how each of them works so you can know what to expect!
How Do Dental Fillings Work?
A dental filling is used to treat minor damage to the teeth. This includes cavities and small fractures. To complete this procedure, your dentist starts by administering a local anesthetic, if necessary, to numb to area. Then, they will prepare your tooth by removing any damaged parts and applying an acidic gel to sanitize the area. This way, lingering bacteria is eliminated. Next, the tooth is filled with high-quality dental material. This can include porcelain, amalgam, composite resin, or gold. Today, composite resin is the most common material used because of its durability and natural-looking appearance.
How Do Dental Crowns Work?
Dental crowns are also used to restore damaged teeth, but they are much different than fillings. Crowns are covers of “caps” that are placed over the chewing surface of compromised teeth. They build up and protect teeth from enduring additional damage. A dentist may recommend a dental crown for the following.
- Protect a tooth with a large filling
- Protect a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment
- Secure a bridge to replace a missing tooth
- Protect a weak tooth from additional damage
- Restore a fractured tooth
- Cover a misshapen tooth
- Attach to a dental implant to replace a missing tooth
After numbing the area with a local anesthetic, your dentist will remove any damaged portions of the tooth and a small amount of enamel from the chewing surface of the tooth to make room for your restoration. Then, impressions are taken and sent to the dental lab where your dental crown will be custom-made for you. Until it’s ready, you will be given a temporary dental crown to wear. After just a couple of weeks, your dentist will be ready to secure your final crown to your tooth.
Dental crowns can be made from various materials, but porcelain is popular because of its durability and the way it resembles tooth enamel.
If your damaged tooth needs some help, restorations like dental fillings and dental crowns can help to keep your teeth healthy for many years down the road. During your appointment with your dentist, they will examine your smile to determine if either of these restorations or another one is ideal to meet your needs and restore your tooth. Your smile will be good as new in just a matter of time!
About the Practice
At 21st Century Dental of Irving, Dr. Jeff Roy, Dr. Ashley Bristow, and Dr. Jonni Kumar work together to treat patients in the Irving area. If you have a tooth that is decayed or otherwise damaged, they’d be happy to help! To learn more about dental crowns and dental fillings, or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (972) 255-3712.