Why You Should Consider a Crown Over a Filling
When it comes to restoring damaged teeth, both crowns and fillings are common solutions. However, there are several reasons why you might need a crown instead of a filling.
Durability and Strength
Crowns:
Enhanced Durability: Crowns cover the entire tooth and is made from dental porcelain. This provides strength and durability, especially for teeth that endure significant pressure from chewing, like the molars.
Longevity: With proper care, crowns can last many years, often longer than fillings.
Fillings:
Less Durable: Fillings are typically used for smaller cavities and may not withstand heavy chewing forces as effectively as crowns. They are made from a resin material and is more prone to wear compared to dental porcelain.
Shorter Lifespan: Fillings may need to be replaced more frequently than crowns.
Extensive Damage
Crowns:
Comprehensive Coverage: Crowns are ideal for teeth with extensive decay or damage, as they encapsulate the entire tooth, restoring both function and appearance acting like an armour for the tooth.
Support for Root Canal: After a root canal treatment, teeth become brittle due to loss of blood supply. A crown is often recommended to protect the weakened tooth structure and prevent fracture of the tooth.
Fillings:
Limited Repair: Fillings are best suited for small to moderate cavities. They may not be sufficient if a large portion of the tooth is damaged. Because they are weak in structure, fracturing of the tooth is possible due to this reason.
Aesthetic Benefits
Crowns:
Natural Appearance: Crowns are custom-made to match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth, providing a seamless and attractive look.
Versatile Material Choices: Crowns can be made from different types of materials, which offer excellent aesthetic results while providing structural strength.
Fillings:
Visible Materials: While fillings can be made from tooth-coloured composite materials, larger fillings may still be noticeable and less aesthetically pleasing compared to crowns. They generally tend to have a more matte characteristic compared to natural teeth.
Prevention of Further Decay
Crowns:
Seal and Protect: By covering the entire tooth, crowns prevent bacteria from entering and causing further decay.
Stability: Crowns provide structural stability to the tooth, reducing the risk of fractures or further damage.
Fillings:
More Prone to Leakage: Fillings often wear out faster than crowns. This results in ledges being formed between the tooth and the filling which could cause leakage and weak points for bacteria to go in and cause cavities to form.
When to Choose a Crown
Extensive Decay: If the tooth is severely decayed or damaged, a crown offers a more comprehensive solution.
Post-Root Canal: Crowns are recommended after root canal treatments to reinforce the tooth.
Cosmetic Improvement: For teeth that are discoloured or misshapen, crowns provide a better cosmetic result.
Conclusion
Choosing between a crown and a filling depends on the extent of the damage, the location of the tooth, and your specific dental needs. Crowns offer superior durability, protection, and aesthetics, making them the preferred choice for significantly damaged teeth. If you’re unsure which option is best for you, consult with us at Adelaide Dental. We’ll help you make the right decision for a healthy and beautiful smile.