A broken tooth, regardless of the reason, due to decay, trauma, or wear, can do more than harm your smile. It can hurt and be tender, even causing infection if not addressed. The good news is that contemporary dentistry has solutions to restore the shape, structure, and function of your teeth. Among the most common treatments are dental crowns or fillings, but which one is the right choice?
If you’re searching for a dental clinic near you that can assess and treat your tooth damage, it’s helpful to first understand the differences between these two restorative options.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are most often the initial protection against cavities and minor chipping of the teeth. Fillings are utilized to cover the openings in the tooth in which decay has been removed or to restore small cracks and chips.
There are several different materials fillings made from, including composite resin, amalgam, and glass ionomer. The composite resin is most commonly used on visible teeth since it can be colored very close to your natural enamel.
This is usually most ideal for:
- Small to medium cavities
- Small chips or cracks
- Teeth that have a great deal of their structure intact
Dental fillings in Bowmanville are a fast and inexpensive solution if the tooth can still structurally hold itself.
What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns, on the other hand, are tooth-colored restorations covering the entire visible portion of a broken tooth. They’re utilized if the tooth is very decayed or structurally weakened and can’t be filled with a minor filling.
Crowns may be constructed of porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a mix of the three based on the tooth’s position and functional needs. Crowns restore the tooth’s strength, shape, and appearance.
Crowns are usually indicated for:
- Extensively decayed or broken teeth,
- Large fillings that are non-functional
- Post-root canal
- For cosmetic correction of crooked or discolored teeth
If you are having dental crowns treatments, they are more protective and tougher than fillings, particularly for back teeth that take most of the chewing pressure.
How to Fix a Broken Tooth: Fillings vs. Crowns
Curious about how to repair a cracked tooth? It simply depends on the severity of the damage.
- Mild damage: A small crack or chip may be easily restored by dental bonding or filling.
- Moderate damage: A huge cavity or chipped cusp may require a crown to work properly.
- Severe damage: If the tooth is fractured to the root or has become a recurring issue, a crown would be the most suitable option to prevent extraction.
Your dentist will most likely have X-rays and check how much of the original tooth is intact. If the tooth is strong enough, a filling will suffice. If not, a crown will provide it with added protection.
Choosing the Right Treatment in Bowmanville
Both options are effective, but the choice depends on your unique situation. For small damage, Bowmanville dental fillings are a quick fix with little prep. For significant or repeated damage, dental crowns in Bowmanvilleare a more permanent solution. Your dentist will assist you in weighing the pros and cons based on your history of teeth, where the tooth is located, and your desires for appearance.
Every Tooth Tells a Story – Let’s Fix Yours!
Regardless of whether your tooth requires minor repair or total restoration, receiving the proper care at the correct time can restore your natural smile, avoid further harm from occurring, and regain complete function. Our specialists are available to take you through your choices with discretion and precision.
Schedule your consultation today at Liberty Dental Centre and start the path towards a brighter, healthier smile.
