How Are Dental Crowns and Fillings Different?
While dental crowns and fillings are both used to restore teeth, our Columbus dentist at Gibson Dental may decide that one is more appropriate for your smile.
Here’s how dental crowns and tooth fillings compare as well as when you may require one over the other.
Quick Comparison Between the Two Procedures
Crowns
- Covers decayed teeth
- Treats severe damage or decay
- 2 appointments
- Dental impressions are needed
Fillings
- Fills in decayed teeth
- Treats minor damage or decay
- 1 appointment
- No dental impressions needed
When You May Need a Dental Crown
A (sometimes called a “tooth cap” by our patients) covers the entire visible portion of your tooth above the gum line. Dr. Gibson may recommend a porcelain crown for a tooth made fragile from a root canal or repeated dental procedures.
He also may recommend a crown if a large cavity is discovered and it’s too big for a filling. Dental crowns are helpful as they protect your tooth enamel from further damage and sensitivity.
In general, the dental crown procedure takes two appointments. During your first visit, we’ll remove enough enamel so the crown won’t appear bulky. Next, dental impressions are taken and sent to an outside lab where your crown is made. To protect your tooth in the meantime, Dr. Gibson will place a temporary crown.
When you return to our Columbus dental office for your second appointment, your crown will be ready. After checking the size, color, and shape of the crown, Dr. Gibson will replace the temporary crown with the permanent tooth restoration. If you practice good oral hygiene, there’s no reason why your dental crown can’t last for years to come.
When You May Need a Cavity Filling
Fillings let you keep more natural tooth enamel than crowns. During your appointment, Dr. Gibson will start by removing all decayed tooth matter and filling the hole with metal amalgam or . For front teeth that show when you smile or talk, we may recommend composite fillings that blend in seamlessly.
Unlike silver fillings, these white filings match the color of your natural tooth enamel. Traditional silver amalgam fillings, on the other hand, are durable enough to be used on back teeth and are typically covered by insurance.
Have a toothache? Call our dentist as soon as possible. The longer you ignore tooth pain, the less chance Dr. Gibson can restore your tooth with a simple filling. Unlike dental crowns, cavity fillings only take one appointment.
Many of our patients appreciate that are less invasive than crowns. Dr. Gibson will only remove decayed tooth matter before restoring your tooth with a dental filling. Dental crowns, on the other hand, require enough healthy enamel to be removed so the crown won’t make your tooth look bulky.
Make An Appointment
Our dentist in Columbus, OH, Dr. Adam Gibson, is dedicated to helping you maintain good oral health with dental crowns, fillings, and other restorative dentistry services. To request an appointment, call Gibson Dental today at (614) 878-9562.
This blog post has been updated.