Dental Fillings vs. Crowns: Which Restoration Is Better for Me?

Here at Southwind Dental Care, we want to help patients have the healthiest smiles possible. We are committed to the people of Memphis, and we want to give every patient who visits us something to smile about.

When it comes to restorative dentistry options for tooth decay, the bests results are rooted in customization and fully tailored treatment. With that in mind, let's compare dental fillings to dental crowns. Both are great dental restoration options, but they are used in different ways.

About Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are traditional restorations that are used to address simple cavities and small amounts of tooth decay. Chances are that you have one filling in place right now, though there's no shame in having a few. These small dental restorations come in both tooth-colored and metal forms, both of which are an effective option for restoring damaged tooth structure.

Ideal Uses for Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are best for treating most cavities and small amounts of tooth decay. If a cavity is caught early, a filling will help prevent further decay and restore the overall strength of the tooth. The filling will help preserve most of the patient's natural tooth structure, which is ideal when it comes to restorative dental care.

About Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are a kind of last resort when it comes to restoring a decayed or damaged tooth. These types of restorations are caps that are used to conceal a tooth that has been seriously damaged or decayed. With a crown in place, patients are able to bite and chew as they used to, and dental pain associated with the severe decay is minimized if not totally eliminated.

Ideal Uses for Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are typically ideal when no other kind of dental restoration can address the tooth decay or tooth damage a patient has experienced. We noted it's a kind of last resort, which is true in some cases of extreme decay. A dental crown can help save a tooth from extraction.

Like a traditional filling, dental crowns come in both tooth-colored and metal forms. The tooth-colored crowns are typically more ideal for the front teeth, while the metal crowns tend to be better suited for the molars and pre-molars. This can vary from patient to patient, however, so keep that in mind.

What About Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are sort of intermediary restoration between fillings and dental crowns. These kinds of restorations are ideal when the tooth decay is too severe for a filling but does not necessitate the use of a crown. Inlays and onlays can be used to restore the cusps (biting surfaces) of decayed teeth. As with fillings and crowns, tooth-colored and metal inlays/onlays can be used.

Tailoring Dental Treatments to Your Needs

As you can see, there are plenty of treatments and solutions for patients who suffer from tooth decay. This versatility benefits patients as well as dentists. We are better able to serve patients through customized dental care, and that means better dental wellness for patients in the long run.

Learn More About Dental Restorations and Treatments

For more information about dental fillings, crowns, inlays, onlays, and other treatments for tooth decay and tooth damage, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. The team at Southwind Dental Care will help you have excellent dental health and a beautiful smile.

Tagged In: Dental Fillings, Dental Crowns, Restorative Dentistry