Sometimes, reaching the best dental health requires some repair work. When it comes time to restore a damaged tooth, our team provides dental crowns and fillings in Graham, NC, near Burlington, Mebane, Greensboro, and Durham. But the question is, which is best for you?
What is the Difference Between Dental Crowns and Fillings?
A dental filling is used when teeth are slightly decayed or damaged. Cavities or chipped teeth are the most common cause. In general, fillings are pain-free and straightforward.
A dental crown is generally for more extensive damage. If the tooth’s shape is deformed, particularly on the top, a dental crown can restore its shape and strength. The dental crown procedure is more involved.
Is a Crown Better Than a Filling?
In the case that you need a dental crown, a dental filling might not be sufficient to restore the tooth. Dental fillings are more likely to dislodge or chip than a crown, but they also require a shorter procedure.
In some cases, a dental crown may be recommended but not strictly necessary. These cases are usually determined by the patient.
Dental Crowns: Pros and Cons
Dental Crown Procedure Details
The dental crown procedure starts with diagnosis. Reasons a dental crown may be necessary include the support of a cracked tooth, anchoring a dental bridge, or protecting a tooth that has received a root canal.
Next, the dentist will prepare the tooth by shaping it to fit the new crown. Then, an impression of your bite is taken, and a temporary crown is cemented to the tooth. Using that impression, your permanent crown is designed over the next several weeks.
During your next appointment, your family dentist only needs to remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent crown.
Risks and Benefits
In rare cases, a metal crown or PFM crown can cause an allergic reaction. Additionally, if the crown is not fitted properly, bacteria can be trapped underneath, accelerating tooth decay.
This is why an expert family dentist is essential to receive the highest quality of care and mitigate risk. After your dental crown procedure is complete, you’ll be left with a strong solution for your damaged tooth. Dental crowns last an average of 5 to 15 years and can be made to match the color of tooth enamel, unlike dental fillings.
Recovery and Outlook
On average, the recovery after a dental crown placement looks like this:
- How long to wait to eat after a dental crown: It’s recommended to wait for the numbness to fade. Avoid very hot or cold food, as well as anything very sticky or crunchy, for 24 hours.
- Sensitive teeth after a dental crown procedure: This may last for several weeks. (If your dental crown was placed over a root canal, this should not be a concern.)
- How to care for a dental crown: Avoid extremely hard foods, brush and floss regularly, avoid grinding your teeth if possible, and don’t forget to schedule dental cleanings!
Dental Fillings: Pros and Cons
Dental Filling Procedure Details
Among the most common dental procedures, dental fillings are a simple, safe, quick option to restore damaged teeth. After diagnosing the extent of tooth damage or decay, your friendly dentist near Dunham, NC, will begin treatment.
First, an anesthetic or sedation may be used to numb the area. Then, the dentist removes any dental plaque and decayed enamel present. This ensures that the decay does not continue underneath the dental filling.
A dental filling material, usually a composite resin dental filling material, is used to fill the void. Then, the material is cured with a dental curing light. Any rough edges are polished, and you’ll be asked to check how your bite feels. Any discomfort can be adjusted for.
Risks and Benefits
A dental filling procedure is a low-risk solution for tooth damage. In some cases, the treatment may have complications. If bacteria affect the pulp of the tooth, infections may occur. If the filling interferes with your bite, you may also feel a sharp pain in the tooth. Your dentist can adjust the filling to resolve this.
Recovery and Outlook
After your dental filling procedure, it’s recommended that you wait for any numbness to wear off before eating. Otherwise, your filling should be strong and stable for an average of 10 to 20 years. You may feel soreness for several days, but over-the-counter medications are sufficient to treat this.
Dental Crowns and Fillings in Graham, NC
Rose Family Dentistry is here to provide dental crowns and fillings in Graham, NC, for your family’s dental care needs. If you (or your children) are usually anxious about dentists, let us put you at ease. Schedule your appointment with our family-friendly dentists near Durham, NC, today.
