Regarding mending a decayed or chipped tooth in Santa Monica, two primary options are Composite fillings and dental crowns. A dentist in Santa Monica, CA, suggests dental restorations are for patients with feeble, missing, broken, or deteriorated teeth. It alters or mends missing teeth or a small portion of the tooth’s structure.
If your tooth demonstrates decay signs or might cause trouble later, dentists can reinforce the tooth to bypass future problems. Both these top-notch dental restoration services aim to recuperate your teeth’ function and appearance, yet every strategy has different amenities and considerations. This article will discuss the nitty-gritty factors of composite fillings and crowns, the pros and cons of getting one, and more!
Difference Between Fillings and Crowns
Composite Fillings – Whenever teeth have gaps or holes in the enamel or deal with decay, dental filling is the ideal solution to close the gap. Dentists use fillings to mend a patient’s teeth as long as the decay doesn’t impact the inner pulp. Filling can help recuperate the actual shape and strength of a tooth, which gets excessively worn out enamel.
Dentists can utilize a wide array of materials to fill the cavity. Composite or white fillings are powdered glass and plastic resin akin to teeth’ color and often release tiny portions of fluoride to impede tooth decay. Sometimes, silver fillings are used to cover the holes in a tooth. Dentists utilize a silver alloy and mercury blend for a viable filling.
Dental Crowns – These are the caps placed over a broken tooth by dentists to recuperate its shape, strength, size, and shape. Dentists use crowns as dental rehabilitation to safeguard the structural probity of a patient’s tooth. The materials used to make crowns are ceramic, metal, porcelain, and resin.
Whenever a tooth needs a crown, the dentist files down the upper side to make room for the placement. The amount of portion the dentist shaves depends on the crown type. For example, porcelain crowns need less shaving compared to metal crowns. Sometimes, when a tooth has excessive damage or decay, the dentist might utilize a filling material to create the tooth’s structure before placing the crown.
Advantages of Composite Fillings
- Versatility – Composite resin can be used for both back and front teeth, making it a viable and versatile option for dental restorations.
- Mitigated Sensitivity – Fillings are less likely to conduct temperature fluctuations, reducing post-operative sensitivity often linked with metal fillings.
Disadvantages of Composite Fillings
- The lifespan of composite fillings is approximately 5-7 years.
- Placement requires time, which is a significant issue for patients with special needs and dental anxiety.
Advantages of Crowns
Dental crowns offer the best solution to a wide array of dental issues. They can:
- Cover a dental implant
- Support a tooth that has deteriorated
- Safeguard a tooth after a root canal
- Safeguard a tooth that has deteriorated further
- Hold a cracked or broken tooth altogether
- Boost a tooth’s appearance by altering its color or shape
Disadvantages of Crowns
Although several advantages of crowns can be seen, there are some drawbacks too:
- Heightened sensitivity to hot and cold food and beverages.
- Detaching or loosening of the crown.
- Placement over uncured tooth decay areas.
Fillings Vs. Crowns
Often, dentists advise on their desired method for each patient’s respective dental issues when considering the option between dental restorations. Dental fillings are the best preference when the tooth has a tiny decay portion, compared to crowns; fillings are for more minor repairs. On the contrary, a crown helps when a patient’s tooth has a more significant portion of decay. Fillings can’t always safeguard a tooth from additional damage after a specific point. Chipped or broken teeth don’t mend quickly, so a crown can hold the tooth and protect it from further damage.
