Are you feeling some tooth sensitivity when you enjoy hot or cold foods? Does it hurt to bite down? Do you think you may have chipped a tooth? If so, you need dental treatment. And, this might also mean that you have a cavity. Thankfully, two procedures are designed to help repair tooth decay and help you feel better. Those solutions? Fillings and dental crowns. But when do you need one over the other? We’ve got the answers.

Filling vs. Crown: Understanding the Basics

When it comes to your dental care, it helps to be in the known. Here are the main differences between fillings and crowns.

Fillings

Think of fillings as small-scale repairs for your teeth. They’re used to repair minor issues, like cavities. A cavity means that decay has created a small hole in your tooth. To fix this, your Berrien Springs dentist will remove the decayed part and fill the space with a special material.

But how do cavities happen in the first place? When the bacteria in your mouth interact with sugars and starches from food, they produce acid. This acid can attack the outer layer of your teeth, called enamel, causing it to lose minerals. At first, you might notice a white spot where minerals are lost, indicating early decay. But if left unchecked, the decay can worsen and form a cavity.

The good news is that if caught early, decay can be stopped or even reversed with proper care, like fluoride treatments. However, if the decay progresses too far, it can weaken the tooth to the point where a filling won’t be enough.

Crowns

A filling may not be enough if your tooth has significant damage or decay. That’s where dental crowns come in. A crown is like a protective cover for your tooth. It is securely placed over the entire tooth to restore its strength and shape.

To place a crown, your dentist in Berrien Springs will first remove a small amount of enamel to make room. Then, they’ll fit the crown over your tooth, and bond it in place. Crowns can be made from different materials, including resin, metal, and porcelain. Berrien Dental specializes in porcelain crowns because they’re durable and blend in beautifully with your natural teeth.

So, to summarize, think of fillings for smaller issues, like cavities. Crowns are for more extensive damage or decay. 

When do you get a filling?

Here’s a quick rundown of when we might choose to treat a tooth with a filling instead of a crown.

• Small cavity: Fillings commonly treat small cavities, preventing further decay.
• Discolored tooth: A filling can restore the tooth’s appearance if you notice discoloration due to enamel loss.
• Small holes: Even minor holes in teeth can lead to decay. Fillings can seal these gaps, preventing further damage.
• Gradual loss of tooth structure: When teeth gradually lose structure due to wear or erosion, fillings can restore strength and integrity.

When do you get a crown?

As we suggested earlier, your Berrien Springs dental office team may decide that you need a dental crown instead of a filling. Here are some of the main reasons why we may opt for a crown.

• Treat more extensive tooth decay: Crowns are often used when decay has progressed beyond what a filling is able to repair.
• Ease tooth sensitivity: Crowns can cover and protect sensitive teeth, providing relief from discomfort.
• Repair chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth: Crowns can restore the shape and function of damaged teeth, preventing further breakage.
• Repair misshapen teeth: Crowns can reshape teeth for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
• Repair severely worn teeth: Teeth that have been significantly worn down can be strengthened and restored with crowns.

How to protect your teeth and prevent tooth decay. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), indicates that tooth decay is one of the most significant unmet healthcare needs in the U.S. The statistics don’t lie. Approximately one in four adults over the age of 20 has a cavity. Plus, among kids between the ages of six and eight, 52% have had a cavity in their baby teeth.

So, how do you protect your teeth from tooth decay? Here are some helpful tips and reminders from your Berrien Springs dentist:

• Brushing: Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Flossing: Clean between your teeth daily to remove plaque and food particles. Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash afterward to help remove loosened debris.
• Eating tooth-friendly foods: Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich foods.
• Limiting sugar: Minimize consumption of sugary snacks and beverages to reduce acid attacks on your teeth.
• Regular dental checkups: Visit your dentist every six months for professional cleanings and checkups.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain saliva production and rinse away food debris.

How to prevent the need for a dental crown? Don’t let tooth decay get out of hand!

While getting a dental crown is virtually painless, preventing tooth decay is a smart approach. By following the suggestions above, you are taking the necessary steps to protect your oral and overall health. However, don’t let it linger if you are experiencing dental pain. The team at Berrien Dental is here to help. Request an appointment today.