Dental Crowns vs. Fillings
Dentists use both dental crowns and fillings to repair damage to teeth. What procedure they recommend will depend on the extent of damage. For example, a filling can restore a tooth with a small cavity. But our dentists may recommend a dental crown if you have a tooth that’s badly decayed.
Since each patient is different, it’s vital that you see one of our dentists as soon as you feel any pain or discomfort. The sooner you , the sooner you can protect your smile and oral health.
Here’s what our dentists in Grand Rapids, MI, want you to know about dental crowns and fillings. If you have any questions after reading this blog post, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office. We’d be more than happy to help!
DENTAL CROWNS
A dental crown is a restoration that fits over the entire tooth. For this reason, our dentists will need to file down your tooth so the restoration can fit over top.
Our team may recommend a dental crown if you need to restore a tooth with a large crack or deep cavity. In other words, we use dental crowns to restore teeth that have been structurally compromised.
We also use dental crowns after certain procedures to restore teeth. For example, we’ll typically place a dental crown on top of a tooth that’s received a root canal.
During , we remove diseased dental pulp and bacteria inside the tooth. We then clean, disinfect, fill, and seal the tooth with a crown. All this is done to save the tooth so a patient can avoid dental extraction.
FILLINGS
We may recommend a filling if you have a tooth with a small cavity. During the procedure, one of our dentists will remove the decayed tooth structure. We then fill the hole with composite resin, which restores the tooth’s function and appearance.
Compared to other restorative dental treatments, fillings are minimally invasive. This is because we only remove what tooth structure is decayed and beyond repair. In contrast, we may have to remove healthy tooth structure to place a dental crown.
Fillings are not ideal for large cavities because they leave the tooth vulnerable to further breakage. Under these circumstances, your dentist would recommend a crown to restore the tooth to its full function and appearance.
COST COMPARISON
In general, it’ll cost more to get a dental crown than a filling. But you shouldn’t let that deter you from getting the care you need. In the end, restoring your tooth as soon as possible is the best way to avoid surprise expenses later down the road for emergency treatment.
Before your appointment with us, we recommend checking your dental insurance coverage. That way, you’ll know what to expect when it’s time to pay for your treatment. For example, depending on your policy, you may need to meet a deductible before you start paying coinsurance.
Once you’re familiar with your dental insurance coverage, schedule an appointment with our office. We’ll run through your treatment plan and give you an estimate of how much it’ll cost.
If you don’t have dental insurance, we can help you sign up for CareCredit. CareCredit is a medical credit card that lets you pay for your dental treatment over time.
WHAT PROCEDURE IS BEST FOR YOU?
Each patient is different. That’s why you need to see one of our dentists at the first twinge of dental pain. The sooner you call our office when you experience dental pain, the more likely we’ll be able to provide minimally invasive treatment. But the longer you wait, the more likely we’ll need to take drastic action to save the tooth. Once a tooth is beyond repair, the only option you may have available is extraction.
During your appointment, our dentists will examine the inside of your mouth and take X-rays to get a better look at what’s happening beneath the surface. With this information, our dentists will be able to recommend the best course of treatment for your unique circumstances.
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT WITH US
Our family dentists in Grand Rapids, MI, would be more than happy to explain your treatment options during your next appointment. To set up your next visit with us, call Advance Dental at (616) 956-9183.
This blog post has been updated.
