Common Reasons You Need Dental Crowns Instead of a Filling

Common Reasons You Need Dental Crowns Instead of a Filling

Dental crowns are a common dental restoration used to repair and protect a damaged tooth. Crowns are custom-made from various materials, including porcelain, metal, and composite resin, and can be used to treat various conditions. In some cases, a crown may be a better option than a filling to restore a damaged tooth's function and aesthetics.

However, deciding to use a tooth crown instead of a filling will depend on the extent of the harm and the tooth's location. The following are some reasons a dental crown may be the better option for restoring a damaged tooth:

1. Repairing Severely Damaged or Decayed Teeth

There are various reasons your teeth get damaged or decayed, such as injury, poor oral hygiene, and eating too much acidic or sugary foods. Dentists sometimes recommend dental fillings to restore your teeth's natural shape and function. However, it's important to note that fillings can only repair minor damage and decay and are not recommended for more severe cases.

If the damage is severe, dentists suggest having crowns as a better option for repairing significantly damaged or decayed teeth. In addition, crowns provide a long-term solution and help protect your teeth from further damage or decay.

2. Replacing Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can break your confidence and make eating, speaking, and smiling difficult. Aside from that, they can make you look older as well. Fortunately, several treatments are available to help replace missing teeth.

Dental crowns are one of the most prominent treatments used to restore and replace a single missing tooth. Crowns are made of either porcelain or metal and are custom-made to fit your existing teeth. They are attached to a bridge, a false tooth that fills the missing tooth's gap. This helps to restore the natural look and function of your teeth.

3. Covering Discolored or Misshapen Teeth

Although there are common misconceptions about making teeth white, there are cases when one tooth has an odd shape or color. Of course, dental implants can serve as an option to replace missing teeth, but another way is to have teeth crowns.

A dentist can suggest crowns over implants if the discolored or misshapen teeth are still healthy and strong. Crowns can be created from a variety of materials, such as porcelain, gold, or zirconia, and can be custom-made to match your existing teeth.

4. Holding a Dental Bridge in Place

A dental bridge is a prosthetic device to replace a missing tooth or teeth. The bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth, known as pontics, which are held in place by two crowns on either side.

Of course, dental fillings can also be used to hold a bridge in place. However, fillings are not typically recommended for this purpose as they are designed to provide a different level of strength and durability than a crown. On the other hand, a crown can provide the strength and stability needed to support the bridge and keep it in place.

Final Thoughts

Dental crowns are a great solution for restoring and protecting your teeth from further damage. You must talk to your dentist about the best treatment if you have a severely damaged tooth. This way, they'll inform you if you need a dental filling or a crown.

Dental House MI provides exceptional and affordable dental crown services in Ann Arbor and Waterford, MI. We aim to give our patients the highest quality of care and the most effective treatment for their dental health. Book an appointment with us today!