When your dentist finds some tooth damage or decay during an examination, they will typically present you with two options: dental crowns and fillings. But how do you know which is right for you?
At Alderley Dental, we’re here to make the choice as easy as possible. With our extensive expertise and training in tooth restoration, we’re here to assist you in educating you about the options available, ensuring that you’re at ease and confident about your treatment.
Read on to learn more about the difference between dental crowns and fillings, when each treatment is typically recommended, and the steps involved in each treatment process.
What’s a dental filling?
Have you recently noticed sensitivity when eating hot or cold foods or felt discomfort while chewing? Are there noticeable pits or holes on your tooth’s surface? If you’re experiencing any of these issues, then you may be in need of a dental filling.
Fillings are a routine dental procedure that involves the removal of tooth decay followed by the replacement of the affected area with filling material. They are frequently recommended for addressing minor to moderate cavities or tooth decay.
Fillings help with:
- Cavities
- Tooth wear
- Small breaks or cracks in the tooth structure
What to expect during the filling process
A dental filling procedure is quite straightforward and is usually completed in a single visit to our practice – with little to no downtime after your procedure. If you find a visit to the dentist more stressful, we also have nitrous oxide (also known as happy gas) to make you feel more comfortable.
- The tooth is first cleaned of any decay or damage and all the bacteria removed.
- Then your dentists use an intricate set of steps that clean, desensitise and bond the white filling to your natural tooth.
- When it is complete, we use a curing light to harden the material and test your bite to ensure that opposing teeth come together comfortably.
- The surface will then be polished for a smooth finish.
After the placement of your dental filling, you may feel some temporary numbness in your mouth, that may last for a few hours. During this time, it’s recommended to avoid consuming hard foods for at least 24 hours.
It’s perfectly normal to experience some teeth sensitivity, but this discomfort should gradually subside over the course of a few days.
What’s a dental crown?
Crowns are typically recommended if you have more extensive damage or decay affecting a tooth.
Unlike a filling, which is more like a patch to fix a small hole in your tooth, a crown envelops your tooth from all angles, functioning much like a cap. This crown not only adds substantial strength to the tooth but also provides an extra layer of protection.
Crowns may help with:
- Broken or heavily damaged teeth
- Heavily damaged teeth
- Repairing large cavities
- Restoring your tooth after a root canal
- The final step of a dental implant
What to expect during the crown process
Getting a dental crown is a multi-step procedure, and will require two visits to our practice.
- Your tooth will be prepared by removing any damage or decay and space will be made for the crown.
- We take a 3D image of your tooth for a local lab to craft your custom-fitted crown.
- We place a temporary crown while you wait for your permanent crown to be created
- Once your custom-made crown is ready, we will place the crown, ensuring the perfect fit and keeping your natural smile.
After getting a crown, you might feel some sensitivity or puffiness for a day or two.
Following your procedure, you can expect your mouth to remain numb for a few hours. For the first 24 hours, it’s advisable to avoid sticky, chewy or hard foods to allow the crown to settle comfortably.
Dentistry personalised for you
The dentists at Alderley Dental have performed hundreds of fillings and dental crowns. We’re very happy to talk you through your options and help you choose what’s best for you.
If you’ve only got minor tooth decay, then you may find that dental fillings are your best option. The procedure can be completed in a single visit and is less costly than getting a dental crown.
On the other hand, if you have more extensive tooth damage or decay, then a crown will most likely be required. While it is more of an investment, we offer a lifetime warranty on crowns, and if it breaks, we’ll fix it at no cost.
We also offer a range of payment options including interest-free payment plans through DentiCare, as well as PayPal, Afterpay and on-the-spot private health insurance claims.
To schedule an appointment, call our friendly team on 07 3856 2144 or book online.
