Fillings and Crowns are both dental procedures that are designed to support a compromised tooth, restoring it to working order. If you think you need a filling or crown, visit you family dentist for a discussion. The expert dental team will be able to recommend a course of treatment for you.
You might need a crown or a filling if:
- You have painful and sensitive teeth
- Your teeth are chipped, damaged or misshapen
- You have a cavity in your teeth
- Your tooth or teeth have become weak
Filling
A filling is a simple, effective and surprisingly quick procedure. Your dentist will first use a drill to remove the decay and clean and dry the area. This will be a pain-free process and the filling will then be applied.
A filling is simply a solution which goes into the hole and fills it up to restore the tooth to a functional structure. A ‘white’ filling is the most commonly used filling material and it will blend in seamlessly with your natural tooth colour.
After you receive your filling, it’s important to maintain proper oral hygiene including proper brushing and losing and a strong diet. This should help it to last 10 years or longer.
Crown
A crown is a treatment option for a tooth where the decay has gone a little bit further. If your dentist feels the tooth has been affected to a point where a filling cannot restore it, then a crown will be recommended.
This is a way of saving a decaying tooth without having to replace it with a denture. A crown can also be used to improve the appearance of a tooth. There is a range of materials available for crowns. A common choice is a crown made of porcelain, matching the colour of our teeth.
The Crown Procedure
Your dentist will thoroughly assess your situation and implement any necessary procedures before fitting the crown. In some cases, root canal therapy may be advised. A temporary crown will then be fitted. The crown will cover the entire tooth all the way to the gum line. Once your dentist is satisfied that temporary crown is functioning at an optimum level, a permanent crown will be made from the temporary model. This will then be fixed permanently over your tooth like a cap.
Once in place, the tooth will be stronger, better looking and pain-free. You can then look forward to a stronger tooth with a crown in place that you will hardly even notice.
While it may seem daunting, having a tooth crowned is an invaluable investment, especially at a stage in life where your teeth may naturally be becoming worn and more vulnerable. Avoiding a denture is a proactive step towards a better quality of life.
For more information, and appointment bookings, call Greenslopes Dental today on 07 3054 6740 or make an appointment online.