Dental damage is never convenient. This is because every chip, crack, or cavity, however minor, will eventually grow into a more serious issue if left untreated.
Thankfully, today’s dental treatments are more efficient, effective, and comfortable than ever. Here at Humble Dentistry, Dr. Robert Appel helps all of our patients restore their smiles using high-quality materials and techniques tailored to the type and extent of their damage. Two of the most common solutions? Dental fillings and crowns.
Understanding Dental Fillings: The “Patch” for Minor Damage
Dental fillings are ideal for treating small cavities or chips. During a filling procedure, your dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and “fills” the space with a tooth-colored composite material, which hardens and restores the tooth’s form and function. Fillings are quick, affordable, and preserve most of your natural tooth structure.
Understanding Dental Crowns: The “Cap” for Significant Restoration
Dental crowns, on the other hand, are custom-made caps that completely cover a damaged or weakened tooth. They’re used when there’s too much decay for a filling to hold, after a root canal, or to protect cracked teeth. Crowns fully restore the shape, strength, and visual appeal of your tooth. Crowns are traditionally not the immediate solution that fillings are, requiring a couple of visits and a couple of weeks of waiting for fabrication at a dental lab.
Key Differences: Fillings vs. Crowns
Though their ultimate aims (protection, pain prevention, structural integrity) are the same, a side-by-side comparison reveals certain distinctions between the solutions:
- Coverage — A filling repairs part of a tooth, while a crown covers the whole tooth.
- Durability — Dental crowns are generally stronger and longer-lasting than fillings.
- Treatment time — Crowns usually require a greater time commitment than fillings, though this may change as same-day restorations grow in prominence.
- Use Cases — Fillings are suitable for minor cavities, while crowns are used for more serious damage.
Which Do You Need? Factors Your Dentist Considers
To help determine the best solution for you, Dr. Appel evaluates the following criteria:
- Size of the cavity
- Location of the tooth
- How much healthy structure remains
- Your bite function
Find Top-Quality Fillings and Dental Crowns in Humble, TX
If you’re looking for a trusted dentist in Humble for a comprehensive evaluation and expert assessment of whether you need a dental crown or a simple filling will suffice, contact Dr. Robert Appel and the outstanding Humble Dentistry team to schedule a consultation.