Dental fillings and crowns are both restorative treatments for damaged teeth, but they serve different purposes. Fillings are primarily used to repair cavities caused by decay, while crowns can enhance the appearance of a tooth or restore its shape and function after trauma or decay. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between dental fillings and crowns to help you determine which restorative treatment is right for your smile. If you have any questions about fillings or crowns, contact our team at Boston Dental today to schedule an appointment at our Seaport, Government Center, or Downtown Crossing locations!

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are designed to “fill” the space created by a cavity, which is a small hole in a tooth caused by decay. Fillings can be made from various materials, including composite resin, gold, porcelain, and silver amalgam. When a cavity is detected, the first step is to numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. The dentist will then remove the decayed tissue using a drill, laser, or other tools. After thoroughly clearing the cavity of bacteria and debris, the dentist will apply the filling in layers, using ultraviolet light to cure and harden it. Finally, the filling is shaped and polished to match the contours of the natural tooth.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are custom-made caps that fit over a prepared natural tooth to restore its appearance and functionality. They are typically used to repair teeth that are chipped, cracked, broken, or severely decayed. Crowns can also serve cosmetic purposes, such as reshaping a tooth or closing gaps between teeth. Available materials for crowns include ceramic, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal (PFM), metal alloys, and composite resin. The process begins with reshaping the natural tooth to accommodate the crown and removing any decayed tissue. The dentist will then take an impression of your teeth to create a custom-fit crown in a dental lab. A temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it while the permanent crown is made. Once ready, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is secured in place with dental cement. With proper care and regular dental visits, crowns can last between five to fifteen years or even longer!

Contact Boston Dental for Restorative Dentistry in Boston, MA!

If you have questions about restorative dental treatments or wish to schedule an appointment at our Seaport, Government Center, or Downtown Crossing locations, please reach out to our team at Boston Dental today! Call any of our offices or fill out the contact form on our website, and a member of our team will respond promptly!