How Are Dental Crowns Different from Fillings?
Dental crowns and fillings both serve to restore damaged teeth, but they differ significantly in their applications and structure. A filling is used to repair a small area of decay or damage within the tooth. It is typically placed after the decayed portion of the tooth is removed, and it fills the cavity to restore the tooth's normal function. Fillings are generally recommended for smaller cavities or damage that does not affect the overall integrity of the tooth. Materials commonly used for fillings include composite resin, amalgam, and glass ionomer.
A dental crown, on the other hand, is used when the damage or decay is more extensive and affects a larger portion of the tooth. Unlike a filling, which fills a cavity, a crown completely covers the entire visible part of the tooth, providing more substantial protection. Crowns are necessary when the tooth is too weak to support a filling or when a large portion of the tooth is missing. They are also used after root canals to reinforce the tooth and prevent further damage. In essence, while a filling repairs part of the tooth, a crown provides complete coverage and support.
