If your tooth has been affected by decay or damage, then your dentist will typically either recommend a dental crown or filling. But how do you know which option is right for you?
At Performance Dental, we’re here to make your choice as easy as possible. With extensive training and experience in tooth restorations, including thousands of crowns and fillings, we’ll guide you through your options, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident in your treatment.
What’s a filling?
We use filings to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks or fractures. The affected portion of the tooth is removed and replaced with a filling material.
In the Performance Dental clinic, we use composite white resin fillings to closely match the colour of your existing teeth.
Fillings are one of the most common dental procedures we undertake and are often recommended for minor or moderate cavities or tooth decay.
Have you been experiencing sensitivity to hot or cold foods, or discomfort when chewing? Can you see visible pits or holes on the surface of your tooth? Then you might need a filling.
What does getting a filling involve?
A dental filling procedure is quite straightforward and is usually completed in one appointment, with little to no downtime after your procedure.
- We’ll begin by injecting a local anaesthetic to numb the area around your tooth.
- While the tooth is numb, your dentist will remove the decayed or damaged part of the tooth, leaving behind only healthy tooth.
- The filling material is then precisely placed and set with a special light.
- The filling will be shaped to ensure it fits with your bite and the surface will be polished for a smooth finish, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.
After your dental filling is placed, you might experience numbness in your mouth for a few hours. You’ll be advised to avoid chewing on the insides of your cheeks and lips and to steer clear of hard foods for at least 24 hours.
It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when fillings are first placed, however this will subside as your tooth acclimates to the new filling. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new filling.
What’s a dental crown?
Dental crowns are recommended for more severe cases where a tooth has suffered significant damage or decay.
Unlike a filling, which is more like a patch for your tooth, fixing a small hole, a crown is a protective cover or cap that fits over the damaged tooth, effectively replacing the natural outer layer to restore the tooth to full use.
Crowns may help with:
- Extensive tooth decay that compromises the tooth’s structure
- Large fractures or chips that weaken the tooth
- Closing spaces between teeth
- Restoring length on worn teeth
- Protecting the treated tooth after a root canal treatment
What does getting a dental crown involve?
The dental crown procedure is multi-step, so may span two visits. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, so before we undertake your procedure we will have a full discussion with you about your preferences.
- Your tooth will be prepared by removing any damage or decay and space will be made for the crown.
- We take an impression of your tooth to create a custom-fitted crown, then you’ll go home with a temporary crown to protect your tooth.
- Once your custom-made crown is ready, it will be securely bonded to your tooth to restore its size, shape and strength. It will blend perfectly with your smile, so you’ll never know it is there!
After getting a crown, you might feel some sensitivity or puffiness for a bit, but that’s normal and should settle in a few days.
Your mouth will likely be numb for a few hours after your procedure due to the use of local anaesthetic. For the first day after you receive your crown, we recommend you stick to soft, non-sticky foods to let the crown settle.
Which is best for your teeth?
Ultimately, the decision between a filling or dental crown comes down to the condition of your teeth. If you’ve only got minor tooth decay, dental fillings might be 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, a crown might be necessary if the damage is too great or if there isn’t enough healthy tooth remaining to support a filling.
Performance Dental principal dentist David Hogan has performed thousands of dental fillings and crowns and will always talk you through your options and help you choose what’s best for your individual circumstances.
To schedule an appointment at our convenient Brisbane CBD dental clinic you can book online or call us on 07 3210 6700. We’re located on Level 16 of the Queen + Albert Building, in the middle of the Queen Street Mall.
