Your teeth are precious. Without them, you could not chew your food, speak clearly, or flash your beautiful smile. Taking proper care of your teeth is an important part of staying healthy overall, as tooth decay and gum disease can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. Although you may not want to hear from your dentist that you need a crown or a filling, it’s important to remember that leaving damaged or decayed teeth untreated will only lead to more complex and expensive dental problems down the road. If you have a cavity or a cracked tooth, it’s best to get it treated as soon as possible. But what exactly is the difference between a crown and a filling, and how do you know which one you need? 

 

What is the difference between a crown and a filling?

Both dental crowns and dental fillings are used to repair decayed or damaged teeth. A dental filling involves removing the decayed part of the tooth and then replacing it with a “filling” made of either gold, silver amalgam, composite resin, or porcelain. A dental crown is more of a cover for a damaged or decayed tooth. The process involves reshaping the tooth, creating an impression, and creating a customized “cap” to cover the tooth. Crowns are typically made of metal alloys, composite resin, or ceramic. The materials used in either a crown or filling will depend on several factors, including the scope of treatment, the location of the treatment area, and the patient’s preference.

 

Crown vs. filling

Although both crowns and fillings repair decayed or damaged teeth and restore tooth function and aesthetics, they are not used interchangeably. Your dentist will examine your teeth and perform an evaluation to determine which type of treatment is best for you. The choice of porcelain crown vs dental filling usually comes down to these factors:

  • Cavity size

When it comes to treating cavities, size matters. The bigger a cavity, the more it threatens the structure of the tooth. Small cavities can usually be treated with a filling, but if a cavity is large enough, it may require a crown to help protect the tooth’s structure. 

  • Strength of tooth structure

Even if a cavity is small, a tooth may need a crown instead of a filling if the tooth has had other fillings in the past.  The more holes created by decay, the weaker the tooth becomes, even if the cavities are filled. A tooth that’s been weakened will need a crown to improve strength and function. 

  • Extent of damage

Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth are more than a filling can handle. This type of damage compromises the integrity of the tooth, and if it’s not treated properly with a crown, further damage and complication is likely to occur.

  • Infection

When decay reaches the core of the tooth, it often leads to infection. Treatment requires clearing out the infected core by way of a root canal.  A tooth that is hollowed out in this way needs a crown to protect it from damage. A filling cannot provide the necessary protection. 

Whether you need a dental crown or a dental filling, at BioDental Care in Tijuana, Mexico, you’ll receive excellent dental care for a fraction of what you’d pay in the United States. 

 

Top-notch holistic dental care at affordable prices at BioDental Care

Why pay $1200 for a zirconia crown in the United States when you can get the exact same zirconia crown for $300 right across the border in Tijuana, Mexico? At BioDental Care, we offer carefully crafted crowns created from the highest quality materials, and you’ll be in the excellent and highly experienced hands of one of the best dentists in Tijuana, Mexico. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Trejo or to inquire about any of our services, give us a call at (619) 754-8508 today.