When it comes to repairing your teeth after damage or decay, you’ve got a few options. Among the most common are crowns and fillings. But how do you know which is right for you?
At The Dentists @ Belmore, we’re here to make your choice as easy as possible. With extensive training and experience in tooth restorations, we’ll guide you through your options, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident in your treatment.
Here, we discuss dental fillings and crowns, providing insight into when each treatment would be recommended and outlining the treatment process.
What’s a dental filling?
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? You might need a filling.
Fillings involve removing tooth decay and replacing it with filling material. It’s a common dental procedure, often recommended for minor or moderate cavities or tooth decay.
Fillings help with:
- Cavities
- Tooth wear
- Small breaks or cracks
What does getting a filling involve?
A dental filling procedure is quite straightforward and is usually completed in a single visit to our practice, with little to no downtime after your procedure. If you find a visit to the dentist more stressful, we also have nitrous oxide (also known as happy gas) to make you feel more comfortable.
- We’ll begin by injecting a local anaesthetic to numb the area around your tooth.
- The decay will be removed, leaving behind only healthy tooth.
- The filling material is then put in place 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.
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's common to experience some sensitivity, which should gradually ease over a few days.
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 covers your tooth on all sides, like a cap providing added strength and protection.
Crowns may help with:
- Extensive tooth decay that compromises the tooth's structure
- Large fractures or chips that weaken the tooth
- 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.
- Your tooth will be prepared by removing any damage or decay and space will be made for the crown.
- We take a scan 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.
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, go easy on sticky, chewy, and hard foods to let the crown settle.
Your smile, your call
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.
The Dentists @ Belmore have performed hundreds of dental fillings and crowns. We’re very happy to talk you through your options and help you choose what’s best for you.
We offer a range of payment options including payment plans through third parties like ZipMoney or NSW government vouchers.
Do you need a tooth repair? Book an appointment online to chat with us about your options.