10 Jan When Do You Need a Crown vs. a Filling?
When do you need a crown vs. a filling? Usually only when there is extensive decay. If you have a badly damaged tooth or need a root canal procedure, you might have to get a crown instead of a filling. However, crowns are not always necessary, even after a root canal. Biomimetic dentistry can prevent the need for crowns in many cases—here’s how.
Crowns vs. Fillings
Fillings and crowns can both restore function to damaged teeth. Typically, fillings are used to repair cavities and stop decay from reaching the pulp of the tooth. Crowns, on the other hand, are for extreme cases only. Getting a crown often means that most of the tooth that shows above the gumline will have to be removed. Because a crown covers the root of a badly damaged tooth to protect it from infections, they are commonly applied after root canal procedures.
When Do You Need a Crown?
If there is severe damage or extensive decay that threatens the root of the tooth, you might need a crown. Or, if there is not enough of the tooth structure left to support any more fillings, a crown may be necessary. Crowns protect badly damaged teeth, strengthening them so you can bite and chew normally.
However, crowns are not always necessary. Sometimes whether or not you need a crown depends on the extent of the damage, and sometimes it depends on which dentist you see. At Prescott Dentistry, we always try to preserve your natural teeth, even if they are badly decayed. Our biomimetic dental materials can restore strength and function to damaged teeth, preventing the need for crowns in many cases.
What Is Biomimetic Dentistry?
Biomimetic dentistry is a branch of holistic dentistry that deals with the biomechanics of the natural tooth. It utilizes advanced bonding techniques and biocompatible materials that closely mimic the natural tooth. For example, our biomimetic materials allow us to perform root canal procedures without having to use a crown.
First, we make a small opening in the biting surface of the tooth so we can access the root canal and remove the infected tissue. Then we fill the root canal with an inert, natural, rubber-like material called gutta-percha that comes from the Malaysian percha tree. This natural plastic is very biocompatible, and it seldom causes any reaction. In the final step, the tooth will be restored with a protective onlay or a filling to reinforce it and improve its appearance.
Biomimetic Dentistry Could Save Your Tooth
At Prescott Dentistry, we offer you an alternative to conventional drill-and-fill techniques. Our focus is on prevention and whole-body wellness. From the materials we choose to the treatments we offer, we want to provide the most natural, holistic dental care options available. To learn more about how biomimetic dentistry is different from standard dental practices, make an appointment today!
Photo by freestocks on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 1/02/2024.