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Crown vs. Filling: What’s the Difference?

Posted on July 30th, 2021 by

If you’re having a problem with one of your teeth, it can be hard to figure out what kind of treatment is necessary. After all, there are many kinds of restorative dental options out there. Crowns and fillings are two of the most common ways to stop tooth decay, and learning the key differences between them will help you narrow down which one is right for you.

What are Crowns?

A crown is a prosthetic tooth, usually made out of ceramic or porcelain, that is placed on top of your existing tooth. A crown is placed on a tooth that is significantly damaged to prevent further decay. Crowns look like real teeth, and they can make speaking and chewing significantly easier.

What are Dental Crowns

How Much Tooth is Needed for a Crown?

Crowns are designed to be used on teeth with extensive damage, but in some cases, the amount of tooth damage may be too excessive. For a crown to work properly, there needs to be at least ¼ of the tooth remaining that hasn’t been affected by decay.

If there is not enough tooth material left to provide support, your dentist may suggest using composite resin. Composite resin is a material that can be applied in thin layers to build up the remaining tooth structure. Once these layers harden, the dentist can place a crown as normal.

What are Fillings?

Fillings are made out of dental materials such as silver, porcelain, and composite resin. They are inserted into small holes that form in your teeth due to decay. Properly installed fillings can last many years and will stop decay from eating away at your teeth.

What Are Fillings

Crowns vs. Fillings: Which One Do I Need?

Fillings are used for teeth that have minimal damage while crowns are used for more extensive tooth decay. A crown fits on top of a damaged tooth, while a filling sits inside the tooth itself.

When you get a crown, the dentist simply places the prosthetic over your natural tooth. For a cavity, the dentist scrapes away the decayed area with a special tool before filling in the hole.

If you suspect you have tooth decay, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible to prevent things from getting worse. After a certain point, damage or decay can start to affect the integrity of your tooth, making more intensive procedures necessary. At your appointment, your dentist will examine your tooth and determine whether a crown or filling is the better option.

Schedule a Free Dental Crown Consultation

If you’re looking to learn more about dental crowns, reach out to the experienced team at Art of Modern Dentistry. Our dentists are prepared to make your visit as easy and comfortable as possible. We’re the most trusted choice for dental crowns in Chicago!

Schedule an appointment at one of our Chicago offices today!

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Geneva Malagutti
I was a little hesitant to come here after reading some reviews on Yelp but decided to give it a try after being reassured by Millie (who is really sweet and pleasant) over the phone, and I'm really happy I did. The office is beautiful, modern, and clean, something that really makes a difference for me going to the dentist. They were very prompt, I didn't have
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~ Geneva Malagutti, Chicago, IL
Megan Henley
Art of modern dentistry is an amazing place to get your teeth cleaned! Dr. Daftary is wonderful and funny. They have the best financial experts to help you get the treatment you need. I would recommend their services to my family and friends!
~ Megan Henley, Chicago, IL
Brant Herzer
I've been a Art of Modern Dentistry patient for almost a decade at both the South Loop and Lincoln Park locations. Currently I go to the LP office and have to say these are the bets dental pros in Chicago. From the hygienists, to the doctors, to the office staff everyone is professional, nice, and wonderful at their job.
~ Brant Herzer, Chicago, IL
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I was blown away by the warm energy that radiated from the staff. They made sure that I understood everything and knew what the cost would be before we moved forward. Each person took the time to sit with me and explain the process. These people clearly love their job, their co-workers, and have a passion for assisting their clients with their dental health.
~ Ashton McLean-Hall, Chicago, IL