When a tooth is damaged or decayed, you can choose between two general methods for treating the problem: getting a dental filling or having a crown installed. Both of these have their pros and cons. Dental fillings and crowns in Islamabad are the most famous treatment to treat damaged or decayed teeth. Knowing how exactly each of the treatments works, read the whole blog.
What is Dental Filling?
A dental filling is a procedure that relieves a tooth after it has undergone mild or modest erosion. When a cavity is present your dentist will drill the decayed part of the tooth and refill the void left by the decay with a material like composite resin, amalgam, or gold.
Types of Dental Fillings:
Composite Resin Fillings: Tooth-colored that makes them blend with natural teeth; best for anterior teeth.
Mercury-based alloy fillings: These are also called ‘silver inlays’, are stain-resistant, and are relatively long-lasting, especially for molar or other hidden regions.
Gold Fillings: Durable but costly; often used on the posterior teeth since fancy appearance is unimportant.
What is a Dental Crown?
An oral restoration procedure, such as a dental crown or cap, engulfs the whole surface of a tooth. When the tooth structure is severely destroyed, a restoration is employed for the repair.
Types of Dental Crowns:
Resin Crowns: These are of the Same color as the teeth and very cosmetic; ideal for anterior teeth.
Porcelain Crowns: Made of porcelain, and are usually applied on molars; made of gold or other metals.
How to Compare Fillings and Crowns?
The decision of whether to have a dental filling or a crown largely depends on factors such as damage, location, desired durability, and expenses.
Extent of Damage
Fillings: These can be applied effectively in simple pits and when the decay or damage is only detected at an initial stage.
Crowns: Caps are perfect if the tooth has a significant amount of remaining structure, which is because they give complete coverage and support to the compromised tooth.
Strength and Durability
Fillings: Composite and amalgam filling are strong but not like caps, especially for the back teeth. Dental inlays last for 10 years, but if they develop cracks or they have worn out, then they will require replacement.
Crowns: These are Long-lasting and are more capable of withstanding the forces of biting and chewing. An ideal crown may serve for 15 years or more and is ideal for molars.
Cost Of Filling and Crowns:
Fillings: The cost of dental fillings in Islamabad ranges from 6,000 PKR to 8,000 PKR. In most cases, they cost less than caps. The type and amount of filling material determine the cost (Compared to amalgam material, some filling materials can be costly for the size of the filling).
Crowns: The cost of dental crown in Islamabad ranges from 18,000 PKR to 32,000 PKR. Pricier than inlays because they require both the molding of the metal and the integration of precious alloys.
Time and Procedure
Fillings: A filling procedure is not very time-consuming and the procedure can be done in a single sitting. After removing the decay your dentist will place the filling material in the cavity, then sculpt it to look more like a natural tooth.
Crowns: The crown procedure is normally completed in two visits to the dental clinic. That first appointment involves shaping the tooth and then taking an impression of the mouth for the crown.
Pros and Cons of Fillings:
Pros:
- Quick and less invasive
- Cost-effective
- For small to medium-sized cavities only
Cons:
- Used for smaller defects compared to reactive and reusable materials; not suitable for massive damages.
- May require replacement over a couple of years
- It is not ideal for reconstructing a tooth that has worn out or one which has some elf of its structure removed.
Pros and Cons of Crowns
Pros:
- Especially suitable for treating damaged and fragile teeth
- Enduring and very resistant
- Offers total guard and rigidity to the tooth
Cons:
- More expensive than fills
- Takes more time and results in additional dentist’s appointments.
- The process reduces tooth structure.
Which Option Is Right for You?
The best choice between a dental filling and a crown depends on several factors:
- Select a Filling if you have a small cavity or minor damage on a tooth.
- Fillings are fast, inexpensive, and acceptable for sealing most kinds of natural teeth formations.
- If you have a damaged or decaying tooth with large parts missing use a crown.
Final Thoughts:
In filling cavities, dental inlays are used. In restoring the shape of broken teeth, caps are used. Fills are the most suitable for comparatively small cavities while crowning gives an additional complete guard which is most suitable for teeth that have been severely damaged.
You should consult the best dental surgeon at SKN Cosmetics in Islamabad if you are confused about which treatment to get for your teeth. This step will help you get the right treatment for healthier, stronger, and more beautiful teeth.