Have you ever felt pain in your tooth and wondered what treatment you need? Maybe you have a small hole or a big crack. Should your dentist fix it with dental fillings in Sherwood Park, AB, or do you need a crown? Let’s talk about both options so you can understand what your tooth really needs.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are small materials that your dentist places in holes to fill them. These holes are called cavities. If you eat sweet things or don’t brush properly, they create acid, which eats away at teeth. This creates a cavity.
A dentist in Sherwood Park removes the decayed part of the tooth and fills the space with special material. This stops the cavity from getting bigger. Fillings can be made of composite resin (tooth-coloured), amalgam (silver) and gold.
How Do I Know My Tooth Needs Filling?
You might need a filling if you notice
- Sharp pain when you eat something sweet or cold.
- A small hole or dark spot on your tooth.
- Food keeps getting stuck in the same place.
- Sensitivity that doesn’t go away.
- Your dentist finds a cavity during your regular checkup.
Many people search for “dental fillings near you” when they first notice these problems. That’s a smart move because catching cavities early means simpler treatment.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cover that goes over your natural tooth. Dentists use crowns when a tooth is badly damaged, cracked, or weak. Crowns are used by dentists when a tooth has extensive damage that a filling cannot repair.
Crowns are created using porcelain, ceramic, metal or a mix. Your dentist will shape your tooth and place it over. The crown looks and works just like your natural tooth.
Crown vs Filling: What’s the Difference?
| Aspect | Filling | Crown |
| Size of damage | Small cavities | Large cavities or cracks |
| Coverage | Fills a hole | Covers the entire tooth |
| Tooth removal | Minimal | More tooth structure removed |
| Durability | 5-10 years | 10-15 years or more |
| Cost | Less expensive | More expensive |
| Visits needed | Usually one visit | Two visits (sometimes one) |
Crown vs Filling Chipped Tooth
If you chip your tooth, what do you need? It depends on how much of the tooth broke off.
A small chip on the edge usually just needs a filling. The dentist adds composite resin to rebuild the broken part. This works well if the chip is minor and doesn’t affect the tooth’s strength.
A large chip that exposes the inner tooth or weakens the structure needs a crown. Without a crown, the tooth might break more or get infected.
Crown vs Filling Front Tooth
In the front, the teeth are different because they are seen when you smile. You can use fillings and crowns on front teeth, but think about how they will look.
Dentists use tooth-coloured fillings for small cavities and chips. These blend in perfectly and look natural. The procedure is quick and preserves most of your tooth.
For badly damaged front teeth, crowns work better. Porcelain crowns look exactly like real teeth. The shade of your implant will be customized by your dentist so that it blends seamlessly.
Final Thoughts
Both fillings and crowns save teeth, but they work for different problems. Fillings repair minor damage. Crowns help protect seriously damaged teeth. The key is getting help early. Small cavities that need fillings today might need crowns tomorrow if you wait too long.
Get the Right Treatment Based on Your Oral Condition at Aspire Dental
Aspire Dental is a professional dental clinic that focuses on giving you the care your smile needs. Our staff inspects your teeth, gums and the rest of your mouth to come up with the right treatment. We use simple, modern, and safe dental procedures to help protect your teeth. Whether you require a dental cleaning, fillings, crowns or any other dental care (treatment), we are always at your service.
Book your appointment today. Let our team care for your smile.