Cracked Tooth? When You Need a Crown vs. a Filling in Albany, NY
If your tooth develops a crack due to decay, wear, or trauma, the first question you might ask your dentist is, “Do I need a filling, or do I need a crown?” Both treatments can restore your tooth and repair damage. But they serve different purposes. Here’s an in-depth look at each option and why your dentist might recommend one over the other for cracked tooth repair in Albany, NY.
What Is a Filling?
Fillings are a first choice when there’s a small to moderate area of decay in the tooth. The filling replaces the portion of the damaged tooth and creates a seal to prevent further decay or cracking. Your dentist will typically recommend a filling when the cavity is newly discovered. It’s also common when the decay is minimal and confined to one area or there’s no cracking in the tooth. Fillings work well, too, if the tooth is still strong and healthy. They usually only take one dental visit and are minimally invasive. Fillings preserve the natural tooth structure and can be color-matched to the natural tooth shade.
How Your Dentist Decides
After an initial exam, your Albany emergency dentist will evaluate your dental history. There, your team will decide whether the tooth is healthy, how much of the tooth surface is decayed, and your bite pattern and chewing force. Large fillings can weaken the tooth and, over time, may crack, pull away, or separate from the tooth. In these cases, a filling is ruled out, and a crown is recommended to strengthen the tooth and provide a more durable solution.
What Is a Crown?
Placing a dental crown on a cracked tooth is a treatment Albany dentists perform regularly. A crown (also known as a ‘cap’) is placed over the entire surface of the tooth and is the best option when a filling can’t provide long-term support. Other issues that may necessitate a crown may include heavy wear from nighttime grinding, a cracked or broken tooth, a large area of the tooth that is compromised, or having had a root canal, which can weaken the tooth. A crown is long-lasting and prevents further cracking or decay and resembles a natural tooth.
What Happens if You Don’t Crown a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth can be painful, and this pain will worsen if left untreated. Nerve pain, infection and abscesses, or the tooth breaking further are all concerns of a cracked tooth. These complications are prevented by crowning the damaged tooth. Think of the crown as a protective shield that blocks bacteria and decay.
If tooth discomfort or sensitivity has started, it’s time to give your Albany emergency dentist a call to schedule your appointment. Our team will guide you in the decision between a filling and a crown.