Dental terminology is confusing at best sometimes. While it may be easier just to nod and agree with whatever the dentist says, at Jackson Dental we want to make sure you understand your treatment and the procedures being recommended.
If you’ve ever had a cavity, you’ve probably heard the terms crown and filling. These are the two most common treatments for tooth decay, which is caused when acid wears away your tooth enamel and leaves a hole where bacteria can enter. Left untreated, tooth decay can be painful and lead to tooth loss.
To prevent further tooth decay and repair the hole, dentists will use either a crown or a filling. When a dentist does a filling, he or she will remove the decayed part of the tooth, clean out the hole and place a filling to fill the space. This returns the tooth to normal and can prevent further tooth decay. Fillings can be a variety of materials and vary in durability and function. Fillings are usually used for small amounts of damage.
A crown is sometimes needed when there are greater amounts of decay or the tooth is deformed in some other way. Crowns are sometimes called “caps” and are basically covers for existing teeth. Crowns are usually longer lasting & can be used for a variety of cosmetic dental procedures.
Both crowns & fillings may need to be replaced overtime.
At Jackson Dental, our dentists will work with you to identify the correct form of treatment based on a variety of factors including the severity of the decay, your health and more. Give us a call today at 573-243-5200 if pain from tooth decay is causing you problems.