There are times when a cavity gets so big that a dentist cannot fix it with a filling due to the large size of the cavity, but there are other times when a cavity is right on the border. If you have a cavity that is right on the border, it means that you might have the option of choosing a filling or a dental crown. While there are several advantages to choosing a filling over a crown, there are a lot of benefits of choosing a crown over a filling. Here are a few important things to consider as you make this decision.

What Circumstances Would Cause a Tooth to Be on the Border Like This?

When a tooth is on the border, it means that the dentist could use a filling to fix the problem; however, a dental crown is probably the better option. For a tooth to be in this position, it must have a cavity on it that is significant in size. A cavity is made up of decay, and decay eats away the hard structure of a tooth. While cavities begin very small, they do not remain small when left unaddressed. Instead, they spread and grow and eat away at more tooth structure. If your tooth could use a filling or a crown, it is probably because the cavity is relatively large compared to the good structure that remains in the tooth.

What Are the Advantages of Choosing a Filling?

If you are in the position where you can choose between a filling and a dental crown, you would probably want to choose a filling if you are looking for the most cost-effective solution right now. For about $170, you can get a white composite filling placed in a tooth. This filling will match your other teeth and will protect your tooth and replace the decay that is currently in the tooth.

The downside to choosing a filling for a tooth like this is that a filling may only be a temporary solution. If the tooth is on the border of needing a crown, it is likely because the tooth has lost a lot of strength due to a loss of tooth structure. A filling does not help provide strength for a tooth. Therefore, the filling might not last a long time. It would be a good temporary solution, though, and it may last longer than the dentist expects it to.

What Are the Advantages of Choosing a Crown?

Choosing a crown is the more expensive option of the two choices, but dental crowns offer a lot of advantages over fillings. The first advantage is that a dental crown is a somewhat permanent solution for the problem. Crowns last a lot longer than fillings, so you can be certain that a crown will offer more protection for a much longer period of time.

Secondly, crowns strengthen teeth. A crown is placed over an existing tooth and is a solid piece. It is usually made of porcelain, which is extremely strong, and it offers a way for the tooth to actually be as strong as it once was. Because of this, you can use the crown just like you use your regular teeth. If you choose a crown instead of a filling, you will not have to go through both procedures either. You could go through just the crown procedure, and this would fix your tooth.

If you are not sure which is the right option for your tooth, talk to your dentist. Your dentist can give you more details about your tooth and the options available for you. To learn more, visit a dental clinic today.