Dental Crown vs. Dental Filling: Which Kind of Protection Does Your Child Need?

Children’s teeth need proper protection when experiencing dental decay or damage. Knowing which method of restorative treatment is right for their smile is only possible once you take them to see a trusted pediatric dentist. While dental crowns and fillings are designed to safeguard vulnerable teeth from future infection and harm, each is used differently, depending on the situation. Read on to discover the differences between dental crowns and fillings, and why it’s best to seek professional help.

What is the Difference Between a Dental Crown & Dental Filling?

A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that is created either in-house or in an off-site laboratory that covers the visible portion of a tooth (i.e., the crown). It is crafted to mimic its size and shape, and when using lifelike materials, it blends in with the rest of the smile.

A dental filling is a type of restoration that fills in an area of the tooth’s crown that has become damaged by decay. Many dentists use tooth-colored materials (i.e., composite resin) because they can blend in with the natural enamel shade, but traditional amalgam is also used by various professionals.

What Situations Call for Crowns vs. Fillings?

If your child’s pediatric dentist recommends a dental crown, it is typically because:

• They have a tooth that is cracked and needs a crown to maintain its structural integrity.
• They have a tooth that is weak and can be strengthened with the help of a dental crown.
• They have a tooth with a large cavity, and a dental filling is not enough to adequately treat it and ensure its future.

A dental filling is likely to be the recommended option if your child has a small enough cavity that only a minimal amount of tooth enamel needs to be removed for proper filling placement.

Why Should You Entrust a Pediatric Dentist to Help Make the Decision?

Scheduling an appointment for your child to see their pediatric dentist is the most appropriate step toward ensuring the health and future of their smile. A trusted professional has the knowledge and ability to determine the severity of the damage, thus allowing them to decide whether a crown or filling is the best option.

No matter what kind of treatment your child receives, you can expect the process to be focused on their safety and comfort. This is why some dentists use Soan pinch-free anesthetic, which is a pain-free injection that only numbs the necessary area and is administered slowly so that the body doesn’t feel any discomfort.

Whether it’s a dental crown or filling your child needs, you can trust the recommendation of their dentist. Each provides optimal protection, giving their growing smile a chance to thrive in the years ahead.

About the Author
Dr. Maggie Davis earned her undergraduate degree, her Doctor of Dental Medicine, and completed her pediatric residency at the University of Florida. As a board-certified pediatric dentist and diplomate in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, she and her team believe children should remain comfortable and feel safe while in our office. This is why she is pleased to use the Soan anesthetic injection, which is a pain-free way to numb a portion of the mouth in preparation for more advanced treatment, like a dental crown or filling. If your child requires restorative dentistry to protect a vulnerable tooth, call our office at (727) 786-7551 or visit our website.