If you have a tooth that is decayed or damage, your dentist will have plenty of options for fixing the tooth and improving the appearance of your smile and your overall dental health. The treatment option that you dentist will use will depend on the degree of damage or decay and a number of other factors. When you visit Springfield, MA cosmetic dentist Dr. David Peck, he will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your dental health to determine the best treatment option that will meet your needs.

When it comes to dealing with decayed or damaged teeth, there are two types of treatments at opposite ends of the spectrum. On one hand you have dental fillings, and on the other hand you have Springfield, MA dental crowns. We’d like to take a moment right now to look at the differences between dental fillings and dental crowns.

Dental fillings you are probably pretty familiar with already. Dental fillings are used to treat cavities, and come in metal or composite/ceramic forms. When you have a cavity, it’s important to get fillings in order to stop the tooth decay from progressing or spreading and to maintain the overall structure and strength of the tooth. During the procedure, the unhealthy portions of the tooth are removed and the filling is placed.

Dental crowns you may also be familiar with. These are used when a tooth is severely damaged or decayed. Dental crowns are caps for individual teeth that are meant to protect the tooth from further damage, provide sufficient structure in order to allow a patient to chew as usual, and to restore the overall appearance and health of a smile.

As far as whether dental fillings or dental crowns are a better option for you, this will depend on a number of different factors. The degree of decay or damage is a generally good means of determining this yourself, but Dr. Peck will be a better judge of this during the consultation process. There are numerous intermediate treatments to consider as well, such as porcelain veneers, inlays and onlays, or tooth bonding. These can all be discussed during your visit to the office.

To schedule a consultation and to learn more about various other dental care and health topics, contact our Springfield, MA cosmetic dentistry practice today.