One of the most common general dentistry issues we treat at Smile Advanced Dental Center in Summerville, SC, is tooth decay, which is also known as a cavity. Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes.

They’re generally painless at first, but if left treated or undetected, they can get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth leading to pain, infection, and tooth loss.

This is one of the many reasons we recommend a dental cleaning and exam every six months to catch any potential problems early.

There are two main ways to treat cavities that have progressed beyond the earliest stages: fillings and crowns.

The difference between fillings and crowns

Fillings, also called restorations, are the primary treatment option for tooth decay. The filling material, which can be composite resins, porcelain, or dental amalgam, is inserted into the small holes — cavities — that have formed in the tooth and prevents further decay.

At Smile Advanced Dental Center, we only use tooth-colored composite filling material. Our team has chosen to use this type of filling to provide our patients with a more natural-looking result and to promote better long-term oral health. You can read more about the potential problems with amalgam fillings here.

When you receive a composite dental filling, our dentists will carefully select a filling that matches your natural tooth color to give you a more beautiful and healthier-looking smile. Fillings can usually be done in one office visit.

Crowns are used when there is more extensive decay present, or when the tooth is notably weakened. A crown is a custom-fitted covering that sits on top of the damaged tooth and is commonly made of high-strength porcelain, resin, or gold. Porcelain crowns are popular because they match the natural color and appearance of your teeth.

When you need a crown, our dentists will consult with you on the best option. The procedure involves drilling away the decayed part of the tooth and possibly more to ensure the crown fits well. Crowns generally require two or more office visits to prep the tooth, take impressions and digital scans to create the crown, and later place and fit the crown.

Is a crown better than a filling?

We often receive the question if one treatment option — filling or crown — is better than the other. And the short answer is no. They are just different.

A filling is a much simpler treatment for a minor cavity, while a crown is used for more extensive decay.

Does a filling or crown hurt?

We know many people avoid visiting the dentist because they’re afraid the process may be painful. But, getting a filling or a crown should be a virtually painless process from start to finish. Your mouth will be numbed before any work is done by a dentist. It’s possible to feel a little discomfort or tenderness in the day or two after the procedure, but it should be very minor and easily treatable by over-the-counter pain relievers.

At Smile Advanced Dental Center, we not only prioritize the most innovative, effective dental treatments, we also focus on your comfort and safety in every single procedure.

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Whether you suspect you have tooth decay or not, if it has been more than six months since your last dental cleaning and exam, it’s important to schedule your next appointment soon to prevent any potential problems or intensive procedures. Contact our office today and we’ll get something on the books for you.