When Do You Need a Dental Filling vs. a Crown?

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When you need adentist in Grand Junction, CO, you can rely on Western Slope Dental Center to provide the best treatment for your situation. Often, there are multiple treatment options that may be available. In such as case, we strive to educate our patients so they can be as informed as possible. One of the common choices for tooth decay is between a dental filling and a crown.

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are a quick and effective option for filling in a tooth cavity, which is essentially a hole in the tooth. When you come to visit us with tooth decay, the bad part of the tooth needs to be removed, and the cavity has to be sort of “excavated,” to be sure that no bacteria is left behind to cause further damage. Since the goal is to save the tooth, the empty space needs to be filled with a material such as composite resin. You do have a choice as to fillings, too, which we can go over with you when the time comes.

Dental Crowns

If a tooth has major damage, a filling may not be sufficient. Major damage may mean that a large part of the tooth may need to be removed. But again, since it’s always the goal to save natural teeth, there is a viable treatment option, and that is a dental crown. Dental crowns are often used after root canals, for large cavities, or when a tooth has significant cracks. Crowns provide added durability and protect against further damage, making them the preferred choice for more serious issues.

Whether you need a dental filling or adental crown in Grand Junction, CO, visit Western Slope Dental Center for friendly and professional care.

The Different Types of Dental Crowns Explained

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Have you ever wondered whatdental crowns in Grand Junction, CO, are made of? Crowns are made of a variety of materials. So let’s take a minute to talk about your dental crown options.

The Different Types of Dental Crowns Explained

Yourdentist in Grand Junction, CO, will review these dental crown options to find the one that best suits your needs.

1. Metal Crowns

Metal crowns are generally made of gold, but other dental alloys are also used. Metal crowns don’t require as much tooth structure to be removed, and they are super strong. They are usually only used on molars and back teeth.

2. Stainless Steel Crowns

Stainless steel crowns have been used for eons. They are usually made of chromium, nickel, manganese, carbon, or iron. They are very strong. They are frequently used on the teeth of children and baby teeth. Stainless steel crowns are less noticeable than the other crown materials.

3. Ceramic Porcelain Crowns

Ceramic porcelain crowns are not quite as durable as other crowns. However, most people prefer them because they match their natural teeth. These crowns are made of a concoction of natural materials and are hand-crafted in your dentist’s office. Sometimes they are carved out of a ceramic block by a computerized milling machine. They are a great option for people with metal allergies.

4. Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns

Porcelain fused to metal crowns is metal that is covered with porcelain. They are very strong and long-lasting. These are generally used when a stronger crown is needed, especially for front teeth.

5. All Resin Crowns

All resin crowns are the cheapest option. However, they are the least durable. These are more or less temporary crowns. So, most dentists don’t use these unless you need a temporary one until your permanent crown comes in.

Do You Need a Dentist in Grand Junction, CO?

Getting a crown can fix dental flaws and, in most cases, preserve your tooth.Contact Western Slope Dental Center today. We have a warm and welcoming office and a team of friendly professionals. There is no need to shop around. We are your one-stop dental shop for your entire family.

Improve Your Oral Health & Smile with a Dental Crown  

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Children and adults need dental crowns in Grand Junction, CO for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons we see here at Western Slop Dental Center include protecting a tooth weakened by decay, restoring a misshapen or worn tooth, covering a dental implant or holding dentures in place, and protecting a tooth that has just received a root canal. Regardless of the reason you or a family member need a dental crown, you can depend on our experienced team to guide you through the process.

Types of Materials Used to Create Dental Implants

Our dentists construct new dental implants out of metal or porcelain. Both have the advantage of looking just like one of your natural teeth. You also have the option of requesting your dental crown in an entirely different material. Of the material types, porcelain resembles actual tooth material the closest.

What to Expect When You Need a Dental Crown

The first thing our dental team will do when you come in for fitting and placement of your new crown is provide you with a local anesthetic to eliminate any discomfort from the procedure. Your dentist may need to shave off some tooth enamel or reshape the tooth underneath the crown to ensure that it remains securely in place.

The crown goes over a molar tooth to protect it from whatever problem brought you to our office in the first place. Our dentists use a type of shaping putty to form an impression of the tooth requiring a crown and send it to our dental laboratory. You receive a temporary dental crown in the meantime and return to our office within a few weeks for a permanent fitting.

Please contact Western Slope Dental Center at 970-241-3483 to learn more about the benefits of wearing a dental crown.