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How to Find Out Whether You Need a Crown or a Filling

You’re pretty sure that you have a cavity. A big one. What you’re not sure of is, what kind of dental treatment you may need. There are a couple of clues that can give you an idea of what to expect:

The first step is figuring out what happened to the tooth.

Does it look fractured or chipped? Can you recall biting into something very hard during your last meal? Do you remember hitting your mouth against something during an accident or sporting activity?

If the tooth is broken, then there’s a good chance it will need a crown. A dental crown provides the support a tooth needs after it’s compromised. But if there’s no damage, just an obvious dark spot, then that’s a clue you have a cavity.

Next, how extensive is the damage?

A little dental bonding is usually enough to repair a very slight chip in the tooth enamel. If the fracture runs deep, then your tooth will need a crown to survive. A small cavity merits the placement of a single filling. But let that cavity grow too big, and it will threaten the tooth’s pulp chamber. At that point, a dental crown and then a root canal becomes a necessity.

Ultimately, you need a specialist like one of those here at Preston Sherry Dental Associates to let you know what’s going on. On your own, you might not be able to tell how severe tooth decay or fracture is. With the help of x-ray technology and a complete examination, we’ll get you on track to getting the treatment you need! Call us today to schedule your visit.