Whether or not a filling or a crown is more appropriate for a pediatric dental cavity depends on the severity of the cavity, the location of the tooth, and the patient’s preference. The following is an overview of what a dental filling and dental crown are and how to choose between the two options when it comes to pediatric dental treatment.
A dental filling is an artificial material that is placed in the cavity of a tooth after tooth decay erodes the enamel (the outermost layer of a tooth). There are different material types a pediatric dentist may use for a dental filling. Most commonly, fillings are amalgam or porcelain. Dental fillings are most suitable for small cavities, whereas they may not be enough to address larger cavities or more severe forms of tooth damage.
We typically recommend a pediatric dental filling when the cavity is minor and does not compromise the overall strength or structure of the decayed tooth. Fillings are often the preferable solution as they are less invasive and should last for the entire lifespan of baby teeth as long as they are well cared for in the long term.
A dental crown, also called a dental cap, is a restoration that encapsulates a dental cavity or broken tooth on all sides. Dental crowns consist of either ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, metal alloy, or gold alloy. The type of material that a pediatric dentist recommends depends on the location of the tooth and the parent’s preference for their child. Crowns are generally recommended when the tooth is more severely damaged or decayed and needs additional protection from further decay or damage.
A pediatric dental crown may be the recommended restoration if the tooth is damaged more severely or due to dental trauma. Often, we use dental crowns when the tooth is in jeopardy of becoming lost due to how weak it has become from damage or decay. In other words, if the cavity is too severe for a filling, then a dental crown may be the more appropriate solution.
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Does your child have a cavity or damaged tooth? If so, contact our pediatric dental team today to schedule a visit and determine whether a filling, a crown, or another restoration is right for you.
Request an appointment or call Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry at 703-391-8800 for an appointment in our Reston office.
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