Everyday Decisions Behind Your Dental Care
Judgement calls are part of every job, and dentistry is no exception. In a dental office, decisions about how to repair teeth can affect not only your smile, but also your overall health. When a tooth develops new decay or an old filling starts to fail, your dentist must decide how best to restore it so it can function comfortably for years to come.
These choices are not random. They are based on training, clinical experience and what your dentist believes will give you the best chance of long term success.
What Your Dentist Looks At Before Restoring A Tooth
When your dentist evaluates a tooth that needs attention, several key factors come into play:
- How large and deep the decay is
- Where the decay or old filling is located on the tooth
- Which material is likely to work best
- Your age, general health and dental history
- How long the restoration is expected to last
By weighing these details together, your dentist can decide whether a new filling is appropriate or whether the tooth would be better protected with a crown.
When A Crown Is Often The Best Choice
In many cases, crowns provide the most reliable way to protect a weakened tooth.
Old Fillings And New Decay
Teeth that already have large, older fillings are more prone to problems. New decay can form around the edges of an existing filling, and the remaining natural tooth may be thin or cracked. Placing another large filling on top of that weakness can increase the risk that the tooth will break.
A crown, on the other hand, fits over and surrounds the tooth. This helps hold the tooth together and protects it from further fracturing.
Teeth That Have Had Root Canal Treatment
If a tooth has had a root canal, it typically becomes more brittle. In these cases, a crown is usually recommended to protect the remaining tooth structure. Without that protection, a root canal treated tooth is more likely to crack under normal chewing forces.
How Material Choice Affects Your Restoration
The material used for a filling or crown has a major impact on how well the restoration performs.
Amalgam (Silver) Fillings
Amalgam has been used for decades and is still an effective way to repair tooth decay in certain situations. However, it is the least natural looking material. Over time, the way amalgam is packed into a cavity can act like a wedge inside the tooth, making it more likely to crack.
Even with its drawbacks, an amalgam filling is better than leaving active decay in a tooth. If it is the only suitable option for a particular situation, your dentist may recommend it.
Composite (White) Fillings
Composite fillings are tooth colored and bond directly to the surrounding tooth structure. This bonding can help support the tooth and may make it stronger.
Composite restorations are more technique sensitive, meaning they must be placed carefully and in a dry environment. They usually take longer to prepare and the materials themselves are more expensive. When done properly, however, composite fillings have a high likelihood of success and blend nicely with your smile.
Why Your Dentist’s Judgement Matters
At the heart of every recommendation is your dentist’s prediction about how well a restoration will hold up over time. Longevity and the likelihood of success are always part of the thought process.
These are judgement decisions based on:
- Knowledge of dental materials
- Experience with many different types of cases
- Ongoing training and continuing education
This professional judgement is an important but often invisible benefit of having a dentist you know and trust. When your dentist suggests a filling, a crown or another treatment, it reflects careful consideration of what is most likely to keep your teeth comfortable, functional and healthy for the long term.
Trusting that process – and asking questions when you need clarification – can help you feel confident that you and your dentist are working together in your best interest.
This blog was written by the team at Bucks County Dental Design. We are your home for all general and cosmetic dentistry needs, including routine care, fillings, crowns, bridges, veneers, whitening and more! In practice since 1984, Dr. Mike Spadafora Sr. and Dr. Mike Spadafora Jr. are your local Richboro dentists that you can trust. We are here if you need us!
