How Are Dental Fillings and Crowns Different?
If you’re experiencing any dental pain or discomfort, it’s important that you schedule an appointment with our emergency dentist in Wyoming, MI, as soon as possible. To treat cavities, Dr. Langellier may recommend dental fillings or crowns to restore your teeth. But it all depends on the extent of the decay. Likewise, crowns may be used for other purposes, such as restoring teeth after root canal therapy.
Dr. Langellier will be able to examine your teeth, gums, and other oral structures. He will also examine any X-rays that we may take at your appointment to check for underlying issues not visible to the naked eye.
Here’s what else you need to know about dental fillings and crowns.
Dental Fillings
The right tooth has a composite filling, which is what we offer at Bowtie Dental.
Dr. Langellier may recommend dental fillings to restore teeth with small cavities. During the procedure, Dr. Langellier will inject a local anesthetic into the soft tissue by your tooth. You’ll feel a small pinch but this will quickly get replaced by a numbing sensation. Once you’re numb and comfortable, Dr. Langellier will remove the decayed portion of your tooth and fill the hole with composite resin.
Our dentist will expertly blend the composite resin so it matches the color of your natural enamel. That way, no one will be able to tell that your tooth has a . Instead, your filling will blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
The dental filling procedure only takes one visit to our office.
Dental Crowns
The diagram shows how a dental crown fits over a tooth that’s been prepped for the procedure.
Dr. Langellier may recommend a dental crown to restore a tooth with a significant amount of decay or injury. The crown helps to strengthen the tooth and improves its appearance so it blends in with the rest of your smile.
Our dentist may recommend a crown for the following reasons:
- Prevent a tooth from fracturing
- Restore a broken tooth
- Attach a bridge
- Cover a dental implant
- Cover a misshapen or discolored tooth
- Restore a tooth after a root canal
- Restore a tooth with a large cavity
- Replace a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth remaining
A dental crown covers the entire visible portion of your tooth above the gum line. This means that Dr. Langellier will need to file down and shape your tooth so the crown can fit over top. He’ll then take dental impressions to send to the lab that will be making your .
The dental crown procedure takes two visits to our office. While you wait for the lab to make your crown, Dr. Langellier will place a temporary crown over your tooth. When you return for your second appointment, Dr. Langellier will replace the temporary dental crown with the permanent one.
Before bonding the dental crown to your tooth, he’ll ensure that the crown is the proper size, shape, and shade so it looks and feels natural. Dr. Langellier will also check your bite to ensure the crown fits comfortably and doesn’t cause any future issues with chewing.
Learn More About Dental Fillings and Crowns
Dr. Eric Langellier is an emergency dentist in Wyoming, MI, who is accepting new patients throughout Greater Grand Rapids. To request an appointment, please call Bowtie Dental at (616) 532-9003. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.