While dental crowns are the gold standard for repairing broken and damaged teeth, fillings can sometimes make a necessary repair and provide a less costly and less invasive option. Dr. Shane Ruggless offers durable tooth-colored fillings here in our Springfield, IL dental practice.
Tooth-colored fillings, also called composite, consist of plastic and glass particles, which look natural and protect teeth.
Minor Chips and Small Fractures
For anterior (front) teeth, minor chips and small fractures might not compromise the integrity of the tooth. Rather than preparing the tooth for fitting a crown, tooth-colored fillings add to the existing tooth structure, leaving more of your natural tooth structure intact.
Since composite comes in a wide range of colors, your filling will blend in with your natural tooth. Dr. Ruggless will smooth and polish the restoration for seamless results.
Fillings seal the tooth and keep bacteria from causing decay in the absence of enamel. It’s essential to clean your teeth diligently. While fillings will not decay, your tooth still can.
Cracked or Deeply Decayed Teeth
Posterior (back) teeth perform most of the chewing, which is why we usually recommend a dental crown for increased stability. Unlike a filling, dental crowns cover the entire tooth structure, holding it together and preventing further damage.
When you bite down on a damaged tooth, more of the structure can break away, destabilizing the tooth more significantly. A dental crown absorbs the force and keeps the underlying tooth structure and nerve protected.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Every patient is different, and we customize treatment options based on your needs, goals, and budget. Contact us to book an exam to determine the need for crowns or fillings at our St. Paul dental office.
After a complete exam and x-rays, Dr. Ruggless will go over your options and help you make the best choice for your smile.