When a dentist says you need treatment, the three words you will most often hear are filling, crown and root canal. They solve different problems, and understanding the difference makes the conversation much easier.
A filling: for a cavity that has not gone too deep
If decay has made a small hole in the tooth, the dentist removes the damaged part and rebuilds the tooth with a tooth-coloured filling. It is the simplest repair, and the earlier a cavity is found, the smaller and easier the filling will be.
A crown: when a tooth needs more support
If a tooth is cracked, heavily filled or very worn, a filling may not be strong enough to hold it together. A crown is a custom cap that covers the whole visible part of the tooth, protecting it and restoring its shape and strength. Crowns are also used after a root canal, because a treated tooth is more brittle.
A root canal: when the inside of the tooth is infected
Inside every tooth is soft tissue called the pulp. If decay or damage reaches it, the pulp can become infected, which often causes pain, swelling or sensitivity to hot and cold. A root canal removes the infected tissue, cleans the inside of the tooth and seals it, so you can keep your natural tooth instead of losing it.
What are the signs?
A cavity may cause no symptoms at all at first. Sharp pain when biting, lingering pain after hot or cold drinks, swelling of the gum and a throbbing toothache that wakes you at night are signs that something needs attention soon. Do not wait for it to go away.
Is treatment painful?
With proper numbing, all three treatments should feel comfortable. The pain people fear usually comes from the problem, not the treatment, and treatment relieves it.
The best treatment is the one you never need
Regular check-ups and good daily care catch problems when they are small, which means simpler, cheaper and less invasive treatment. If you have a toothache or just want peace of mind, send us a request and we will arrange a visit.
