Dental caries, sometimes referred to as cavities or tooth decay, is a frequent issue that develops when oral bacteria produce acid that harms the teeth. The bacteria eat the sugars and carbs in the diet, and as a byproduct of their metabolism, they make acid. The formation of a cavity can result from this acid’s ability to liquefy and dissolve the enamel, the tooth’s tough outer coating. Tooth decay can result in discomfort, infection, and even tooth loss if it is not treated. It’s crucial to brush and floss your teeth frequently, eat a healthy diet, and see a dentist for routine cleanings and checkups if you want to avoid tooth decay.
The anatomical parts of teeth with enamel covering are called crowns. It normally emerges into the mouth from beneath the gingiva after forming there. An artificial crown can be placed by a dentist if a tooth is cracked or chipped in some places. Most frequently, crowns are utilized to completely encase an implant or a broken tooth. If one or more teeth are missing, a bridge can also be utilized to fill in the gap. They are attached to either natural teeth or dental implants in the void left by the missing tooth. The crowns might be made of stainless steel or cement. While a stainless steel crown resembles a silver or gold crown, a cement crown looks like a typical tooth.
A filling is a sort of dental restoration that is used to fix a tiny cavity or hole in a tooth, whereas a crown is a type of dental restoration that covers and encases a tooth.
A crown is frequently used when a tooth is too damaged or decayed to be repaired with a filling. Additionally, a tooth with a large filling or a tooth that has become weak after getting root canal treatment might be protected with a crown. Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, gold, or a combination of these materials.
A filling, on the other hand, is utilized to close a minor hole or cavity in a tooth. Typically, fillings are constructed of materials like glass ionomer cement, which releases fluoride to help prevent future tooth decay, composite resin, which is a plastic material that is matched to the color of the tooth, or amalgam, which is a mixture of metals.
In general, fillings are utilized for minor repairs while crowns are used for more comprehensive tooth restorative procedures. For teeth that have been harmed by decay or other causes, both crowns and fillings can be utilized to protect them, restore them, and help stop additional harm from occurring while maintaining the tooth’s health.
There are various circumstances in which a tooth may require extraction, or pulling. Among the frequent causes of tooth extraction are:
- Severe tooth decay: If a tooth is severely decayed and cannot be repaired with a filling or crown, it may need to be extracted.
- Impacted teeth: Sometimes, a tooth may become stuck and unable to emerge from the gums, a condition known as impaction. This can occur with wisdom teeth or other teeth. In these cases, the tooth may need to be extracted.
- Crowded teeth: If there is not enough room in the mouth for all of the teeth, one or more teeth may need to be extracted to make space.
- Infection: If a tooth is infected and the infection cannot be controlled with antibiotics or root canal treatment, the tooth may need to be extracted.
- Gum disease: Advanced gum disease can lead to the loss of the supporting bone around the teeth, causing the teeth to become loose. In these cases, the teeth may need to be extracted.
It is crucial to remember that having a tooth extracted should only be done as a last resort because it is usually preferable to preserve as many of your natural teeth as you can. Based on your individual needs, your dentist will assist you in choosing the best course of action.