Although tooth decay and damage are progressive and relatively slow, they are not reversible; a tooth that has been damaged, developed a cavity, become infected, or begun to decay will not heal itself and must be treated with professional dental care.
As the decay or damage worsens, more of the healthy tooth enamel and structure deteriorates. While fillings are perfect for small to medium-sized cavities, cracks, or fractures, fillings that are larger than what’s left of the natural tooth are not safe, durable, or able to withstand the stresses of biting and chewing for the long-term.
This is why crowns are often used to cover teeth that have large fillings, whether silver, tooth-colored, or some other material. These large fillings can compromise the overall strength of the natural tooth and are at a high risk of fracturing or even falling out. Crowns add an additional layer of protection to these teeth to secure the fillings, support the tooth, and prevent unnecessary damage.
Crowns are also commonly used to cover teeth that have been treated with a root canal. The crown helps restore the original strength of the natural tooth, since so much of the infected biological structure was removed during the root canal.
Even though crowns may be a more expensive procedure upfront than fillings, they will save you from more costly and extensive restorative services in the future by preserving the strength of your natural teeth and your overall health.