Teeth are tough, but they are not unbreakable. Sugar, plaque, and hard knocks can wear them down. When a tooth has a hole, a crack, or a deep infection, it needs a repair that matches the size of the problem. That is where fillings, crowns, and root canals come in. Each one solves a different level of damage. Knowing how they work makes dental visits feel much calmer.
Why teeth need repairs
A tooth has layers. The hard shell on the outside is enamel. Under that is dentin, which is softer. In the center is the pulp, where tiny nerves and blood vessels live. Plaque feeds on sugar and makes acid. Acid burns small paths through enamel. If those paths are not cleaned and sealed, the soft dentin lets the damage move faster. A small hole becomes a big one. A deep hole reaches the pulp and starts an infection. Cracks from biting ice or grinding can also open doors for germs. Repairs stop this chain before it gets worse.
Fillings: the small, fast fix
A filling is the first line fix for a small to medium cavity or a tiny chip. The dentist removes the decayed part, shapes the space, and fills it so germs cannot get in again. Most fillings today use a tooth-colored resin called composite. It bonds to the tooth and blends with the smile. Metal amalgam still works well in some back teeth, but it is not used as often.
What the visit feels like is simple. The dentist numbs the area. A small tool clears out the soft, damaged part. The space is cleaned and dried. The filling material goes in soft and is set with a light. Then it is shaped and smoothed. The bite is checked with a thin paper so it feels normal when chewing.
If a check-up shows a cavity or a chip that worries you, local dentists in Mandurah can guide the choice and explain if a filling is enough or if a stronger option is better. Good advice early keeps small issues from growing.
When a filling is not enough
A tooth with a huge cavity, a deep crack, or a broken corner may be too weak for a filling. Think of the walls around the damage. If they are thin, a filling could act like a wedge and split the tooth. Large fillings also wear faster. In these cases, the tooth needs a cover that brings strength back. That cover is a crown.
Crowns: a strong cover for a weak tooth
A crown is a custom cap that fits over the whole visible part of the tooth. It holds the tooth together, protects it from cracks, and gives it a fresh chewing surface. Dentists suggest crowns when there is heavy damage, after a root canal, or when a tooth has a large old filling that keeps breaking.
The process usually takes two steps. First, the dentist shapes the tooth so the crown can sit on it without being bulky. A scan or mold records the exact shape. A temporary crown protects the tooth while the final one is made. At the second visit, the final crown is checked for fit and bite, then bonded into place.
Crowns can be made from porcelain, zirconia, metal, or a mix. Porcelain looks very natural. Zirconia is very strong and works well for back teeth. Gold or other metals last a long time and are gentle on the teeth they bite against, though the color stands out. The best choice depends on where the tooth sits and how hard it works when chewing.
Root canals: saving a tooth from the inside
A root canal is not a punishment. It is a rescue. When germs reach the pulp, the soft center becomes inflamed or infected. That can cause sharp pain, swelling, or pain when chewing. A root canal removes the infected tissue, cleans the inside of the roots, and seals the space so germs cannot return. The outside of the tooth stays, which keeps the bite even and protects the jaw from shifting.
Here is how it goes. The dentist or endodontist numbs the tooth. A small opening is made in the top. Tiny files clean the canals inside the roots. The space is washed with a cleaning liquid to kill germs. The canals are then filled with a rubbery material that seals them. A filling closes the top. Many teeth that get a root canal also need a crown afterward, because the tooth can be brittle once the pulp is gone.
Does it hurt?
Numbing gel and local anesthetic make these procedures feel more like pressure than pain. The drill sounds noisy, but the tooth should be numb. After a filling or a crown, there may be mild soreness for a day or two. Pain relievers help. After a root canal, the area may feel tender while the bone around the root calms down. Chewing on the other side for a short time is a smart move. If strong pain or swelling shows up, call the dentist. That is not common, but it should be checked.
How to choose between a filling, crown, and root canal
The choice depends on two things: how deep the damage is and how much healthy tooth is left. Here is a simple way to think about it.
- Small cavity in enamel or shallow dentin: filling.
- Big area of decay or cracks that weaken the tooth: crown.
- Infection or damage that reaches the pulp: root canal to clean inside, then often a crown to protect the outside.
X-rays and a clinical exam guide this call. A dentist may also do a cold test or tap on the tooth to learn how the nerve is doing.
What to watch for after treatment
After a filling, avoid very sticky sweets for a day, as they can pull on new edges. Rinse after meals and brush as normal. Some teeth feel sensitive to cold for a short time. That fades as the tooth settles. If the bite feels high, go back for a quick polish. A high spot can make a tooth sore.
After a crown, baby that side until the numbness fades so the cheek or tongue does not get chewed by mistake. Do not chew hard nuts or ice on a temporary crown. Once the final crown is in, treat it with care. Floss daily, but slide the floss out instead of popping it up to avoid tugging on the edges.
After a root canal, follow the dentist’s plan for a crown if one is needed. Keep the temporary filling or crown clean. If a small piece chips, call to get it sealed. The inside is sealed, but the top still needs strong support.
How long these repairs last
With good care, tooth-colored fillings often last 7 to 10 years. Some go longer. Crowns often last 10 to 15 years, and many pass the 15-year mark when cleaned well and checked on schedule. Root canal success rates are high. A well-sealed tooth with a proper crown can serve for many years. The key is steady home care and routine check-ups to catch small changes early.
Care that keeps repairs from being needed again
Daily habits make the biggest difference. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Floss once a day to clean where a brush cannot reach. Keep sugary snacks and drinks as rare treats, not daily habits. Sip water during the day to rinse away food acids. Wear a mouthguard for sports. If teeth grind at night, a night guard protects both natural teeth and crowns.
Regular dental visits also matter. Cleanings remove tartar that brushing misses. Exams catch tiny cracks or soft spots before they grow. X-rays, used only when needed, show problems hiding under old fillings or between teeth.
Myths that cause fear
There are many myths about dental care. Here are two that need to go.
“Root canals always hurt.” Modern numbing and careful steps make the procedure plain and calm. The pain that sends people in is usually worse than the treatment.
“Crowns are only for looks.” Crowns do make teeth look neat, but their main job is strength. They stop cracks from spreading and share the load when chewing.
Costs and smart planning
Costs vary by region, tooth, and material. Back teeth can take more force and may need stronger options. Upfront repairs save money in the long run. A small filling now is far cheaper than a crown later. A root canal that saves a tooth is often less costly over time than pulling it and placing a bridge or an implant to fill the space. Ask for a printed plan. Clear steps and costs reduce stress and help with budgeting.
Quick recap and next steps
Fillings seal small problems before they spread. Crowns protect weak or cracked teeth and give them long life. Root canals clean out deep infections and save teeth from being lost. Numbing makes these visits manageable, and good care at home keeps the repairs working for years. If a tooth hurts, feels sensitive, or breaks, book a check-up soon. Early care is easier, safer, and kinder to the smile.
