At Janz Family Dental, we know that when a tooth is damaged, decayed, or causing you discomfort, the choices can feel overwhelming. Do you need a simple filling? Is a root canal required? Or is it time for a dental crown to protect or restore your tooth?
In this guide, we’ll look at these three core treatments and how our Edmonton team can help you make the choice that will preserve both your oral health and your confidence in your smile.
What is a Filling?
When you’re dealing with early decay or a small area of damage, a filling may be the ideal solution. At Janz Family Dental, this option means we’ll:
- Remove the damaged portion of enamel or dentin and clean the cavity.
- Restore the tooth with tooth-coloured material, such as composite resin, amalgam, gold, or ceramic, that will blend in and maintain function.
The goal is to halt further decay, restore normal chewing, and keep your natural tooth intact.
When is a Filling Appropriate?
- You’ve noticed a small pit, cavity, or rough spot on your tooth.
- You have sensitivity when biting into sweets or cold drinks.
- The structural damage is limited, and the tooth still has good vitality.
Why Choose this Route?
- It’s minimally invasive—we preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible.
- Recovery is quick—you’re often back to normal chewing almost immediately.
- It’s the right choice when decay is caught early and structural compromise is minimal.
However, it’s not always the full answer: if decay extends deeper or if the tooth has suffered a fracture or significant structural loss, a filling alone may not suffice.
What is a Root Canal?
When decay or trauma reaches the nerve of the tooth (the pulp), or infection sets in, a root canal treatment is the smart strategy to save the tooth rather than extract it. In our Edmonton office, this means we:
- Carefully open the tooth
- Remove the inflamed or infected pulp
- Clean and disinfect the root canal system
- Seal the space.
Afterwards, we restore the tooth so it can function normally again.
When is a Root Canal the Appropriate Choice?
- You’re experiencing persistent or intense pain when biting.
- You have lingering sensitivity to hot or cold.
- The tooth has darkened, or there’s swelling/gum tenderness near that tooth.
- X-rays show that the infection has reached the inner tissue or roots of the tooth.
Benefits of a Root Canal
- It allows you to keep your natural tooth, which helps maintain your bite, jaw function, and long-term oral health.
- With a proper restoration following a root canal, such a tooth can continue in service for many years.
That said, a root-canal–treated tooth is often weaker (because significant internal tissue was removed) and will usually need reinforcement. This is often where our Edmonton office will introduce a dental crown.
What is a Dental Crown?
A crown, also called a “cap,” restores and strengthens a tooth that has been significantly weakened by decay, root canal treatment, fracture, or large previous filling. At Janz Family Dental in Edmonton, our dental crowns are designed to fit and match your natural smile, while protecting the tooth underneath.
When is a Crown the Right Move?
- The tooth has large cavities or has previously had large fillings, leaving the structure compromised.
- A tooth has undergone a root canal and needs protection from fracture.
- You have a cracked or broken tooth, or one that is severely worn.
- You also want a cosmetic improvement in size, shape, or colour for a visible tooth.
What are the Advantages of Dental Crowns in Edmonton?
- A crown gives exceptional support and protection to a compromised tooth, helping it function fully and last longer.
- It restores form, appearance, and strength in one integrated solution.
- For visible teeth, it gives a polished aesthetic result while still being durable.
How Do You Decide: Filling vs Root Canal vs Crown?
At the heart of the decision is: how much damage is there? And what is the best long-term result for your tooth and your overall smile?
Key factors we at Janz Family Dental evaluate include:
- Extent of Decay or Damage: If the damage is small and in the outer tooth structure, we’ll opt for a filling. If it extends into the nerve, a root canal is preferred. If the tooth is fractured, heavily restored, or structurally weak, we’ll do a dental crown.
- Condition of the Tooth’s Nerve (Pulp): Vital (healthy) pulp means more conservative treatment is possible. Infected pulp means a root canal is essential.
- Remaining Tooth Structure: The more natural tooth you have left, the more options you may have. Once large amounts are missing, a crown becomes the wiser path.
- Function and Aesthetics: In back teeth, functionality is key. In visible teeth, strength and appearance both matter.
- Long-Term Durability and Cost-Effectiveness: While a filling may cost less upfront, if it fails early and you end up needing more extensive treatment, the total cost (financially and bodily) may increase. A crown, or root canal plus crown, may serve you better in the long run.
While dental crowns do require more preparation than a simple filling, at Janz Family Dental, we offer same-day crowns to save you both time and money.
Your Dental Crown, Filling, or Root Canal Solutions in Edmonton
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to restoring a damaged tooth. A filling, a root canal, or a crown each play an important role—and the right choice depends on the condition of your tooth and your long-term oral health goals. With careful assessment and skilled execution, you can preserve your natural tooth, restore function, and protect your smile with confidence.
If you’re in need of expert care for a failing filling, tooth pain, visible damage, or are considering a dental crown in Edmonton, we can help. Our experienced team will walk you through your options, explain the rationale behind each treatment, and help you choose what’s best for you.
Contact Janz Family Dental today, because preserving your smile is what we do best.
