Crown vs. Filling: Which Does Your Tooth Need? [Video Q&A]

Between a crown vs. filling, which option does your tooth need? The answer depends on the extent of the damage and how much healthy tooth structure remains. Bacteria in plaque produce acids that can damage tooth enamel. Over time, this damage can create a hole in the tooth called a cavity. When a cavity is relatively small and enough healthy tooth remains, a filling can repair the damaged area. Once the remaining tooth is too weakened to support a filling, a crown may provide the coverage and protection it needs.

Dr. Keider is a general dentist with over 30 years of experience treating decay through restorative treatments like dental fillings and crowns. When he recommends either option, he can explain why it is right for your tooth.

Crown vs. Filling: Differences You Need To Know

When cavities affect the tooth’s structure, removing the decay is essential to keeping the rest of the tooth healthy. But what is the difference between a crown vs. a filling?  A dental filling repairs a specific damaged area of the tooth, while a crown restores its shape and helps protect remaining structure weakened by decay, fracture, or wear. Dr. Keider may also use a dental crown after root canal therapy.

A crown, also called a cap, fits over the prepared tooth to restore its shape and help protect the remaining structure.

The main difference between the two is that a filling repairs a localized area, while a crown protects a tooth weakened by decay, fracture, or wear.

When a Dental Filling Makes Sense

A dental filling may be appropriate for a small or moderate cavity when enough healthy tooth remains to support the repair.

A filling repairs the space left after decay is removed, but the surrounding tooth still needs to support the repair. Dr. Keider considers both the cavity size and the condition of the remaining tooth when recommending treatment.

In dentistry, one typical material used to treat cavities is a silver filling, but patients may not prefer the look of shiny materials. Dr. Keider’s practice offers tooth-colored composite resin fillings. Dr. Keider can select the shade that closely matches your natural tooth.

To treat decay with a dental filling, Dr. Keider numbs the area and removes the damaged structure. Then, he fills the prepared space with composite resin, which is hardened with a special light. Dr. Keider then shapes and polishes the filling and checks that it fits comfortably with your bite.

When a Dental Crown Is Best

When decay leaves too little strong tooth structure to support a filling, Dr. Keider may recommend a dental crown. A crown may also be appropriate for a cracked, broken, or significantly worn tooth.

Dr. Keider may also recommend a crown after root canal treatment, particularly for a back tooth that needs protection against chewing forces. A crown can also secure onto a dental implant to replace the visible portion of a missing tooth.

Like dental fillings, crowns can now be designed to complement the natural surrounding teeth in the smile line. One option for a tooth-colored appearance is porcelain.

To restore a tooth with a crown, Dr. Keider prepares it by treating decay and reshaping its outer surfaces. This creates room for the crown to fit while aligning with the surrounding teeth and your bite.

Then he takes impressions of the tooth and sends them to a lab to fabricate a custom crown. He places a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth while the lab makes the permanent crown. At a follow-up visit, he removes the temporary crown, checks the permanent crown’s fit and your bite, and secures it in place with dental cement.

Crown vs. Filling: Learn What’s Best for Your Smile

You don’t have to decide between a crown vs. filling on your own. A filling can repair a small area of decay when enough healthy tooth remains, while a crown can help protect a tooth with weakened remaining structure. Dr. Keider evaluates the damage and how much healthy tooth remains, then explains which treatment he recommends and why.

Schedule an affordable consultation to learn which treatment is best for your tooth.