Nov 25, 2025
Dental Crowns vs. Fillings: Which Do You Need?
By Dr. Raheel Thobhani, DMD
When you have a tooth that is sensitive, decayed, or broken, you know you need to get it fixed. But the solution isn't always one-size-fits-all. Two of the most common restorative treatments we perform are dental fillings and dental crowns, but patients often ask: "Which one is right for me?"
It’s a great question. While both treatments restore your smile, they serve very different structural purposes. At Smyrna Dental Studio, our goal is to be conservative, saving as much of your natural tooth as possible, while ensuring the long-term strength of your bite. This guide will break down the differences between crowns and fillings to help you understand which path is right for your oral health.
The Dental Filling: The Solution for "Patching"
A dental filling is the go-to solution for minor repairs. It is used when a tooth has a small area of decay (a cavity) or a minor chip, but the rest of the tooth is structurally sound.
How It Works: We gently remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the empty space with a durable material. At our Smyrna office, we use tooth-colored composite resin, which bonds directly to your tooth and blends in seamlessly for a natural look.
The Ideal Candidate: Someone with a small to medium-sized cavity surrounded by plenty of healthy enamel.
The Dental Crown: The Solution for "Rebuilding"
A dental crown (often called a "cap") is a more comprehensive restoration. Instead of just filling a hole, it completely covers the visible portion of the tooth down to the gumline. It acts like a protective helmet for a tooth that is too weak to survive on its own.
How It Works: We reshape the damaged tooth to create a stable base. Then, a custom-made restoration (crafted from high-strength porcelain or zirconia) is cemented over the top, restoring the tooth's original shape, size, and strength.
The Ideal Candidate: A crown is necessary when:
A tooth has a very large cavity (more decay than tooth structure left).
A tooth has had root canal therapy (which can make the tooth brittle).
An old, large filling has failed or fallen out.
The Decision: Why We Might Recommend a Crown Over a Filling
Patients often ask, "Can't you just put a really big filling in it?" While a filling is cheaper upfront, placing a massive filling in a weak tooth is a recipe for disaster. If a filling takes up more than 50% of the tooth, the remaining thin walls of natural enamel will flex when you chew. Eventually, the tooth will crack or shatter, leading to a dental emergency and potential tooth loss. In these cases, a crown is the conservative choice because it saves the tooth from extraction.
FAQs: Crowns vs. Fillings
Q1: Which one lasts longer?
Generally, a dental crown lasts longer. Because it encases the tooth and distributes biting forces evenly, a well-made crown can last 15-20 years or more. A large filling is under more stress and typically lasts 7-10 years before needing replacement.
Q2: Is the procedure for a crown painful?
No. Both fillings and crowns are performed under local anesthesia, so you will be completely numb. A crown appointment takes a little longer (or two visits) compared to a filling, but we ensure you are comfortable throughout the process.
Q3: Does insurance cover both?
Most dental insurance plans cover a percentage of both fillings and crowns. However, insurance usually covers fillings at a higher percentage (e.g., 80%) than crowns (e.g., 50%). We will help you verify your benefits and calculate your out-of-pocket costs before treatment.
Q4: Can a filling turn into a crown later?
Yes. It is very common for a tooth to have a filling for many years, but as that filling gets old or the tooth develops a crack, it eventually "graduates" to needing a crown to stay preserved.
Choosing the Right Tool for the Job
The choice between a filling and a crown ultimately comes down to physics and biology. We want to choose the restoration that will give your tooth the best chance of survival for the next 20 years, not just the next 20 days.
Whether you need a simple repair or a complete rebuild, our team is here to guide you.
Do you have a tooth that's bothering you? Contact Smyrna Dental Studio today to schedule an exam. Let's find the perfect solution to restore your smile!
