Nov 17, 2025
Dental Crowns vs. Fillings: Which Do You Need?
By Dr. Leslie Patrick, DMD
When you have a damaged or decayed tooth, you know you need to get it fixed. But the solution isn't always the same. The two most common ways to repair a tooth are dental fillings and dental crowns, and they serve very different purposes. How do you know which one is the right choice for your oral health?
Understanding the difference is key to appreciating your treatment plan. At Smyrna Dental Studio, we believe in educating our patients so they feel confident in their dental care. This guide will break down the crucial differences between fillings and crowns and explain when each is the necessary solution.
What is a Dental Filling? The Solution for Cavities
A dental filling is a restorative dentistry procedure designed to "fill" a small hole in a tooth caused by tooth decay (a cavity).
The Goal: To remove the decay and restore the tooth's shape.
The Process: It's typically a simple, one-visit procedure. We numb the area, gently remove the decayed portion of the tooth, and then fill the clean space with a durable material. At our practice, we use a modern, tooth-colored composite resin that blends seamlessly with your natural tooth.
Best For: Small to moderate-sized cavities where the overall structure of the tooth is still strong and intact.
What is a Dental Crown? The Solution for Damaged Teeth
A dental crown, often called a "cap," is a comprehensive restoration that covers and encases your entire tooth, down to the gumline. It acts like a protective, custom-made helmet.
The Goal: To restore a tooth's shape, strength, and function when it is too damaged for a simple filling.
The Process: This is a multi-step process. First, we prepare the tooth by reshaping it to make room for the crown. We then take a digital scan (no goopy impressions!) so our master lab can custom-craft your permanent crown from high-strength porcelain or zirconia. You'll wear a temporary crown while your permanent one is being made.
Best For:
Teeth with severe decay or very large, failing fillings.
Broken or cracked, structurally weak teeth.
Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy (as they become brittle).
Severely worn or misshapen teeth that need a full smile makeover.
The Deciding Factor: Repair vs. Rebuild
The simplest way to think about the difference is in terms of repair versus rebuilding. A dental filling's purpose is to repair a small part of a tooth, so it's the right choice for small to moderate cavities. It only fills a hole inside the tooth and is typically completed in one simple visit.
A dental crown's purpose is to rebuild and protect the entire tooth. It is the necessary solution for more severe issues, like extensive decay, broken teeth, or after a root canal. A crown covers the entire visible tooth and is a more involved procedure, typically taking two or more visits (unless it's a CEREC® same-day crown).
To use an analogy: a filling is like patching a small pothole, while a crown is like repaving the entire road to ensure its strength and integrity.
FAQs: Your Crown vs. Filling Questions Answered
Q1: Why can't I just get a large filling instead of a crown? It's cheaper. This is a common question. While a filling is less expensive, placing a very large filling in a tooth that is mostly decayed is a recipe for failure. The remaining natural tooth structure will be too weak and will likely fracture under normal chewing pressure. This will lead to a more severe dental emergency and potentially the loss of the tooth. A dental crown is the correct long-term solution because it provides the 360-degree strength the tooth needs to survive.
Q2: Is the procedure for a crown or filling painful? No. Both procedures are performed after the area is completely numbed with local anesthesia. Your comfort is our top priority. You may feel some mild sensitivity in the gums after a crown preparation, but this is temporary and easily managed.
Q3: Can a filling be replaced with a crown later? Yes, and this is a very common treatment path. A tooth may have a large filling that has been stable for years, but over time, a small crack may develop in the tooth around the filling. At that point, the tooth is now structurally compromised, and a dental crown becomes the necessary upgrade to protect it from breaking completely.
Q4: How long do fillings and crowns last? With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, a modern tooth-colored filling can last 5-10 years or more. A high-quality dental crown is designed to be a much longer-term solution, lasting an average of 10-15 years, but often for 20-30+ years with excellent care.
The Right Solution for a Lasting Result
Choosing between a dental filling and a dental crown isn't a matter of preference; it's a clinical decision based on the health and structural integrity of your tooth. A filling is the perfect, conservative solution for a small problem, while a crown is the necessary, durable solution for a big one.
The key is to catch problems early. A small cavity that can be fixed with a simple filling today can grow into a large, painful problem that needs a crown or root canal tomorrow.
If you are experiencing tooth pain or it's been a while since your last dental exam, contact Smyrna Dental Studio today. Let's find and fix any issues while they are still small!
