Fillings vs. Crowns: Which do You Need?

Do you have a tooth that’s broken, worn down, or has a cavity? You may be wondering whether you need a traditional filling or something more comprehensive like a dental crown. At Smiles of Lalor, we provide both restorative options in our office. The one that you and our dentist choose will depend on factors like:

Extent of the Damage

Do you have a large cavity, crack, or worn-down tooth? The size and extent of the structural damage is the biggest factor when it comes to whether you need a crown or filling. Crowns cover your entire tooth, while a filling only patches over small to moderate areas of decay.

If There’s Enough Healthy Enamel Left Behind

If we were to put a filling in a tooth with very little enamel left, it would eventually break apart at some point when you’re biting and chewing. A crown (with a build up and posts, if applicable) is less likely to give out during everyday use.

Whether You’ve Had a Root Canal

Endodontic treatment leaves a non-vital tooth that is prone to chipping and wear more than a tooth with a living nerve. Although fillings over root canals are used in some situations, the standard of care is usually to place a crown over the tooth.

If You’re Changing Out an Old Filling

When our Smiles of Lalor dentist takes an old filling out, the tooth around it has to be re-prepped. For older amalgam (silver) fillings, that usually means a significant amount of structural loss. Filling it would make the tooth prone to breakage once pressure is placed on it.

Get More Information

Request an exam and consultation at Smiles of Lalor to learn more about our white fillings, porcelain crowns, and which one is best for your smile. Call today!