A filling can repair a small or moderate cavity when enough healthy tooth remains; a crown is usually better when the tooth is too weak or too broken for a filling to hold.
That decision rests on how much natural tooth is left, whether a crack is present, and how the tooth is used for chewing. The ADA explains that a crown can strengthen a tooth with a large filling when there is not enough tooth remaining to hold the filling.
How Crown and Filling Decisions Differ
During your exam we look at the size of the decay or damage, older fillings in the tooth, and any cracks. Digital x-rays and an intraoral camera help us review the findings together. As a practical guide used in our office, when there is more filling material than remaining tooth, a crown often protects the tooth better than stacking another filling.
A tooth-colored filling may be enough if the cavity is limited and the walls are still strong. A crown is more likely when one or more of these are true:
- Large decay has left too little tooth to hold a filling
- A cusp is broken or a crack weakens the tooth
- The tooth already has a large or failing filling
- The tooth has had root canal treatment and needs stronger coverage
Ask About Your Tooth in Elgin
Call Elgin Family Dental at (512) 281-3321 or use our contact page to schedule a consult and review your options