Do You Need a Crown or a Filling? What Do Dentists Say?

 By: Dr. Abbas Eftekhari D.D.S

A visit to the dentist is often an experience filled with uncertainties. It can be quite frustrating when a simple toothache caused by a small cavity suddenly turns into a dental appointment. 

Yes, a simple black spot in your tooth can bring humongous issues in the future if left untreated. To avoid losing your tooth through extraction, your dentist would either recommend a dental crown or a tooth filling.

How do you decide, though, which treatment to have? Don’t worry — understanding the differences between these options can make your choice much easier. 

Your Culver City dentist is here to guide you through everything you need to know about dental crowns and fillings. From their uses and benefits to costs and care tips, we got your covered!

What Are Dental Crowns and Fillings?

Let’s get the facts straight. Both dental crowns and fillings repair damaged teeth but serve unique purposes. Here’s how each treatment works:

Dental fillings are more like a reliable and long-lasting patchwork on your tooth. If you have a cavity or minor decay, your dentist removes the decayed portion and fills the gap with materials like composite resin, porcelain, or even gold. Fillings keep your tooth in tip-top shape by restoring its function and stopping the decay from spreading. It’s a quick, usually painless procedure that works best for small cavities.

Dental crowns, on the other hand, are like your teeth’s protective helmet. They act as a cap covering the entire visible surface of a tooth, making them ideal for severe decay, cracks, or structural damage. Crowns are custom-made using materials like porcelain, gold, or metal-fused porcelain, ensuring they look and feel like natural teeth. 

Summary: A dental filling repairs smaller cavities or minor decay, while a crown restores a significantly damaged or weakened tooth, offering more structural protection.

When to Choose a Filling or Crown

So, how do you know which treatment is right for you? Here’s a breakdown of the key factors:

1. Size of the Cavity

The size of the cavity is the biggest deciding factor. Fillings are great for small to medium-sized cavities. But if the decay is too extensive, a crown is the better choice because it offers more support and protection. Think of it this way: if a wall has a small hole that doesn’t seem to affect the structure’s overall integrity, it might only require a simple patch (filling.) But if this hole got bigger, weakening the wall, compromising its integrity, it requires reinforcement (crown) to avoid sudden collapse.

2. Tooth Condition

Going back to our “wall analogy.” Again, imagine your tooth like an old, patched-up wall. If you keep adding patches to cracks and holes, eventually there won’t be enough solid wall left to hold everything together. In that case, you’d need to reinforce the entire structure with something sturdy, like a protective frame. (dental crown)

Similarly, your tooth requires a protective shield, especially if it’s been filled too many times, giving it the strength and protection it needs to avoid collapsing or getting further damage.

3. Cracks or Breaks

Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are a significant type of bodily injury, affecting over a billion people worldwide. Globally, the TDI rate is estimated at 2.82 incidents per 100 people annually, based on data from 233,480 individuals.

Dental emergencies like tooth-related accidents can cause cracked, chipped, or broken tooth. If you’ve chipped, cracked, or broken a tooth, a crown is often the go-to solution. 

4. Root Canal Treatment

Had a root canal? You’ll almost always need a crown afterward. A root canal removes the tooth’s core, leaving it hollow and weaker. A crown reinforces the tooth, ensuring it can handle daily wear and tear without breaking.

Costs and Accessibility in California

Cost is a big consideration when deciding between a crown and a filling. Here’s a general comparison:

• Fillings: Typically cost between $100 and $400, depending on the material and size of the cavity.
• Crowns: In California, for instance, porcelain dental crowns can cost around $800-$3000 whereas gold teeth caps can be anywhere around $600-$2500. 

If you’re in Culver City, CA, dental care prices may vary slightly, but many local practices offer financing options or dental membership plans. Additionally, most insurance plans cover a portion of the costs for 

Longevity: Which Lasts Longer?

The lifespan of your dental restoration depends on the material and your oral hygiene habits:

• Fillings:

  Typically last 5 to 10 years. Composite resin fillings may wear out faster, while porcelain or gold fillings tend to last longer.

• Crowns:

  Can last 10 to 15 years or more with proper care. Materials like porcelain-fused-to-metal or gold are especially durable.

While fillings are less expensive initially, crowns offer greater longevity, especially for heavily damaged teeth.

Long-Term Benefits: Crowns vs. Fillings

Choosing between a crown and a filling isn’t just about cost or aesthetics — it’s about which option can promote long-term oral health.

• Crowns:

  Offer superior protection for teeth with significant damage or decay, preventing further complications like fractures or infections.
  
  

• Fillings:

  Are perfect for maintaining the natural tooth structure when decay is minimal, ensuring a less invasive treatment.

Timely intervention is crucial. Delaying treatment can lead to more extensive damage, higher costs, or even tooth loss.

Making the Right Choice With United Dental Care

When it comes to restoring damaged teeth, both crowns and fillings have their place. Fillings are ideal for small cavities, while crowns are better for extensive decay or structural damage. By understanding the differences, costs, and care involved, you can make an informed decision that ensures your smile stays healthy and strong.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation with your local Culver city dentist at United Dental Care today to determine the best solution for your dental needs!