Crowns vs. Fillings: Which Do You Need?

When a tooth is damaged by decay or injury, your dentist might recommend a filling, a crown, or something in between. But how do you know which one is right for you?

At Lavin Family Dental, we want you to feel informed and confident about your treatment options. Here’s what you need to know:

What Is a Filling?

A filling is a procedure that is done to restore a small area of tooth decay or tooth chip. If a tooth has decay, the dentist removes the cavity and replaces the tooth structure with a filling, typically a white tooth colored material called composite resin. This restores the tooth’s shape and strength.

Best for:

• Small to moderate cavities
• Minor chips or wear

What Is a Crown?

A crown is a custom-made “cap” that covers the entire tooth to protect and strengthen it. Crowns may be indicated if a tooth has significant decay, structural compromise or after root canal procedures to protect the work that was completed.

Best for:

• Large cavities or fractures
• Root canal-treated teeth
• Severely worn or broken teeth
• Replacing large or failing fillings

What About Inlays and Onlays?

Think of onlays as the middle ground between fillings and crowns. They’re custom-made restorations—usually porcelain or resin-ceramic hybrid– that covers the damaged or decayed part of the tooth after the dentist removes the decay.

• Onlays cover one or more cusps (the pointed parts of the tooth), offering more protection than fillings while allowing a more conservative approach that preserves more natural tooth structure than a crown.
  

Best for:

• Moderate decay or damage
• Patients who want to preserve more natural tooth structure
• Replacing old or failing large fillings
  

Quick Comparison

Treatment	Best For	Coverage	Time Needed
Filling	Small decay or minor damage	Small area	One visit
Onlay	Moderate damage	Partial coverage	Usually 2 visits
Crown	Severe damage, root canal, large fractures	Full tooth	2 visits

Which Option Is Right for You?

It depends on how much of your tooth is affected. At Lavin Family Dental, we use digital X-rays and expert evaluation to recommend the right solution—whether it’s a simple filling, a custom onlay, or a protective crown.

Need an Evaluation or a Second Opinion?
We’re here to help! Contact Lavin Family Dental today to schedule a consultation.

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