Dental Crowns vs Fillings: When Does a Tooth Need Extra Protection?

A tooth filling and a dental crown both can restore a damaged tooth, but they differ based on their intended purpose. A filling generally replaces a decayed portion of the tooth to restore its structure and function, while a crown generally restores the entire surface of the tooth to provide extra support.

What determines if the dental restoration needs further protection? The response should be based on the quantity of healthy tooth tissues, the location and size of defects, past treatments, and how much pressure is applied to the tooth surfaces. Considering these factors helps a dentist in Saskatoon determine which type of restoration may be appropriate.

Dental Crown vs. Tooth Filling: What Is the Difference?

A tooth filling is usually done when the person has tooth decay or some other type of damage that is limited to just a small part of the tooth. The dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and restore it with an appropriate filling material. This procedure helps prevent extensive loss of tooth structure, as well as restore its shape and function.

A dental crown is generally applied over a part of the tooth that has been restored by a filling. Dental crowns may be considered when a tooth has substantial damage, a large existing filling, a fracture, or has undergone root canal treatment, depending on the tooth’s condition.

In other words, fillings are used to restore the tooth part that is damaged, and crowns are used to cover and protect the tooth.

When Is a Tooth Filling Usually Appropriate?

A tooth filling could be right for patients if the tooth has sufficient structure to allow for restoration.

Common situations include:

• Small cavities

• Limited decay on the tooth

• Chips or cracks

• Replacing an old filling

• The damage is limited and the remaining tooth structure provides adequate support.

A filling typically preserves more of the natural tooth structure because less preparation is usually required. The choice of which procedure to perform depends on several factors, including the location of the affected tooth, the extent of the restoration needed, and the patient’s overall oral health.

When Does a Tooth Need a Dental Crown?

A dental crown may be considered when the remaining tooth structure may not provide enough support for a filling. A crown may be used in the following cases:

The Tooth Has Extensive Decay

If decay has destroyed a significant amount of enamel and dentin, there may not be sufficient material left to provide adequate support for a large restoration. A crown may be placed over the remaining tooth structure to restore the tooth.

The Tooth Is Cracked or Significantly Broken

A significantly fractured or broken tooth may require additional support to withstand normal chewing forces. The type and location of the break are important factors.

The Tooth Has a Large Existing Filling

The tooth may have had a number of procedures done to fill cavities. Depending on the procedure, some additional tooth structure may be removed during damaged tooth treatment. The Canadian Dental Association specifically mentions a large filling as a reason to consider a crown.

The Tooth Has Had Root Canal Treatment

A root canal-treated tooth may benefit from additional reinforcement, depending on the amount of tooth structure remaining, to support the long-term function of the restored tooth. A crown or another restoration may be considered based on the amount of remaining tooth structure and the condition of the individual tooth.

What Happens During a Dental Crown Procedure?

To begin with, the dental crown procedure is a multi-step process that typically starts with an examination and treatment planning. Your dentist will perform a clinical examination and may take dental X-rays or other imaging tests as needed to assess the tooth.

If a crown is chosen, the tooth is prepared to receive it. An impression or scan is taken to fabricate the crown that will fit the prepared tooth. A temporary restoration may be placed on the tooth while the permanent crown is being made.

At the final appointment, the crown is tried in and then permanently fixed in place. The process may vary depending on which tooth needs to be crowned, as well as the type and technology used to make the crown.

Could an Onlay Be an Alternative?

Not every damaged tooth can be restored by a simple filling or crown. There is also the option of an inlay or onlay, which may be right for a tooth that has sustained enough damage to need more than a filling but not enough damage to need a full crown.

An inlay or onlay may provide additional support while requiring less tooth preparation than a full crown in some cases. Inlays and onlays usually require less of the tooth structure to be removed than a crown. The location and extent of the damage can help determine whether an inlay or onlay is appropriate.

How Does a Dentist Decide Between a Crown and Filling?

A dentist in Saskatoon will usually consider a number of factors besides the size of the cavity when deciding whether or not to replace an old filling:

• the amount of healthy tooth structure that remains

• the location and depth of the decay,

• whether or not the tooth is cracked or broken,

• how large and in what condition the old restoration is,

• whether or not root canal therapy has been performed,

• the effect of the bite on the tooth,

• and its overall restorative needs.

This individualized approach is part of restorative dentistry provided by AspenGreen Dental in Saskatoon. The practice notes that treatment recommendations are made on the basis of clinical findings and individual treatment needs and priorities, with the available options, expected considerations, and costs discussed so that the patient can make an informed decision.

Choosing the Right Restoration for Your Tooth

There is no single rule that every large cavity requires a crown or that every chipped tooth can be repaired with a filling, because it all depends on how much of the tooth remains. AspenGreen Dental provides general dentistry and restorative dentistry in Saskatoon, including fillings, crowns, and other treatments for fillings, crowns and other treatments, with recommendations made on an individual basis. 

If you are unsure whether you need a filling, crown, or another type of restoration, scheduling an examination with a qualified dentist in Saskatoon can help determine which restoration may be appropriate. Contact AspenGreen Dental to set up an appointment and learn more about the tooth-repair options that may be appropriate for the individual circumstances. Request an appointment with AspenGreen Dental.