If you're dealing with tooth pain or your dentist has mentioned tooth decay, you're probably asking yourself: Do I need a crown, or will a simple filling do the trick? It’s a common question—and an important one.
At Prestige Dental Care, we guide patients through this decision every day. While both treatments restore function and appearance, they’re not interchangeable. The type of restoration you need depends on the size of the cavity, the strength of the remaining tooth, and whether the tooth has been treated before.
Let’s dive into the key differences so you know what to expect and can feel confident about your treatment plan.
What’s the Difference Between a Dental Filling and a Dental Crown?
A dental filling is typically used when tooth decay is small to moderate in size. It’s a straightforward solution that involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling that space with a durable material—usually composite resin. Fillings are minimally invasive and are a common first step in treating cavities.
A dental crown, on the other hand, is used when the tooth is more severely compromised. If a significant portion of the tooth structure is damaged, weakened, or missing, a crown covers the entire visible part of the tooth like a protective shell. This restores strength and prevents further damage.
You can explore our full dental crown service page here to learn more about what’s involved in the process.
When Is a Filling the Right Choice?
In most cases, a dental filling is sufficient when:
- The cavity is small and caught early
- There’s no crack or fracture in the tooth
- The tooth hasn’t had previous large restorations
- The patient doesn’t clench or grind their teeth excessively
At Prestige Dental Care, we use modern, tooth-colored composite materials that bond directly to the enamel and blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. The procedure is fast, minimally invasive, and often completed in a single visit.
Want to avoid needing more extensive dental work in the future? Here are 5 tips to improve your oral health from our team.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown Instead?
A crown becomes necessary when the tooth’s structure is too weak to support a filling. Your dentist may recommend a crown if:
- A large portion of the tooth is decayed
- There’s a deep crack or fracture
- You’ve had a root canal
- There are multiple old fillings that have weakened the tooth
- You’re experiencing symptoms like pain while chewing or temperature sensitivity
Crowns are also used to improve aesthetics for teeth that are severely stained or misshapen. Unlike fillings, crowns are custom-made to fit over your prepared tooth and are fabricated from porcelain, ceramic, or metal depending on your needs.
If you’ve had a dental crown placed or lost one unexpectedly, you may want to read our guide: Broken or Lost Dental Crown? Here’s What to Do.
Why Choosing the Right Treatment Matters
This isn’t just a cosmetic decision—choosing the wrong treatment can lead to bigger problems. A filling placed on a tooth that actually needs a crown might result in further cracking or even tooth loss. Meanwhile, using a crown when it’s not necessary may remove more healthy tooth structure than needed.
That’s why our dental team focuses on conservative dentistry—providing only what’s necessary for your health while preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible.
We’ve written more about these clinical decisions in this related post: Signs You Need a Dental Crown: What to Look For.
Who Will Help You Decide at Prestige Dental Care?
Every treatment plan begins with a detailed dental exam and consultation. You’ll meet with either:
- Dr. Pablo R. Prado, DMD, known for his precision, experience in restorative procedures, and calm, patient-focused approach.
- Dr. Zinnia Sotolongo, DMD, a skilled family and cosmetic dentist who’s passionate about long-term dental health and conservative treatment strategies.
Our full team is here to support you with expertise and care.
Still Have Questions? Let’s Talk About It.
Whether you’re a new patient or a returning one, we’ll walk you through your options and help you make the best decision for your smile.
👉 Book your visit now at our Lake Worth or Loxahatchee office.
📍 New to our practice? See what to expect as a new patient here.
💸 Curious about cost? Learn more about our insurance and financing options.
⭐ Want real feedback? Explore reviews from patients.
