Dental crown vs dental fillings: who needs what? If you have damaged or decayed teeth, you may wonder: Should I get a dental filling or a dental crown? Both can help restore the health and beauty of your teeth, but each is different in terms of price, longevity, and function. Choosing the best treatment option will help you achieve optimal results and be happier with your treatment. To make the right choice, you should have an idea about the pros and cons as well as the difference between the two procedures.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a covering cap that covers the entire circumference of a broken, decayed, worn-out, or weakened tooth. The crown is cemented onto the tooth and strengthens its shape, function, and ability to chew. The crown is specially designed to match your natural tooth size, shape, and color.

The benefits of a dental crown include restoring broken tooth enamel, improving the appearance, shape, and color of your teeth, making your teeth stronger and more durable, and being resistant to stains.

What Are the Methods for Crowning Teeth?

There are several types of dental crowns, each different in cost, strength, and esthetics. Some popular types of dental crowns are:

• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) crowns have a metal base covered with a layer of porcelain
• Ceramic crowns are like natural teeth and contain no metal
• Zirconia crowns are natural-colored, hard, and wear-resistant
• Porcelain crowns are stain-resistant and provide the appearance of natural teeth
• Metal crowns are gold or palladium in nature.

In holistic dentistry, metal-free, biocompatible materials should be used to crown the teeth. This is to avoid the dangers of metal sensitivities, metal allergies, and negative effects on general health. Dr. Maryam Horiyat is a highly trained, certified, and accredited member of the International and American Holistic, Biological, Cosmetic, Sedation, Reconstructive, and Implant Associations and more.. She uses the newest techniques to select the best crown for your tooth, such that your comfort and health are guaranteed.

When Is a Dental Crown Necessary?

When there is not enough tooth tissue left to hold the filling or when the tooth is prone to fracture from chewing forces and the tooth tissue is hardened from root canal treatment, a dental crown is used. Dental crowns are utilized in the following:

• Fragile teeth with extensive fillings.
• Teeth with a fractured crown or the remaining tooth tissue are not able to retain the filling.
• Teeth that have been treated by root canal, because much enamel and dentin tissue is lost, and also because of the interruption of internal nourishment and relative drying of the tooth tissue, or because of discoloration caused by dental bleeding or pulp disease.
• In the aesthetic restoration of discolored or deformed teeth.
• For tooth cracks.
• Reconstruction of the teeth’s chewing surface.

What Is a Dental Filling?

A dental filling is a method of restoring teeth and helps restore and revitalize decayed, damaged, or worn teeth. By filling a tooth, you can restore the tooth’s natural function in addition to giving it a pleasant appearance.

This procedure is one of the best dental procedures performed in a single visit and, simultaneously, improves the function as well as the aesthetics of the tooth. The dentist initially disinfects and cleans the field of decay, then removes the decayed structure of the tooth and fills the cavity with dental filling material.

What Are The Methods for Dental Filling?

There are some different filling materials, and your dentist will choose based on where the decay is, the size of the cavity, and your situation. Tooth-colored and amalgam fillings are your options. Some of the filling materials are tooth-colored and are primarily used to fill teeth that are visible when you’re talking or laughing. Tooth-colored materials, unfortunately, are not as durable as silver amalgam dental fillings. The following materials are the most common options for tooth filling:

• Composite resin consists of a combination of glass and plastic. The material is of the same color as the tooth and possesses a more beautiful appearance.
• Amalgam is composed of a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. This material is strong and long-lasting, but not for front teeth due to its dissimilar color.
• Porcelain is a custom material that is fabricated in a dental laboratory and precisely matches the natural tooth color.

In holistic dentistry, selecting dental filling materials is all about biocompatibility. In contrast to traditional amalgam fillings containing mercury, holistic approaches lean towards non-toxic and metal-free materials like Composite Resins and porcelain that are in sync with the body’s own chemistry.

When Is a Dental Filling Necessary?

Depending upon the extent of damage and decay, your dentist may recommend a dental filling. A filling may be indicated in the following scenarios:

• Localized decay that hasn’t significantly affected the underlying structure. This type of decay may appear as dark spots on the tooth.
• A small cavity in the tooth that doesn’t affect the overall structure of the tooth.
• Minuscule crack or fracture in the tooth

If you are in the above situations, you may need a filling, so go see your dentist for an examination Dr. Maryam Horiyat, being very experienced, can recommend to you the most suitable choice between dental filling and dental crown.

Main Differences Between Dental Crown and Filling

While dental fillings and dental crowns may share similar functions, there are serious differences between them that we will explore further below.

Application: A dental filling is usually done on a single visit and is used for small decay, while a crown is used to replace fractures and large decay and requires at least two visits.

Protection: A crown completely covers the tooth and protects it from further damage and fracturing. A filling only fills in the decaying areas with a filler material and provides the tooth with less support.

Durability: The crown’s life is about 10 to 15 years, while the filling will survive for 5 to 10 years. Under proper care and maintenance, though, any type of dental restoration will last longer.

The Cost: The crowns are constructed in a laboratory and require extra materials, and therefore are more expensive than dental fillings.

Things to Keep in Mind

Perhaps the most important thing to consider when choosing a filling versus a dental crown is the strength of the tooth. If the extent of damage and rot is slight, the filling can be used. In the case of extensive decay, however, a filling will leave the tooth weakened and vulnerable to fracture. Otherwise, a dental crown costs more, and in some instances, the price difference is a reason to opt for a filling.

Ultimately, your dentist’s preference plays an important role in treatment modality selection. Thus, it is wise to choose a dentist who is professional and reputable. In so doing, you will feel comfortable with his or her recommendation. 

Conclusion

Both dental crowns and dental fillings are effective options for restoring damaged teeth, but the best choice depends on your specific dental needs. Crowns are ideal for severe damage, aesthetic concerns, or long-term durability, while fillings are suitable for minor issues and cost-effective repairs. At Aria Dental, our experienced team is here to guide you through the “dental crown vs dental fillings” decision, ensuring you receive the best care for your unique situation.

At Aria Dental, Dr. Maryam Horiyat brings unmatched expertise and a holistic approach to dental care, ensuring patients receive the best treatment tailored to their unique needs. With her extensive experience in cosmetic, restorative, and biological dentistry, Dr. Horiyat carefully evaluates each patient’s oral health, lifestyle, and long-term goals to recommend the most suitable solution—whether it’s a dental crown or filling. Her dedication to advanced technology and minimally invasive techniques ensures that every treatment not only restores function but also enhances the beauty and harmony of your smile. With Dr. Horiyat’s guidance, you can trust that your dental health is in the most capable hands.