Crown vs. Filling: Which One Is Better for Your Tooth?
Key takeaways:
When deciding between a dental crown or a filling, there are many factors to take into account. These include the size of the cavity, whether the tooth is broken or cracked, and if the nerve has any damage.
While both procedures are generally painless, there may be some sensitivity afterward. But this can be managed with guidance from your dentist for a smooth recovery process.
Cost can vary quite a bit between crowns and filling. The price of crowns generally range from $800 to $1,500, and fillings cost between $50 and $250, depending on material and insurance coverage.
Two popular procedures that can help restore your smile are crowns and fillings. They both serve distinct purposes and are used for specific dental conditions. Whether you're facing minor tooth decay or more extensive damage, making the right choice between a filling and a crown can have a huge impact on the health and longevity of your teeth.
Let's take a closer look at these two dental solutions so you can make the best informed decision about your dental health.
What is a filling?
A filling is material used to build a tooth back up after your dentist removes a small area of tooth decay (cavity). This is typically used for minor tooth decay that can’t be repaired naturally and doesn’t compromise your tooth structure.
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Composite resin material is the most popular pick for a filling because it looks most similar to natural teeth. On rare occasions, a dentist will use a silver-colored filling material called amalgam.
Fillings can be a long-term solution, but they’re not permanent. They may need replacement over time.
What is a dental crown?
A crown is used to cover and restore a tooth that’s had more serious damage. It’s often called a “cap” due to its coverage of the entire tooth that protrudes out of the gums and bone. A crown is commonly used when the tooth has:
Large fillings
Severe cavities
Acidic erosion
Cracks
A loss of tooth structure
A dental crown is usually made of a porcelain material and replicates the natural anatomy of a tooth. This allows your tooth to be restored back to its normal function.
Is it better to get a crown or a filling?
Whether it’s better to get a crown or a filling will vary based on the type of damage your tooth has. You can talk with your dentist about which option makes the most sense for your dental history. Let’s take a closer look at four important factors to consider when deciding between a crown and a filling.
Size of the cavity
If your cavity is minor, then a composite filling will be enough to fix your tooth. If the cavity has gone untreated for quite some time, your tooth may have significant damage. A dental crown will be better suited for a major cavity of this sort.
Tooth decay will not always show symptoms right away. A cavity may grow for months before you start feeling sensitivity or pain. Your dentist can figure out the size of a cavity using a dental X-ray and physical exam.
Tooth treatment history
If your tooth has been treated with one or several fillings and now has another cavity, a dentist will most likely suggest a porcelain crown. Your natural tooth structure is taken away every time a filling is placed. When a tooth already has several fillings, adding another filling may compromise the tooth’s structure even further. This can lead to a cracked or broken tooth.
Tooth structure
Your tooth structure is altered if you have a cracked or broken tooth. Your dentist can figure out the extent of your tooth fracture by doing several chairside tests. If you have a surface level crack in your tooth, you’ll need a porcelain crown rather than a filling. A crown will protect the tooth from any further damage and help to protect the nerve of your tooth.
Nerve involvement
If a cavity is left untreated, there’s a chance it will extend into the nerve of your tooth. This involves more extensive damage and a filling isn’t appropriate in these cases.
When there’s nerve involvement, your dentist can treat the affected nerve with a root canal. This includes removing the damaged nerve from your tooth and replacing it with a new material. Your tooth will need a dental crown placed after the root canal is complete to restore its function.
Is it painful to get a crown or filling?
Getting a crown or filling shouldn’t be painful. Your dentist will use local anesthetic to numb your tooth before starting the process for a crown or filling. This will ensure that you don’t have any pain during the procedure.
You may still find some parts of the procedure uncomfortable. This will most likely be in the form of pressure. Unfortunately, a dentist cannot eliminate the sensation of pressure with local anesthetic alone.
You can expect some minor sensitivity to arise the first few days after a crown or filling procedure. This should improve within 1 to 2 weeks. Sometimes, you may need to do an additional visit after getting a crown or filling to reduce sensitivity.
What is the cost difference between a crown and a filling?
Without insurance, the estimated cost of a crown will be anywhere from $800 to $1,500. A filling will cost you from $50 to $250, depending on which material is used and how many tooth surfaces the filling covers. A filling generally requires less work and can be completed in one office visit, lowering the overall cost.
You can use dental insurance to reduce the price of these procedures. The cost of a crown or filling will vary based on your geographic location and if your dentist is in or out of network with your dental insurance. In some cases, insurance companies won’t cover the procedure even if the dentist recommended the treatment for you. Speak with your dental insurance company or dentist for more details on insurance coverage for your crown or filling.
The bottom line
The choice between a dental crown and a filling depends on many factors like your dental history and the extent of tooth damage. In general, fillings are best when you have minor tooth decay. Crowns are typically used when you have more serious decay or complications. Talk with your dentist about your options to help you regain a healthy and radiant smile.
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References
Davari, A.R., et al. (2013). Dentin hypersensitivity: Etiology, diagnosis and treatment; A literature review. Journal of Dentistry.
Li, F., et al. (2021). Review of cracked tooth syndrome: Etiology, diagnosis, management, and prevention. Pain Research & Management.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (2023). Dental fillings.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (2023). Tooth decay.
