Do You Need a Crown or a Filling? Here's How to Tell

Tooth pain or damage isn't fun. You want it fixed fast, but how do you know if you need a crown or just a filling? The two sound similar, but they’re used for different reasons. Let’s break it down so you know what to expect.

What’s a Filling?

A filling is used to fix a small hole in your tooth—what dentists call a cavity. It stops decay from spreading and keeps your tooth strong.

The dentist removes the bad part of the tooth, then fills the space with a material like composite resin (a tooth-colored option) or metal.

Fillings are fast and easy. You’re in and out in one visit most of the time.

What’s a Crown?

A crown is more like a cap that goes over your whole tooth. It’s used when the damage is too big for a filling.

Crowns are made to look and feel like real teeth. They cover and protect teeth that are weak, cracked, broken, or worn down. They can also go on top of a root canal or implant.

Getting a crown takes more than one visit. The dentist shapes your tooth, takes a mold, then places a temporary dental crown while the real one is made.

Signs You Might Just Need a Filling

If the damage is small, you probably only need a filling. Look out for:

• Small hole or dark spot on your tooth
  
  

• Mild tooth pain when eating or drinking
  
  

• Sharp pain when you bite something sweet
  
  

• No pain at all, but your dentist finds a cavity during your checkup
  
  

In many cases, you won’t feel anything. That’s why regular checkups matter. Dentists can catch small cavities before they grow.

Signs You Might Need a Crown

If the damage is more serious, a crown might be the better fix. You might notice:

• Part of your tooth chipped off
  
  

• A large filling that’s breaking down
  
  

• Pain when you bite or chew
  
  

• A cracked or weak tooth
  
  

• Tooth that had a root canal
  
  

• Tooth worn down from grinding
  
  

Sometimes a tooth just can't hold a filling anymore. If more than half the tooth is damaged, a crown gives it strength and shape.

Why Not Just Get a Filling?

You might think, “Why not save time and just go with a filling?” Well, a filling that’s too big won’t hold up. It might crack or fall out. Worse, it could lead to more damage or even tooth loss.

If your dentist in Victoria  says a crown is the safer call, it’s worth it. A crown lasts longer and protects better in tough cases.

Why Crowns Take More Time

Crowns need to fit just right. Your dentist has to:

1. Numb the area and shape the tooth
   
   

2. Take a mold or digital scan
   
   

3. Fit a temporary crown
   
   

4. Send the mold to a lab
   
   

5. Place the permanent crown later
   
   

That’s why it can take two or more visits. But once it’s on, it should last years if you take care of it.

Can You Tell Just By Looking?

Sometimes you can guess what you need. If the tooth just feels rough or hurts a little, it might be a cavity. If half your tooth is gone, it’s probably crown time.

Still, it’s best to get a dentist to check. They’ll use X-rays and do a full exam to see what’s going on under the surface.

Does It Hurt?

Getting a filling or crown doesn’t hurt. Dentists use numbing so you won’t feel anything while they work. You might feel sore later, but that fades fast.

If your tooth hurts before treatment, that’s a sign you shouldn’t wait.

Cost Difference

Fillings cost less than crowns. That’s because they’re quicker and easier. Crowns cost more due to the materials, lab work, and time involved.

Insurance usually helps cover both, but check your plan.

If money’s tight, ask your dentist if a filling is enough. But don’t skip a crown if your tooth needs it. Waiting could cost more later.

How to Avoid Needing Either

Best fix? Don’t get cavities in the first place. Sounds simple, but here’s the truth:

• Brush twice a day
  
  

• Floss every day
  
  

• Cut back on sugar
  
  

• Don’t skip dental checkups
  
  

• Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth
  
  

Doing those things helps keep your teeth strong and healthy. It also keeps you out of the dentist chair (unless it’s just for cleaning).

Bottom Line

Fillings fix small problems. Crowns fix bigger ones. You can’t always tell which one you need, but your dentist can. Don’t wait till it gets worse.

If your tooth hurts, feels weird, or part of it breaks, call your dentist. The sooner you fix it, the better.