The first time you are told that one of your teeth needs a dental crown (cap) you may wonder why you can’t simply have a filling done? There is a very big difference between a filling and a crown, and the recommendation is based on the condition of your tooth and which treatment will give it the best chance of long term stability and health. All filling material starts out soft and then gets more firm once placed inside the tooth. Fillings being successful are dependent on good strong outer walls of your tooth to provide support.

When the inside of your tooth has been decayed or removed to a point where the outside enamel walls are fragile placing a filling subjects the tooth to unnecessary risk of a new cavity forming or the walls of the tooth fracturing off. A crown is placed around the outside of your tooth, supporting the entire tooth and adding strength and resilience. In addition to a tooth that has been weakened from the inside by a cavity or previous filling, if your tooth is cracked or broken reinforcing it from the outside is the best treatment.

Both fillings and crowns have a lifespan and will need to be replaced in the future. Our goal is to recommend the treatment that will last the longest based on the condition of your tooth and has the least risk that that tooth will have future problems.