Teeth.com · Treatment explained · 1 min 29 sec
Why a Crown Instead of a Filling?
See how remaining tooth structure, cracks and the amount of damage guide the choice between a filling, an inlay, an onlay and a crown.
English captions available in the player. AI-assisted presenter and illustrations; general education.
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My dentist says this tooth needs a crown, but it doesn't hurt.
Couldn't I just have another filling?
Fair question. Let me show you what your dentist is looking at.
Here's the filling. Now look at the natural tooth around it.
In this example, some walls are thin and weakened.
Another filling may replace what's missing without giving those walls enough
protection. Even though it feels fine?
Yes. Your dentist checks how much strong tooth remains and whether there are
cracks. A tooth can need protection even when it doesn't hurt.
A crown fits over a prepared tooth covering the chewing surface and sides to
help protect what remains.
Making room for it means removing some tooth structure.
That's a trade-off worth discussing.
Is a crown my only option?
Not always. A filling is shaped directly in the tooth.
An inlay is made separately, then fitted and secured within the tooth.
An onlay covers one or more cusps or raised chewing points of the
tooth. A large filling doesn't automatically mean you need a crown.
What makes a crown the best choice for my tooth?
A crown may help when too little strong tooth remains for a more limited
repair. Ask your dentist to compare the options, benefits, risks,
costs, and what could happen if you wait.
The goal is to preserve your tooth.
Teeth.com. Before you decide.