How to Decide Between a Crown and a Large Filling
restorativedentistry
Not sure if your tooth needs a crown or if a filling will do? Here's a step-by-step way to think it through with your dentist.
If a tooth has a crack, a big old filling, or decay around an existing restoration, the choice between a new filling and a crown often comes down to how much healthy tooth is left. Here's how we walk patients through it at our South Surrey practice.
Step 1: Look at how much tooth is left
If more than about half of the original tooth structure is gone, a filling may not have enough to grip. A crown wraps the tooth and protects it from flexing when you chew.
Step 2: Check for cracks
Sharp pain on biting or release often signals a crack. Fillings sit inside the tooth and can wedge cracks wider. A crown holds the tooth together.
Step 3: Factor in root canal history
Teeth that have had a root canal are drier and more brittle. Molars almost always need a crown afterward to prevent fracture.
Step 4: Think about the tooth's job
Back molars take heavy chewing load. Front teeth take less force but show more. The right material — zirconia, all-ceramic, or gold — depends on both.
Step 5: Ask about same-day options
At Morgan Heights, most crowns are milled chairside with CEREC, so you leave with the final crown the same day — no temporary, no second appointment.
If you'd like Dr. Alenabi to take a look, call 604-535-8835.