Can You Get a Filling Instead of a Crown? Here’s What Dentists Say
When you hear the words "you need a crown," it can sound serious—not to mention more costly and time-consuming than a simple filling. But in some cases, patients wonder if they can avoid the crown altogether and just get a filling instead. So, can you get a filling instead of a crown? We asked dentists, and here’s what they had to say. 🦷 The Role of Fillings and Crowns To understand your options, it's important to know what each treatment does: Dental Fillings are used to restore small areas of tooth decay or damage. They work well when the tooth structure is mostly intact. Dental Crowns are used when a tooth is significantly weakened, cracked, or has had a large portion removed due to decay or treatment (like a root canal). A crown covers the entire tooth and restores strength and function. 🩺 When a Filling Might Work You might be able to get a filling instead of a crown if: The decay or damage is minimal. The tooth is structurally strong. You ha...