Crowns & Restorative Dentistry
Crown vs. Filling: How Dentists Decide
· 3 min read · Reviewed by the Healthy Smiles California clinical team
Quick answer
Crown vs. Filling: How Dentists Decide
Fillings repair small to moderate cavities. When a tooth is cracked, very large fillings fail or more than about half of the tooth is damaged, a crown covers and protects it from breaking.
Reviewed by the Healthy Smiles California clinical team · Updated October 12, 2026
When a filling works
Small cavities with plenty of healthy tooth left.
When you need a crown
Cracks, large old fillings or after a root canal.
Cost
Our $399 dental crown special helps qualifying patients.
This article is for general education and is not a diagnosis. Every mouth is different — book an exam for advice specific to you.
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