Do I Need a Crown or a Filling?

woman at the dentist getting a tooth restoration

When a tooth has significant decay or damage, our Hooks Family Dentistry team may recommend a crown or filling. Restoring a tooth with one of these options can be the best solution to saving a natural tooth. While both serve the same purpose, some differences can lead a patient to ask whether they need a crown or a filling.

About Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a prosthetic cap that fits directly over an entire tooth. Crowns can be made of several materials. Our office uses an on-site CEREC milling machine with composite materials as traditional crowns, so it will be strong and secure as if created in a dental lab!

About Dental Fillings

Instead of covering the entire tooth, a filling replaces the portion of the tooth that is damaged. The filling can be made of several materials. Our office offers tooth-colored fillings to blend in with your natural smile!

How to Know You Need a Crown or Filling

A crown is a good solution for a decayed or broken tooth. A filling is a good solution for small areas of decay. A consultation with Dr. Hooks will ultimately help determine whether you need a crown or filling, but three considerations can help you determine which one you may expect. These include:

  • Tooth condition
  • Severity of damage
  • Desired result

Schedule Your Dental Treatment at Hooks Family Dentistry in College Station, Texas

Preventive dental visits can help you avoid either restoration. However, whether you need a dental crown or filling, our team at Hooks Family Dentistry can help you!

We offer both one-visit crowns and tooth-colored fillings so you can achieve a smile as close to your natural one as possible. Sometimes a tooth’s condition can give a clear answer on which restorative treatment you need, while other times, it might not be so obvious.

Schedule a visit with our team today!

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