Fillings are an excellent conservative treatment that can work to restore many teeth. The success of a filling in repairing a tooth that is decayed is dependent on how much of the tooth structure needs to be removed in preparation for the filling. Sometimes the amount of decay is too great, and what would remain of the tooth structure is too small. The tooth could become cracked or even broken during the filling procedure.
In these instances, a crown is recommended to prevent further damage to the tooth.
A crown is also recommended when we are replacing a very large filling—usually on a back molar. By the time the old filling is removed, we might be left with very little of the tooth structure. A crown will save the tooth and protect it from further decay.
A crown looks and functions just like your natural teeth, so you will have no eating restrictions. You can take care of your crown just as you would your natural teeth, with twice daily brushing and flossing. With proper care, your crown can last for many years.