When a tooth breaks or decays, we choose between a filling and a crown by how much healthy tooth is left. Here is the line we draw, and what each one costs.
In this article
Part 1
If more than half of the tooth is sound, a white filling holds well. It takes one visit and costs from $165.
Part 2
If a large filling is already there, or a wall of the tooth has cracked, a crown protects what is left. It costs from $1,150.
We pick the smallest treatment that will last, and we show you why.
Part 3
We show you the x-ray and a photo on the screen, and point to the line we are looking at. You see what we see.
Fillings are matched to the shade of the tooth.
Part 4
A crown takes two visits, two weeks apart, with a temporary crown in between. A filling is done in one.
Part 5
Most plans pay part of both. We check yours first and tell you your share before anything starts.
