How do dentists decide between a crown and a filling? Learn what each does and when one may be the better fit for your tooth. Contact us today to find out more.
If your dentist has told you a tooth needs to be repaired, you may be wondering what comes next. Two of the most common options are fillings and crowns, and while both restore a damaged tooth, they do it in different ways. Understanding how dentists choose between them can help you feel more at ease about your treatment, whether the appointment is for you or for someone you care for.
I had a dental problem that needed attention quickly. They got me in the next day and we identified the problem and came up with a great solution. I have been going there for over 10 years and they always come through.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your continued trust in our team over the years! We’re always happy to help and truly appreciate your kind words and recommendation!
Always a great experience. Carrie does a wonderful job keeping my smile healthy and bright. Dr. Thoms is always very nice and professional. They make going to the dentist much less stressful!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great feedback! We're so glad Carrie and Dr. Thoms have made your visits comfortable and enjoyable.
I’ve had wonderful experiences at this dental office. The team is professional, the care is top-notch, and appointments run smoothly. I’ve never had to wait long in the waiting room. I highly recommend them!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We’re so glad to hear you’ve had such positive experiences with our team. We truly appreciate your support!
I love coming to the Dental CENTER , all the ladies are so nice and they keep you up to date. Dr. Belah is great and Carrie are so good. They do a great job.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear you’ve had such a positive experience with our team. We’ll be sure to share your appreciation with Dr. Behl, Carrie, and the rest of the team!
Dr. Hoffman is a friendly individual and readily answers can't questions you may have. His office staff are all friendly. One in particular,Meaghan, has learned to put up with the grumpy old guy from Illinois. I would recommend you give these people a try for your special needs relative.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words and recommendation! We’re so glad to hear you’ve felt welcomed and well cared for by Dr. Hoffman and our team. And we’ll be sure to let Meaghan know she’s doing a great job putting up with our “grumpy old guy from Illinois!”
The Best Dental Office In St Louis! Thanks for keeping my pearly whites shining! … back again and they always do a great job and make me feel comfortable! They have an exceptional staff who are friendly and also very good at their jobs!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you always feel comfortable and well cared for. Our team truly appreciates your kind words!
The practice is top notch. Could not ask for better care. Wish dental care was more affordable.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re grateful for your feedback and are proud to provide high-quality care in a supportive environment.
The best staff for dealing with my level 3 non verbal autistic son. Very understanding and supportive.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad our team could provide a supportive and understanding experience. Your feedback means so much to us!
Dr Thoms is the best. He and his team are very attentive and extremely dedicated to the dental care for our special needs son
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We truly appreciate your recognition of Dr. Thoms and our team. Providing compassionate, attentive care is at the heart of what we do!
We brought our 1.5 and 3.5 year old daughters here for cleaning / check ups. Our dental hygienist Laina was amazing...made them feel so comfortable. They had a great time and keep asking when they can go to the dentist again. Dr. Hoffman was great too and made everything super quick and not stressful. Great place for kids in addition to adults!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear your little ones had such a positive experience. We’ll be sure to share your compliments with Laina and Dr. Hoffman! 💙
Every person in the office is so personable. That first off makes you comfortable. But then the methods used to clean my teeth, particularly. I don't feel a thing, and it's the first time in my life that I haven't. And I have a lot of anxiety about dental work, and I really do not feel a thing when my teeth are being cleaned
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad our team could help make your experience comfortable and relaxing. It means so much to know you felt at ease with your care!
I came here with my 18 year old daughter who has an immense fear of Doctors and Dentist , The kindness and understanding without any judgement we received from Dr.Thom was just unbelievable. The work he did on my daughter was life changing for her . I would recommend him to anyone . Just amazing, kind talented Doctor.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your heartfelt words! It means a great deal to our team to know that you felt welcomed, understood, and cared for. We’re especially grateful you shared how meaningful your experience was.
We met Dr. Shawn in Sept 2023 and in December, he removed our adult nonverbal son's wisdom teeth. Not gonna hold you, general anesthesia is billed incrementally (by the minute/quarter-hour) and is a heavy financial investment. I love this clinic because it really is a safe space for special needs families. There's a huge calm that accompanies knowing your dependent person is getting healthy. Dr. Shawn is exceptional. We drove 6 hours to get here so we'll choose a local practice for routine sedation cleanings down the road. I hope to see more neurodivergent acceptance built locally in our state's dentistry like this team has here. Meanwhile we are so grateful for this practice and grateful our son was in Dr. Shawn's care.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your heartfelt words. We’re honored to be a place where families feel safe, supported, and understood. Your trust in Dr. Thoms and our team truly means so much to us.
Dr. Thoms and Robin are excellent in their care, concern, and support. Dr. Thoms explains everything and takes his time. If I have questions or concerns, he is easy to talk to and listens well.Robin is right there by my side throughout procedures. Her technical skills and professionalism are impressive. She is terrific!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad Dr. Thoms and Robin made you feel heard, supported, and cared for. We’ll be sure to share your wonderful compliments with them—they’ll mean so much!
Individualized care, expertise in general anesthesia, and attention to detail are why we keep returning for our son.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and continued trust in our team! We’re grateful to be part of your family’s care and truly appreciate your confidence in us.
The dental anesthesia center is hands down the best dental office I have ever been to. I neglected my teeth for years due to severe dental anxiety. I had work done under anesthesia with doctor hoffman who did an amazing job. Doctor Behl is not only a fantastic dentist but one of the nicest people I have ever met. The dental hygienists are both thorough and gentle. Stop your search and just go here
Response from the owner:Thank you for your incredibly kind words! We’re so glad our team could help make your experience comfortable and positive. We truly appreciate your trust and recommendation!
I had a great experience at the Dental Anesthesia Center. The reception area Personnel the Doctor-Dentist and one of his assistants all helped to make sure I was comfortable, informed and ready to get it done! Thank you Dental Anesthesia Center team!! CB
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad our team could help make your experience comfortable and reassuring. We truly appreciate your 5-star review!
Their staff was truly caring and respectful in everything they did. The dentist explained what they found in the initial tests, asked us questions about our 82 year old sister, then explained the options that would give the best results.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful feedback. We’re grateful for the opportunity to provide compassionate care and appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
My hygienist, DeLaina Joost, takes excellent care of my teeth with her advanced skills, gentle touch and great “chair side” manner. She is a consummate professional, and such a compassionate person. I look forward to my visits at DAC!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear you had a positive experience with our team and appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.
Everyone was friendly and very professional. I drive approximately 160 miles for this service. Thank you!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for making the journey to see us! We truly appreciate your trust in our team.
What a Filling Does
A filling repairs a small to moderate area of damage, most often a cavity. The dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth, cleans the area, and fills the space with a durable material such as tooth-colored composite. The rest of the natural tooth stays intact and continues to do most of the work when you bite and chew. Fillings are often the right choice when:
The surrounding tooth structure is still strong and healthy
The damage has not reached deep into the tooth
The tooth does not show cracks or significant wear
Because a filling preserves more of the natural tooth, dentists generally prefer it when the damage is limited. It is usually a shorter procedure as well, which can matter for patients who find dental visits stressful.
What a Crown Does
A crown, sometimes called a cap, covers the entire visible portion of the tooth. Instead of filling one damaged area, it wraps the whole tooth in a protective layer of porcelain, ceramic, or another strong material. The dentist reshapes the tooth so the crown fits securely, then cements the crown in place. Crowns are often recommended when:
Decay or damage covers a large portion of the tooth
A previous large filling has failed or weakened the tooth
The tooth has had a root canal, which can leave it more fragile
The tooth needs reinforcement to handle normal chewing forces
In these situations, a filling alone may not provide enough support. A tooth with too little healthy structure left can break around a filling, while a crown holds the remaining tooth together and distributes biting pressure more evenly.
How Dentists Make the Call
The decision usually comes down to how much healthy tooth remains. As a general rule, when most of the tooth is still sound, a filling can restore it. When damage involves a large portion of the tooth, a crown is often the more reliable long-term option. Dentists weigh several factors during the exam:
Extent of decay or damage. X-rays and a visual exam show how deep and wide the problem goes.
Location of the tooth. Back teeth absorb heavy chewing forces and may need the added strength of a crown sooner than front teeth.
History of the tooth. A tooth that has been filled several times may have little natural structure left to support another filling.
Cracks and fractures. Even a small crack can spread under pressure, and a crown may help protect the tooth from splitting further.
There are also in-between cases. Some teeth fall into a gray area where either option could work for a time, and your dentist can walk you through the trade-offs so you can make an informed choice together.
Comfort Matters, Too
For some patients, the procedure itself is the biggest concern. Patients with dental anxiety, strong gag reflexes, or special healthcare needs may find longer appointments difficult, and caregivers often worry about how a loved one will handle treatment. Sedation and general anesthesia options can allow needed dental work, including crowns and fillings, to be completed comfortably, sometimes in a single visit. If this is a concern for you or someone you care for, it is worth discussing before treatment begins.
The Dental Anesthesia Center is a doctor-owned, privately owned practice serving patients of all ages, including those with dental anxiety and special healthcare needs. If you have questions about crowns, fillings, or sedation options for your care, we are happy to help. Call us at (314) 862-7844 or request an appointment through the contact form on our website.
