When it comes to keeping your child’s smile healthy, even small decisions—like choosing between a filling or a crown—can feel big. At Mission Bay Pediatric Dentistry, we’re here to guide you through every step of your child’s care, starting with the why behind each treatment.

If your child has a cavity or tooth damage, you may wonder whether a simple filling will do the job or if a crown might be the better solution. While both are common restorative treatments, the right choice depends on how much of the tooth is affected and what will offer the most protection long-term. Let’s walk through the differences!

Fillings vs. Crowns: What’s the Difference?

Both fillings and crowns are designed to restore a tooth, but they do so in very different ways.

Fillings are a quick, minimally invasive way to treat small cavities. We remove the decay and “fill” the area with a tooth-colored material to restore function and appearance.

Crowns, on the other hand, act like a protective helmet for the tooth. They’re typically recommended when there’s more extensive damage or decay. A crown covers the entire tooth, helping to keep it strong, safe, and stable.

In general, fillings work well for smaller areas of decay, while crowns are ideal when a tooth needs extra support to function and stay healthy.

When a Crown Might Be the Better Choice

We’ll always explore the most conservative option first, but there are some situations where a crown is the healthier, longer-lasting choice for your child’s tooth. A crown may be recommended when:

• The cavity is too large for a filling to hold securely
• The cavity is so large that the resulting large filling would be very likely to break with chewing
• The tooth has structural damage, like a crack or fracture
• Your child has had treatment to the pulp of the tooth (pulp therapy), and the tooth needs reinforcement
• Your child is at high risk for cavities and a new cavity to another area of the tooth would require re-treatment

Crowns help keep the tooth intact, reducing the chance of pain, infection, or the need for early extraction.

Why Parents Often Choose Crowns

• They protect your child’s smile.
• Crowns provide full coverage, helping prevent future decay or breakage—especially important for back teeth that do most of the chewing.
• They reduce the need for repeat dental work.
• Because crowns are more durable than fillings, they often last longer and reduce the chance of your child needing additional treatment on the same tooth.
• They look and feel natural.
• They “wiggle out” just like a natural tooth would
• They can be completed in one visit, and certain types of crowns can be completed without extensive prepping and numbing.
• Pediatric crowns can be designed to blend in with your child’s smile, especially for front teeth. That means less worry for you—and more confidence for them.

Our Gentle Approach to Restorative Care

At Mission Bay Pediatric Dentistry, we know dental visits can bring up big feelings—for kids and parents alike. That’s why Dr. Shah takes the time to talk through each treatment option with you, explain what’s happening in kid-friendly language, and use tools that make care more comfortable—like SOAN electronic anesthesia, which many of our young patients don’t even notice.

If your child needs a crown, we’ll walk you through the process from start to finish, helping you feel fully supported along the way. Our goal is always to restore health, preserve the tooth whenever possible, and make sure your child feels safe and confident at every visit.

FAQs

Do baby teeth really need crowns? Aren’t they going to fall out anyway?

Great question! While baby teeth are temporary, they play an important role in your child’s development—helping with speech, chewing, and holding the right space for the adult teeth that follow.  If a baby tooth has a large cavity or damage, a crown can keep it healthy and in place until it’s naturally ready to fall out.

Are crowns safe and comfortable for kids?

Absolutely. We use materials and techniques that are biocompatible and designed just for children, and we focus on gentle care every step of the way. Most kids do great with crowns—especially with a little encouragement, distraction, and a post-visit prize from our treasure basket!

Will the crown match my child’s other teeth?

Yes! For front teeth, we typically use tooth-colored crowns that blend in beautifully with your child’s smile. For back teeth, we may recommend stainless steel crowns for their durability, especially in younger children.

Let’s Find the Right Solution Together

Not sure if a filling or a crown is the best next step? We’d be happy to take a look and talk through all your options. At Mission Bay Pediatric Dentistry, we’re proud to be your partners in your child’s oral health—and we’re always here to answer questions, calm nerves, and help your little one feel right at home. Call us at (415) 825-3323 or request an appointment online today!

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