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Crowns & Bridges

Do I Need a Crown or Just a Filling?

By Dr. Lina Shahinyan, DDS, MS ·

Porcelain dental crown and three-unit bridge on a dental model

Bigger is not always better in dentistry. We choose the smallest restoration that will last.

Small to medium cavities

A tooth-colored filling is usually enough when most of the tooth is healthy.

Large cavities with strong walls

An inlay or onlay rebuilds the tooth with lab-made porcelain while saving more structure than a crown.

Cracked or weakened teeth

A crown wraps the whole tooth, holding it together and preventing fractures — especially after a root canal.

Still have questions?

This article is for general education and isn’t a substitute for an exam. Call us or book a visit for advice about your own smile.

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New patients get a comprehensive exam, cleaning and X-rays for $59. Most PPO plans and Denti-Cal accepted.

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