Porcelain Crowns vs. Composite Fillings – How Leesburg Dentists Decide Which One Your Tooth Actually Needs
Choosing between a porcelain crown and a composite filling comes down to one clinical measurement: how much natural tooth structure is left. Fillings work well for small to medium cavities where less than a third of the tooth is compromised. Once decay or damage crosses the 50% threshold – or after a root canal – a porcelain crown gives the tooth the protection it needs to last decades. Composite fillings typically cost $150-$400 and last 5-10 years; porcelain crowns run $1,000-$1,800 but last 10-25 years. Delaying the right treatment almost always costs more over time. This breakdown covers the full decision process, cost comparison, insurance expectations, and a pre-appointment checklist so patients in Leesburg and Loudoun County can go into their next dental visit knowing exactly what questions to ask.
