Walking into a dental office for a routine checkup only to be told you need an expensive crown instead of a quick filling can be frustrating. Especially in January, as many Upland families are looking to maximize their 2026 PPO insurance benefits, it is vital to know that the treatment recommended is actually necessary.

At Higher Ground Dentistry, we believe an educated patient is a confident one. Dr. Vikas Sikka, a graduate of the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, focuses on conservative, honest care. In this guide, we’ll explain how we decide between a filling and a crown so you can make the best choice for your health and your budget.

Understanding the Dental Filling vs Crown Upland Choice

To understand these two treatments, think of a tooth like a house.

When a Dental Filling is Best

A filling is a conservative repair. We use it when a cavity is small, but the tooth walls are still strong. At Higher Ground Dentistry, we use modern, BPA-free composite resins that are tooth-colored to ensure your restoration is both safe and natural-looking.

• Best For: Minor decay, small cavities, or chipped edges.
• The Process: We remove the decay and “fill” the space with a tooth-colored composite resin.
• The Goal: To seal the tooth so bacteria cannot return.

When a Dental Crown is Required

According to the ADA’s guide to dental crowns, a cap is essential for protecting a tooth that has undergone a root canal or has a large fracture

• Best For: Large cavities (covering over 50% of the tooth), cracked teeth, or teeth that have had a root canal.
• The Process: The tooth is gently shaped, and a custom-fit porcelain cap is placed over it.
• The Goal: To act like a “helmet” that holds the tooth together, preventing it from shattering under the pressure of chewing.

Why Dr. Sikka Recommends a Dental Filling vs Crown in Upland

A common question we hear in our Upland office is: “Can’t we just try a filling first?” While we always prefer to keep as much of your natural tooth as possible, placing a filling in a severely damaged tooth can actually be risky. In a large cavity, a filling can act like a “wedge.” Every time you bite down, that filling pushes against the thin, remaining walls of your tooth. Eventually, the tooth can split in half.

If a tooth splits down to the root, it usually cannot be saved and must be extracted. Our goal is to avoid extractions and save your natural teeth. A crown is often the most cost-effective long-term choice because it prevents the need for more expensive dental implants or bridges later.

Benefits of Choosing Higher Ground Dentistry in Upland

We know that many dental offices in the Inland Empire have high sales quotas. We operate differently. Here is our promise to patients in Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, and Ontario and other Inland Empire cities:

• No-Upsell Policy: We only recommend what you truly need to stay healthy.
• See What We See: Using high-definition digital X-rays and intraoral cameras, we show you the diagnosis on a screen so you understand the “why” behind our advice.
• Weekend Availability: We are open Saturdays and Sundays because we know you shouldn’t have to miss work or school for dental care.
• Transparent Pricing: Whether you use a PPO plan or our in-house dental membership, you will never deal with “surprise” bills.

FAQ: Dental Filling vs Crown Upland

How long does a dental crown last?

With proper care and regular checkups, a porcelain crown typically lasts 10–15 years.

Is getting a crown painful?

No. We use modern numbing techniques and a gentle, one-on-one approach to ensure you are comfortable throughout the process.

Do you accept emergency appointments on weekends?

Yes. We provide same-day emergency appointments on both Saturdays and Sundays for patients in pain or with broken teeth.

The Final Word: Your Smile, Your Choice

Deciding on a dental treatment shouldn’t feel like a high-pressure sales pitch. Whether you need a simple patch for a cavity or a reinforcement for a broken tooth, our compassionate, bilingual team is here to provide the honest advice we would give our own families.

Don’t let a small toothache turn into a major emergency. If you are in Claremont, Fontana, or Upland, come experience a different, stress-free kind of dental visit.

Schedule Your Appointment Online Or Call Us Today: (909) 946-9090

Visit Us at 121 West Foothill Boulevard, Suite E, Upland, CA 91786