inlay/only vs. crown

[Bill8983]

I have been reading info on the subject and are learning that an inlay strenghens a tooth while a crown weakens a tooth.  an inlay also should be preferred whenever conditions allow over a crown.  an inlay is also a conservative procedure as it removes the least amount of the tooth material.  Another advantage not mentioned in the literature is that it should be easier to detect a decay around an inlay than in a crown.  I would appreciate any comments to the statements above.  Thank you in advance.  Bill8983

[ronalds]

Bill you are right on. Each situation requires a different remedy. The unfortunate part is that many dentists do the same procedure for everyone, making it a cookie cutter approach. You do not want to put chains on your tires just because you live in an area where there is snow, right? You have to do different things for different types of snow, where you are going, what kind of a car you have, etc. This is the same thing. There are some nice articles you can find on www.dentalinformationblog.com on this and related subjects.

[ben_zheng_z]

I have a molar cracked off 1/3 on the top. so I have had a root canal past Monday, now I am facing to do crown? onlay? other options?
my old dentist always ask me to do a crown even before finding out my molar tooth cracked (at that time it was only pian when bite, but no decay).
crown maybe not bad in terms of durability, but I have 3 worries: 1. not confident that I can come across a dentist who are capable enough to make a crown with no leakage. 2. if leakaged, then in the short future, you will have strong bad breath, and you won't notice it, it is very bad. 3. it is expensive and intrusive to my tooth (except 1/3 cracked off, rest of it still very good).
I am looking experts opinions to help me make decision.
thanks!