How much tooth structure decides
Fillings repair cavities, while crowns repair badly broken-down teeth and usually require reshaping, an impression, laboratory work, and a temporary crown.
[1][2]The short answer
A filling repairs a cavity, while a crown is used to repair a badly broken-down tooth and covers a more extensive restoration route.
[1][2]
The two options, side by side
When does tooth structure change the answer?
| Option | Supported use or step |
|---|---|
| Filling | Several filling materials repair cavities, including tooth-coloured composite and silver-coloured amalgam.[1][2] |
| Crown | Crowns repair badly broken-down teeth and can be made from porcelain, metals, or stainless steel for baby teeth.[1][2] |
When can a filling do the job?
When does a crown do more?
What changes the work involved?
How long do fillings and crowns last?
What happens if decay progresses?
When might neither be the first answer?
What should the decision weigh?
Frequently asked questions
Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.