05/27/2026
Crown or filling for cavity treatment – what is the difference?
A filling repairs a tooth by removing the decayed portion and replacing it with a durable material, often tooth-colored composite. It works best when the cavity is relatively limited and enough healthy enamel and dentin remain to support the tooth.
A crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth like a protective cap. It is usually recommended when decay is more extensive, when a tooth is cracked or structurally weak, or when a large old filling has left too little natural tooth behind. In other words, a filling repairs a section of the tooth. A crown reinforces the whole tooth.
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