If you've suffered from tooth decay and you want to bring back your beautiful smile, you may be wondering if you should get a filling or a crown. Dental fillings are artificial substances like gold or porcelain which are used to fill crevices in decayed or damaged teeth, while dental crowns are caps made from metal, porcelain, resin, or ceramic which are fitted over your natural teeth to restore their shape and function. Both are great options for tooth restoration, but how can you know which suits your needs best?

In general, four major factors will dictate the right dental procedure for you. Read on to learn more. 

1. Tooth decay severity 

The level of decay you've suffered is the first major factor that will help determine whether you need crowns or fillings. If there are large cavities present, it will be harder to protect and maintain healthy teeth without crowns. Fillings aren't as strong and durable when they cover a wide area, and they don't provide enough support to a tooth that's become thin on the outside. 

2. Current damage

If the structure of your tooth is still intact, you may find that fillings are a good restoration solution. However, if your tooth is already cracked or broken, fillings won't be possible. To fill a tooth, there must be a surrounding structure to contain the filling. If part of that structure is missing, the filling would simply seep out of the gap. Crowns are made from a strong material that will be able to hold your tooth together and cover any breakages. 

3. Past dental treatments

If you have had multiple fillings in the past (particularly larger fillings), crowns may be a better treatment option for you. While single fillings are a good quick fix, the more you have in one tooth, the weaker that tooth becomes over time. Eventually, the tooth may even crack under pressure. Plus, fillings can only do so much for a tooth; if you've already needed multiple, this could be a sign that your tooth needs a stronger fix--like a crown.

4. Infection

Has your tooth decay progressed to the point of an infection in the root? If so, crowns may be your best option. When your dentist removes the decay, they'll need to drill out the core of your tooth. This can weaken the external structure and make it difficult for a filling to suffice. In these situations, a crown can protect your root canal treated tooth from further damage in the future.