In our experience, the “right” choice isn’t about what sounds stronger on paper – it’s about how much healthy tooth is left, where the tooth sits in your bite, and how likely it is to crack again without extra support. 

If a dentist has told you that “you need a crown”, it might sound like something serious has been missed, or that it’s a sales push. The reality is more practical than that: some teeth simply don’t have enough strength left for a filling to last comfortably, especially molars that take heavy chewing forces. On the other hand, if a cavity is small-to-moderate and the remaining enamel is sound, a well-placed filling can be the most conservative option.

Because we’re a private practice in Basingstoke offering a wide range of restorative treatments (including cosmetic dentistry and emergency dental care), we’re used to matching the solution to the tooth and the person – not a one-size approach. If you’re weighing up “filling vs crown”, the key is understanding what each option is designed to do, what it can reasonably handle and what the next few years look like for that tooth.​

Teeth Filling vs Crown

A filling repairs a specific area of decay or a small fracture by removing the weakened section and replacing it with a restorative material that bonds into the tooth. A crown is a custom-made cap that covers the tooth’s visible surfaces, designed to restore strength, shape and function when the tooth is more compromised. In straightforward terms, a filling patches; a crown reinforces.​

It’s like repairing a wall: if there’s a small hole, you patch it. If the wall is cracked and unstable in multiple places, you brace it so it doesn’t fail again under pressure. That is exactly why crowns are typically recommended for teeth that are significantly weakened, while fillings are more appropriate when the damage is limited. The “best” option is the one that gives you a predictable outcome with the least long-term fuss.​

When Do You Need a Crown vs a Filling?

You’ll usually need a filling when decay or damage is small to moderate and the tooth still has enough solid structure to support itself. You’ll usually need a crown when there’s more extensive damage, a large existing filling that has undermined the tooth, or cracks that put the tooth at risk when you bite. Tooth position matters too: back teeth deal with stronger forces, so borderline cases in molars often tip towards crowns.​

We also factor in how the tooth has behaved over time. If you’ve had repeat fillings in the same tooth, or your filling keeps chipping at the edges, that’s often a sign the tooth would benefit from full coverage rather than another patch. In practical terms, we want the tooth to survive day-to-day chewing without you constantly worrying about it. If we feel a filling would be a short-term fix, we’ll usually discuss a crown as the more stable plan.​

Do Crowns Last Longer than Fillings?

Crowns are generally considered more durable than fillings when a tooth is significantly weakened, because they protect the remaining tooth structure from flexing and cracking under load. Fillings can last very well in the right situation, but in larger cavities they may be more likely to wear, chip, or allow the tooth to fracture if the surrounding tooth walls are thin.​

In our day-to-day work, longevity is less about a simple “years count” and more about the risk profile of the tooth. A big molar filling in someone who clenches or grinds is under constant strain, so even a good filling may have a harder life. A crown may provide more predictable protection in that kind of situation, assuming the tooth is otherwise suitable and you maintain good home care.

Are Crowns More Expensive than Fillings?

Yes, crowns are generally more expensive than fillings, mainly because they involve more clinical time, more steps and a custom-made laboratory component. A filling is usually a more straightforward repair, often completed in a single appointment, using a smaller amount of material and no lab work.

That said, we always frame cost in context. If a filling is the right option clinically, we won’t suggest a crown purely on price. If a crown is likely to prevent a crack, repeated repairs or even tooth loss, it can work out better value over time even with a higher upfront cost – because you’re paying for reinforcement, not just repair.​

Do You Need a Filling before a Crown?

Sometimes, yes. If a tooth has a cavity or missing sections, we may need to rebuild part of it first so the crown has a solid foundation – this is often called a “build-up”. The aim is to create the correct shape and stability so the crown can fit properly and distribute forces safely.

In other cases, the preparation for a crown effectively removes the decayed or weakened parts and doesn’t require a separate filling stage beyond that build-up work. The exact order depends on how much tooth is left, whether there’s decay at the margins, and whether the tooth needs support for the temporary crown while your final one is being made. If you’re unsure what your plan involves, we’re always happy to explain it step by step in plain English.

Can You Fill a Crowned Tooth?

Yes, it’s often possible to repair a tooth that already has a crown, but it depends on what’s gone wrong and where. If there’s a small chip in the crown material, a repair might be possible in some cases. If decay has formed at the edge where the crown meets the tooth, we may be able to remove the decay and place a filling – although this is very situation-dependent and not always the best long-term fix.

Where we see problems most often is around crown margins, where plaque can build up if cleaning is difficult. If the crown is otherwise well-fitting, a local repair might be reasonable; if the crown fit is poor or decay is extensive underneath, replacing the crown can be the safer choice. Either way, we assess it with an exam (and usually an X-ray) so you’re not guessing.

If you tell us which tooth it is (front/back), whether it’s had a root canal, and whether you’re dealing with decay, a crack or a broken filling, we can outline what the usual options look like in that exact scenario. Reach out to our practice and let us know the issues you’re having.

📞 Phone: +441256354227
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