A filling repairs a small area of decay; a crown caps the entire tooth. The rule of thumb: if more than about half the tooth is damaged, a crown is needed; if less, a filling is usually enough. Crowns cost more but last longer and protect weakened teeth from cracking. Here is how to know which your tooth needs.
Crown vs Filling: Cost in India vs UK, US & Australia
| Option | India | UK | USA | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tooth-coloured filling | £15–£35 | £100–£250 | $200–$400 | AU$250–$450 |
| Dental crown | £80–£250 | £600–£1,800 | $1,000–$3,500 | AU$1,500–$2,800 |
What Is a Dental Filling?
A filling repairs a tooth with a small or moderate cavity. The dentist removes the decay and fills the space — usually with tooth-coloured composite resin. It restores the tooth in a single visit and keeps as much natural structure as possible. Fillings are the right, conservative treatment when decay is caught early.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A crown is a custom cap that covers the whole visible tooth. It is used when too much tooth is damaged for a filling to hold, after a root canal, or when a tooth is cracked or heavily worn. By wrapping the tooth, a crown spreads chewing force and prevents the weakened tooth from fracturing.
Crown vs Filling: Key Differences
| Factor | Filling | Crown |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Small–moderate decay | Heavily damaged or cracked teeth |
| Tooth coverage | Fills part of the tooth | Caps the whole tooth |
| Protects against cracking | Limited | Yes |
| Visits | Usually 1 | 1–2 (or same-day) |
| Lifespan | 5–10 years | 15–25 years |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
Which Do You Need?
A filling is enough if the decay is small to moderate and most of the tooth is still healthy and strong.
A crown is the better choice if a large part of the tooth is missing, the tooth is cracked, it has had a root canal, or it already has a very large old filling that is failing. Only an exam and X-ray can confirm which applies — and a good dentist will recommend the more conservative option whenever it will last.
Filling or Crown? Get a Free Assessment
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Getting Crowns & Fillings in India
At Dr. Bandhavi’s Dental Clinic & Implant Centre in Delhi NCR, both fillings and crowns are done to international standards — tooth-coloured composites and certified crown ceramics — at 75–85% below Western prices. Same-day CEREC crowns mean even crown work can fit into a short dental trip. You receive an honest assessment and an itemised quote, with full documentation for follow-up at home.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When do you need a crown instead of a filling?
A crown is needed when too much of the tooth is damaged for a filling to hold — usually when more than about half the tooth structure is lost, after a root canal on a back tooth, or when a tooth is cracked. A filling is enough for small to moderate decay.
Is a crown better than a filling?
Neither is universally better — they solve different problems. A filling is the right, conservative choice for small cavities. A crown is better when the tooth is significantly weakened, because it caps and protects the whole tooth. Using a filling where a crown is needed risks the tooth cracking.
Can a filling be replaced with a crown later?
Yes. If a large filling fails or the tooth weakens, a crown can replace it. In fact, repeatedly re-filling the same tooth eventually leaves too little structure, at which point a crown becomes the better long-term solution.
How much do fillings and crowns cost in India?
A tooth-coloured filling in India costs from about £15–£35, and a crown from £80 (PFM) to £250 (E-Max). Both are 75–85% cheaper than UK, US, or Australian prices, using the same quality materials.
How long do fillings vs crowns last?
A composite filling typically lasts 5–10 years; a well-made crown lasts 15–25 years. A crown costs more upfront but, on a heavily damaged tooth, usually proves more economical over time because it protects the tooth from failure.
Can a large filling damage a tooth?
A very large filling leaves thin, unsupported tooth walls that can flex and crack under chewing. When a cavity is that big, dentists often recommend a crown instead, because it wraps and protects the remaining tooth rather than just plugging the gap.
Related Reading
- Dental Crowns in India: Cost & Types
- Zirconia vs Porcelain vs E-Max Crowns
- Do You Need a Crown After a Root Canal?
- Root Canal Cost: India vs UK
- How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Last updated: 26 May 2026. Reviewed by Dr. Bandhavi MDS (Endodontics). Clinic: Dr. Bandhavi’s Dental Clinic & Implant Centre, Vaishali, Ghaziabad, Delhi NCR.
Related guide: complete dental crowns guide.