Dental Crown Cost

• The cost of a dental crown depends on the materials used; the size, location and condition of the tooth; local rates; and the dentist's training and experience. Dental insurance might cover about 50% of the cost if the crown is needed for medical reasons, but dental crowns are typically not covered if they are considered cosmetic, and many dental plans have a maximum annual coverage limit of $1,000 -$1,500.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can cost $500 -$1,500 or more per tooth. For example, CostHelper readers without insurance coverage report paying $875 -$1,400 for porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, at an average cost of $1,093. CostHelper readers with insurance report out-of-pocket expenses of $282 -$1,000, with an average payment of $618.
• Metal crowns of gold alloy (called high noble metal) or of base metal alloys (non-noble) can cost $600 -$2,500 or more per tooth. CostHelper readers without insurance report paying $830 -$2,465 for a metal crown, at an average cost of $1,353. CostHelper readers with insurance report out-of-pocket expenses of $519 -$1,140, for an average payment of $882.
• All-porcelain crowns require a higher level of skill and take more time to install than metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, and can cost $800 -$3,000 or more per tooth. CostHelper readers without insurance report paying $860 -$3,000, at an average cost of $1,430. CostHelper readers with insurance report out-of-pocket expenses of $530 -$1,875, for an average payment of $953.

• A crown typically requires two office visits. After numbing the tooth and nearby gums the dentist files down the tooth to make room for the crown. If a large area of tooth is missing, filling material is used to build up the tooth so it can support the crown. After an impression is made of the patient's mouth, a temporary filling (typically made of acrylic) is placed on the tooth. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory to create a permanent crown, which generally takes two to three weeks. At the second appointment, the dentist removes the temporary and cements the permanent crown in place. The Washington Post provides an illustrated overview, while WebMD offers a detailed description plus a before-and-after photo of a dental crown (slide number 4).
• The dentist chooses the best material for a crown depending on the type, location and condition of the tooth. Metal crowns are typically used on out-of-sight back molars; all-porcelain crowns are typically placed on front teeth; and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can be used on front or back teeth. The American Dental Association provides a comparison chart of dental crown materials.
• Dental crowns last an average of 5-15 years, depending on the amount of wear and tear, the quality of oral hygiene practiced and personal habits such as chewing ice or clenching the teeth, or chewing ice, according to WebMD. A crown may need to be replaced several times during the patient's lifetime.

• There may be separate charges for an initial exam ($20 -$100 or more) and dental X-rays ($10 -$250).
• If the tooth has extensive decay, become infected or been injured, a root canal ($300 -$1,500 for a front tooth, $500 -$2,000 for a molar) might be needed before the crown can be installed.
• If a large area of tooth is missing because of decay or damage, there may be an additional charge of $150 -$250 or more to build up the tooth (although some dentists include this cost in their quoted price for a crown).

• Dental school clinics may offer reduced rates for services by supervised students or faculty.
• The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research provides tips for finding low-cost dental care.

• WedMD lists things to consider when choosing a dentist.
• If the patient has dental insurance, the insurance company will provide a list of approved dentists. Or get referrals to local dentists from the American Dental Association or the Amcerican Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

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