Dental Crown Cost: What to Expect, Compare, and Consider

A dental crown is one of the most common treatments used in restorative dentistry, designed to protect, strengthen, and restore the function and appearance of a damaged tooth.

Whether you’re dealing with a damaged tooth from decay, a worn tooth from grinding, or a missing tooth, a dental crown offers a long-lasting solution. But how much does a dental crown cost, and what factors influence the price?

Understanding the cost of dental crowns and knowing when you might need one is crucial for making informed decisions about your dental care.

We’ll explore the different types of crowns, what affects the cost, and when a dental crown is the right choice for your dental needs.

What Are Dental Crowns and Why Do You Need Them?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap designed to cover a damaged tooth or worn teeth, providing both strength and protection. Crowns restore the tooth’s shape, size, and function, making them a vital part of dental procedures for aesthetic and health reasons.

There are several reasons why someone might need a dental crown:

• Restoring a tooth after a root canal: When a tooth undergoes a root canal, it may become brittle and need a permanent crown to restore its strength and prevent further damage.
• Protecting a weakened tooth: If a tooth is cracked or extensively decayed, a crown can prevent the tooth from breaking apart.
• Covering a dental implant: Crowns can cover dental implants, acting as the visible tooth that replaces a missing one.
• Cosmetic purposes: Crowns can also improve the appearance of front teeth that are discolored, misshapen, or severely chipped.

When to Consider a Dental Crown

Deciding when to consider a dental crown depends on the condition of your tooth and the type of restoration needed. Here are a few scenarios where a crown is often recommended:

• Damaged Teeth: A crown is typically the best option if your tooth is severely damaged from decay or a fracture, and a dental filling cannot restore its strength or structure.
• After a Root Canal: If you’ve had a root canal treatment, the tooth can become fragile and prone to breaking. A dental crown protects the tooth from damage and ensures its long-term functionality.
• To Replace a Missing Tooth: Crowns are commonly used with dental implants to replace missing teeth. This combination restores the tooth’s appearance and functionality, allowing you to chew and smile confidently.
• Cosmetic Concerns: For those with worn teeth, discolored teeth, or damaged teeth that affect their smile, crowns can enhance the appearance by providing a natural-looking, durable restoration.

A dental crown is the go-to solution when a tooth needs protection or restoration, whether for functional or aesthetic purposes. If you have damaged teeth, worn teeth, or decayed teeth, it might be time to discuss crowns with your dentist.

Types of Dental Crowns and Their Cost

When considering a dental crown, one of the biggest factors affecting the overall cost of dental crowns is the material used. Different dental crown materials offer various benefits, each with its own price point. Let’s explore the most common types of crowns and their associated costs:

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns are a popular choice for patients seeking a natural look. They blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth, making them ideal for visible front teeth when you smile or talk. Porcelain is highly durable and resistant to staining, but due to its aesthetic qualities and strength, it can be more expensive than other materials.

Cost: The average cost of dental crowns made from porcelain typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 per tooth, depending on the complexity and the dentist’s expertise.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia crowns are made from a strong, durable material resistant to cracking and wear. These crowns are a good choice for back teeth that endure the most pressure from chewing. Zirconia crowns can be crafted to look similar to natural teeth, but they are often more durable than porcelain crowns.

Cost: Zirconia crowns tend to be slightly more expensive than porcelain, averaging between $1,200 and $2,500 per crown, depending on factors such as geographic location and the specific dental practice.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns combine the strength of a metal base with the aesthetic appeal of porcelain. These crowns are commonly used for back teeth, where durability is important, but a more natural appearance is still desired. While durable, they may not provide as natural a look as all-porcelain crowns, especially around the gum line.

Cost: PFM crowns are typically priced between $800 and $2,000 per tooth. Their metal base makes them less expensive than full porcelain, but they still offer a good balance of strength and appearance.

Metal Crowns

Metal crowns are made from various metal alloys, including nickel chromium, cobalt chromium, and gold alloys. These crowns are extremely durable and are often used for molars or other teeth in the back of the mouth, where aesthetics are less of a concern. Metal crowns are the most durable and long-lasting but don’t have the most natural appearance.

Cost: Metal crowns are usually the least expensive option, ranging from $600 to $1,500 per crown. However, their appearance may deter patients seeking a more natural look.

4 Factors Other Than Material That Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns

As discussed earlier, the material used for the dental crown is one of the primary factors influencing the cost.  However, that’s not the only thing that affects the cost of dental crowns; others include: 

1. Dentist’s Expertise and Location

The cost of dental crowns can also depend on the dentist’s expertise and the location of the dental office. Dentists with extensive experience in crown placement or those practicing in high-cost areas like large cities or affluent neighborhoods may charge higher fees. It’s important to balance the dentist’s expertise with the cost of the treatment to ensure you’re receiving quality care.

Crown prices can be higher in areas with a higher cost of living, such as New York City or Los Angeles. Conversely, smaller towns or rural areas might have lower costs.

2. Complexity of the Procedure

If the crown is placed after a root canal or has significant dental damage, the procedure might require more time, advanced materials, or preparatory treatments like gum contouring or temporary crowns. In these cases, the total cost of the crown can be higher due to the extra work involved.

If the tooth requires a root canal before the crown can be placed, the overall cost of the treatment will increase.

Additional dental services, such as fillings or cleanings, may be necessary before a crown can be placed, which can raise the overall treatment cost.

3. Insurance Coverage

Dental insurance plans may or may not cover the cost of a dental crown, depending on whether it’s considered a restorative or cosmetic procedure. Some plans will only cover the crown if deemed medically necessary, such as for a tooth that has suffered significant decay or damage.

If your insurance plan covers part of the cost, you may still need to pay a portion out-of-pocket, known as cost sharing.

4. Additional Treatments or Services

In some cases, the dental crown procedure may require additional treatments, such as gum contouring, to ensure the crown fits properly and looks natural. If you have damaged teeth that need cleaning, filling, or other treatments before the crown is placed, this will increase the overall cost.

If your gums need to be reshaped to accommodate the crown properly, this could add to the cost of the procedure. The overall cost will be significantly higher if the crown is placed on a dental implant since implants require a surgical procedure and follow-up care.

What to Expect During the Dental Crown Procedure

The dental crown procedure is a relatively straightforward procedure that requires two office visits. While the exact steps can vary depending on the type of crown and the condition of the tooth, here’s a general outline of what you can expect during the procedure:

Initial Consultation and Preparation

During your first visit, the dentist will evaluate the tooth that needs a crown. This may involve X-rays to assess the tooth’s condition and surrounding bone structure. If the tooth has extensive decay or damage, the dentist may recommend a root canal before proceeding with the crown.

The dentist will begin the preparation process once the tooth is deemed ready for a crown. This involves numbing the area with a local anesthetic to ensure comfort. The dentist will then remove any decayed portion of the tooth and shape the remaining structure to fit the crown. This may involve removing a small layer of the tooth’s enamel to make room for the crown. In some cases, if the tooth is significantly damaged, the dentist may build up the tooth with composite resin to ensure the crown fits properly.

Temporary Crown Placement

Once the tooth is prepared, the dentist will take impressions of your tooth to create a custom crown. While the permanent crown is being fabricated, which usually takes one to two weeks, the dentist will place a temporary crown to protect the tooth and maintain its function. 

Temporary crowns are typically made from acrylic or composite resin and are not as durable or aesthetic as permanent crowns, but they serve as placeholders until the final restoration is ready.

Fitting and Cementing the Permanent Crown

During the second visit, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and check the fit of the permanent crown. The dentist will ensure the crown fits comfortably, aligns with the surrounding teeth, and doesn’t affect your bite. If the crown is too high or misaligned, adjustments will be made.

Once everything fits perfectly, the dentist will clean and prepare the tooth before permanently cementing the crown in place. The cement is a strong, durable bonding agent designed to hold the crown securely on the tooth for years.

Final Adjustments and Aftercare

After the permanent crown is placed, the dentist will ensure that the tooth feels comfortable and that your bite is even. If necessary, any minor adjustments will be made to the crown to ensure it doesn’t cause discomfort. The dentist will also provide instructions on how to care for your crown, including recommendations for good oral hygiene and tips for preventing further damage to the restoration.

In most cases, you won’t need a follow-up visit after the crown is placed. However, if you experience any discomfort or sensitivity or notice the crown becoming loose, contact your dentist promptly.

Regular dental checkups are essential for monitoring the condition of the crown and ensuring that your oral health is maintained.

Alternatives to Dental Crowns

While dental crowns are one of the most effective treatments for restoring damaged teeth, they aren’t always the only option. Depending on the extent of the damage and the patient’s needs, several alternatives may be suitable for repairing damaged teeth or improving the tooth’s appearance.

Here are some of the most common alternatives:

1. Dental Fillings

A dental filling might be a more straightforward and affordable than a crown for minor chips or decay. Fillings restore small to medium-sized cavities, damaged teeth, or cracks. The material is applied directly to the tooth and shaped to match its natural contours. Common filling materials include composite resin, silver amalgam, and gold.

• Advantages: Fillings are a less invasive option that can be completed in one visit. Compared to crowns, they preserve more of the natural tooth structure.
• Limitations: Fillings may not be suitable for large cavities or extensively damaged teeth and are not as durable as crowns in cases of significant damage.

2. Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin shells made from porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. While veneers are typically used for cosmetic purposes, they can also help restore worn teeth, minor chips, and discolored teeth.

• Advantages: Veneers offer a natural look and can cover up imperfections without requiring the extensive tooth preparation that crowns often do. They also don’t require reshaping the tooth as much as crowns.
• Limitations: Veneers are not recommended for restoring a missing tooth or for cases where the damage is more than cosmetic. They are also more fragile than crowns and may require replacement after several years.

3. Dental Implants

A dental implant might be the best option if a tooth is missing or too damaged to be restored with a crown. An implant involves placing a small titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as a replacement root. A dental crown is then placed on top of the implant, fully restoring the tooth’s function and appearance.

• Advantages: Dental implants are a permanent solution and function like natural teeth. They help preserve jawbone density and prevent surrounding teeth from shifting.
• Limitations: Implants are more invasive than crowns and require a surgical procedure. They are also one of the more expensive dental treatments and require a longer treatment time, including the healing period.

4. Composite Bonding

Composite bonding can be an effective and cost-effective alternative to crowns for smaller chips or cracks. In this procedure, a tooth-colored resin is applied to the damaged area, shaped, and then hardened with a special light. Bonding can repair minor chips, gaps, and worn teeth with minimal tooth reduction.

• Advantages: Bonding is typically completed in one visit and is much less expensive than crowns. It’s also a non-invasive treatment.
• Limitations: While bonding can provide a good cosmetic result, it’s not as durable as crowns. It may wear down over time, especially in high-pressure areas like the back teeth.

Finding the Right Solution for Your Dental Needs

Dental crowns are one of the most effective and versatile treatments available, whether you need to restore a damaged tooth or enhance the appearance of your smile.

From porcelain crowns that offer a natural appearance to zirconia crowns that provide durability, there’s a solution to suit every need and budget. However, as we’ve discussed, several alternatives are also worth considering, including dental fillings, veneers, and dental implants, each with its own benefits and considerations.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on the extent of the damage, aesthetic goals, and dental care preferences. Whether you decide on a crown or another treatment, it’s essential to consult with a dental professional who can guide you toward the best solution for your unique situation.

Sunbit’s directory can help you find experienced and trusted dental professionals near you if you’re ready to explore your options.