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Dental Crowns: A Guide to Costs and Insurance Coverage

How much do dental crowns cost?

Dental crowns are a reliable and common dental treatment because of their durability, longevity, and effectiveness in protecting the underlying tooth. With good care and oral hygiene, dental crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or longer, and, by protecting or replacing a tooth, they can help prevent bigger, more expensive problems like root canals, dental implants, bone deterioration, and gum disease in the future. 

The cost of a dental crown is primarily determined by the type of material used and the type and extent of any procedures needed to prepare the tooth for the crown.

Material costs

Tooth-colored zirconia crowns are the most commonly used today. Not only are they biocompatible and less likely to cause allergic reactions, but they combine the strength of metal with the aesthetic appeal of porcelain for a strong, long-lasting, and natural-looking solution. They are among the more affordable options for material and they can be cut and shaped right in your dentist’s office–there’s no need to send them to a dental lab.

Preparation

Dental crowns can only be placed over healthy teeth and gums.

Before receiving a dental crown, you may need to undergo preparatory procedures such as:

  • Core build-up to protect the integrity of the tooth
  • Dental implants to serve as artificial tooth roots for a missing tooth
  • Root canal to remove any infection in a tooth or tooth root
  • Gingivectomy or minor gum surgery to facilitate better aesthetics and outcomes of the tooth or teeth

Dental Crowns Costs and Insurance Coverage

Without insurance, dental crowns will typically range from $1,000-1,500 with a little fluctuation based on case complexity and the material used. However, most dental insurance plans will cover 50% or more of the cost of preventative or restorative dental crowns, leaving many patients with less out-of-pocket costs, between $400-$600 on average.

Dental crowns that are used for cosmetic purposes, such as to change the shape of a tooth or simply improve the appearance of your smile, are not usually covered by dental insurance plans because they are considered elective. Most patients would be responsible for the entire cost of a cosmetic crown.

It’s important to note that how much you will pay for a dental crown depends on a variety of factors that are unique to your particular situation. Be sure to speak with your insurance company and your dentist about all your options and to ask about ways you can save on important restorative and preventative dental treatments like crowns.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers the visible part of a tooth or replaces it entirely. It is permanently attached to the biological tooth structure–if there is any left–to protect it from further damage or decay. 

Dental crowns can serve multiple purposes, both restorative and cosmetic. Crowns can be used to:

  • Cover a severely discolored or misshapen tooth
  • Cover a tooth that has been treated with a root canal
  • Restore a tooth that has broken or been severely worn down
  • Secure a dental bridge
  • Cover and reinforce teeth that may have large fillings or little natural tooth remaining
  • Protect a tooth that has been weakened from decay

They can also serve as an artificial tooth attached to a dental implant, replacing a tooth that has fallen out or been extracted. 

Why do I need a crown and not a filling?

Although tooth decay and damage are progressive and relatively slow, they are not reversible; a tooth that has been damaged, developed a cavity, become infected, or begun to decay will not heal itself and must be treated with professional dental care.

As the decay or damage worsens, more of the healthy tooth enamel and structure deteriorates. While fillings are perfect for small to medium-sized cavities, cracks, or fractures, fillings that are larger than what’s left of the natural tooth are not safe, durable, or able to withstand the stresses of biting and chewing for the long-term.

This is why crowns are often used to cover teeth that have large fillings, whether silver, tooth-colored, or some other material. These large fillings can compromise the overall strength of the natural tooth and are at a high risk of fracturing or even falling out. Crowns add an additional layer of protection to these teeth to secure the fillings, support the tooth, and prevent unnecessary damage.

Crowns are also commonly used to cover teeth that have been treated with a root canal. The crown helps restore the original strength of the natural tooth, since so much of the infected biological structure was removed during the root canal.

Even though crowns may be a more expensive procedure upfront than fillings, they will save you from more costly and extensive restorative services in the future by preserving the strength of your natural teeth and your overall health.

Quality, Affordable Dental Crowns from Dental Depot

At Dental Depot, we believe everyone deserves a beautiful, healthy smile they can be proud of. That’s why we offer comprehensive dental services for everyone in your family at all of our DFW metro locations, from preventative treatment like routine cleanings and fluoride to restorative treatments like fillings and crowns. We strive to make getting the dental care you need easy and affordable with flexible scheduling and easy financing options. We accept most major dental insurance plans and even offer Saturday or evening appointments at many of our offices.

Don’t spend another day hiding your smile.

With dental crown specialists on staff, and dental clinics in: Arlington, McKinney, Aubrey, Highland Village, Lewisville, The Colony and Dallas, Dental Depot is here for all your dental needs.

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