How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?
Whether it is covering an implant, replacing a filling, aligning the bite, or protecting a tooth weakened from decay or a cavity, poulsbo dental crowns have long been used to restore the function and appearance of damaged teeth. The cost of dental crowns, which will be the focus of this article, is largely dependent on the material used in the crown and the condition of the patient’s tooth (or teeth).
The process for getting a crown generally involves two separate visits to the dentist. The initial visit will involve a consultation, examination of the tooth, and preparation of the tooth being crowned. During this first visit, X-rays will be taken of the tooth roots and surrounding jawbone to determine the extent of the damage. Preparing the tooth centers around shaping the sides and surface of the tooth in order to allow room for the crown. In some cases, the tooth may require additional material to be added to cracks or spaces in order to build-up the area needed to support the crown. Other patients may need gum surgery to improve the prognosis of the tooth and ensure aesthetics. And in severe cases, root canal may be needed which could cause the overall cost of the procedure to double. As such, how much preparation is required prior to placing the crown will ultimately impact the cost of the procedure.
The material the crown is made of also heavily impacts the cost of the procedure. Dentist primarily use crowns made of either gold, all-porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, zirconia, or lithium disilicate. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are the least costly and range from $500 to $1,500 each. In terms of cost, gold crowns fall in the middle of the other options and generally cost $600 to $2,500 each. All-porcelain, zirconia, and lithium disilicate are the most expensive option and range between $800 to $3,000. While cost is an important consideration in determining which crown material to use, there are advantages and disadvantages for each material so patients should discuss the options with their dentist to determine which is suitable for their needs and budget.
A final factor that will influence how much the patient pays for their crown is insurance coverage. For patients that have dental insurance, carriers will generally cover about 50% of the cost if the treatment is preventative or necessary to repair a damaged tooth. This amount will depend on the type of insurance the patient has as well as their particular treatment needs. Important to note is that should the crown be an elective, cosmetic treatment aimed at improving appearances, insurance will likely not cover any of the cost. The cost incurred by the insurance carrier will also be influenced by whether the patient uses an in-network vs an out-of-network dentist. While the restoration would be covered at 50% for either network option, the out-of-pocket amount would be much higher for patients that have the procedure performed by an out-of-network provider. Because of these variables, patients should always check with their insurance provider prior to getting the crown to determine their coverage and network options.
More information on Dental Crowns : What are the different types of dental crowns?