How much do dental crowns cost?
Dental crowns are a great treatment which is widely used to save a fractured or decayed tooth that may otherwise have had to be extracted. A dental crown covers the entire surface of a tooth, going slightly past the gumline to protect the whole tooth. Crowns are incredibly natural-looking and since they are made of porcelain, they are durable and resistant to stains and chipping!
How much do dental crowns cost?
There are a few different factors that affect the price of a dental crown. They range from about $750-$3500 and can last up to 30 years. Dental crowns are considered a medically necessary procedure so most dental insurance plans will cover some of the cost of your crown. Your dental office can request a pre-treatment estimate to see how much your insurance will cover before you have your treatment so that you have a better idea of your out-of-pocket cost.
The type of crown that you require may affect the cost. A three-quarter crown may cost slightly less than a full crown and does not cover the entire tooth, just 3/4 of a tooth, saving some natural tooth structure! There are also implant crowns which are more costly than three-quarter and full crowns. Implant crowns have other parts that increase their price and they have to be screwed or cemented onto a dental implant. The actual dental implant is a separate treatment with its own price point.
Also affecting the cost of your crown will be the material used to fabricate the crown. Porcelain, ceramic, and zirconia are usually less costly than metals and have the added benefit of being tooth-colored. Gold and base metals vary in price according to the market price of metals at the time of treatment.
There is also the matter of where your crown is fabricated. If your dentist has the technology to create your crown in the office, it may be less costly than a crown that is fabricated in a dental lab and is usually a one-visit procedure!
Getting The Most Of Your Dental Crown
It is important that your crown fits properly so your dentist will check that all margins are closed and that you do not have a food trap between your teeth. If after you leave your dentist and the anesthetic wears off, it will be easier to tell if you need a bite adjustment. Make sure you call your dentist and get your crown adjusted as soon as possible to avoid any discomfort or damage to opposing teeth.
It is important to maintain good oral hygiene and see your dentist regularly. A night guard is a great way to protect your new restoration as well as the rest of your teeth from bruxism, which is the unconscious clenching and grinding that most of us do in our sleep.
A dental crown is a great way to save a damaged tooth. Your dentist can determine what material will be best for your individual case and lifestyle so that you have a fortified tooth that will be aesthetically pleasing and keep you smiling!