TYPES OF DENTAL CROWNS AND COST: A COMPLETE GUIDE (2022)

What Is The Cost of Dental Crowns?

Now that you have an idea of the different options for dental crowns, you surely want to know the cost of the different types of crowns.

Well, this will vary depending on the material used and the preparation required. For example, all porcelain crowns are in general more costly than metal ones.

Moreover, in some instances a core build-up is required to help protect the integrity of the tooth before a crown can be placed.

Other times, dentists need to perform a gingivectomy or minor gum surgery, procedure in which part of the gums are cut away in the mouth to ensure better aesthetics or prognosis of the tooth or teeth.

In the worst case scenario, you might also need a root canal, in which case the overall cost of the procedure could easily double.

Generally speaking, crowns can range in cost from $500 to $2000, or more. The range depends on whether or not you have insurance, what your insurance policy actually covers, the dental fees charged by your dentist and how many added procedures are needed to complete treatment.

So if you are looking for a low cost solution, you could spend between $400-600 for an indirect resin crown, which is basically a restoration that is not made in an outside lab, but by your own dentist. Think of it as a large filling made in your dentist’s lab.

The pros of this procedure are lower cost and less time in the chair (usually one visit). The cons are durability. Indirect resin crowns are recommended as a budget-friendly low term solution. But it is not meant to last years and years like crowns do.

According to an estimate made by Costhelper , the price range of dental crowns per tooth today can be as follows:

• The cost of Gold crowns can range between $600-$2,500

• All-porcelain crowns can range between $800-$3,000

• Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can cost $500-$1,500

• Zirconia Crowns and E-max crowns cost approximately the same as all- porcelain crowns

If you have insurance, about 50% of the crown can be covered. But everything will depend on the type of insurance you have, and your particular case.

If the crown is part of a cosmetic treatment, your insurance plan will most likely not cover the cost of it. But if the treatment is preventative (to cover a root canal or repair a broken tooth) the cost can be covered by your insurance (or at least a percentage of it).

Cost will also vary depending on whether you go to a in-network vs an out-of-network dentist. Even though in both cases your restoration would be covered at 50%, in the latter case your out-of-pocket would be much higher. That’s because in-network dentists are contracted with insurance companies and must abide by a fee schedule.

For example, if you go in-network and the cost of a crown is $1000, your out-of-pocket would be $500. However, if you go to an out-of-network dentist, he or she may charge $1300 for that same procedure, putting your out-of-pocket obligation at $650 ($150 more than in the first case).

But you shouldn’t make a healthcare decision based solely on cost. If you like your dentist, has good reviews or comes highly recommended, it might be worth paying for that added peace of mind.

Also, beware of situations where practices, especially larger ones, try to make up the difference in fees by adding services you might actually not need (ie charging for gum surgery when it’s not needed).

Your best bet is to set up an appointment with your preferred dentist first. Have their staff do a complimentary insurance check to see what your dental insurance will cover and what your portion will be.

With that info, you can then ask around other dentists to make sure your dentist’s fees are within range. But remember: don’t just base your decision solely on price. A friendly staff, the doctor’s bedside manner and even the labs and materials he or she uses might be worth the extra financial investment.

In Summary, What Should I Consider When Getting a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a long-lasting restorative treatment.  That means you will have a crown for many years in your mouth. Certainly,  you want to have it done in the most professional and skillful way.

So, if possible, when considering types of dental crowns and cost, try not to go directly to the least expensive dentist without analyzing your options. Weigh in all factors before deciding.

Maybe it’s better to spend a bit more and be sure the results will be good and long-lasting. Choosing only cheap options may lead to poor quality treatments which, in turn, will mean more money, more time and more discomfort in the future.

You should also check if your dentist works in-network or out-of-network.  Even dental offices work out-of-network will do their best to file all the claims for you so that you can get directly reimbursed to your home once the treatment is over. Sometimes going out-of-network of assigned providers can ensure better quality care and overall improved experience.