How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?

Sometimes a filling or onlay is not sufficient to treat a tooth and a crown is needed. Dental crowns (at Iowa Dental Group) are used to restore teeth that have fractured or broken, have extensive decay, or have had root canal therapy. ¾ crowns cover most of the tooth and full crowns cover the entire tooth surface past the gum line.

Set up a Consultation for Treatment

Once your dentist has diagnosed that you need a crown, they may want you to come back for a treatment planning consultation. Your dentist may not charge a fee but be prepared to spend up to $400 for any necessary x-rays and impressions. Treatment planning consultations are the perfect time to discuss any questions you may have and to make sure you understand and are prepared for what you will experience and expect to pay.

Materials used to Fabricate Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are usually fabricated in a lab though some dentists have the technology to offer same day crowns in which case they make the crown in the office while you wait. If your office uses a lab for crowns, you will leave from your first appointment with a temporary crown in place to protect the prepared tooth.

If your dentist makes the crown in office, it may cost less than one fabricated in a lab. The material used to make your crown will also affect the price of your crown, metals cost more than porcelain but are also much stronger and the price of metals fluctuates. Your dentist will be able to provide and estimate of cost for you during your consultation.

Cost of Dental Crowns

Crowns can cost anywhere from $750 to $3,500. Implant crowns are going to have a higher price point than regular crowns since there are a couple of parts used, not just a crown. Your dentist may have some payment options that they offer or may even take third party financing. Dental insurance will also help absorb some of the cost.

Making Your New Dental Crown Last

Your crown should fit snugly over your tooth and have no open margins. An open margin can lead to a food trap and cause decay under your crown, requiring a replacement. Maintain good oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist to make sure your restoration is in good condition and will last as long as possible. A night guard can help protect the crown from the wear and tear of nightly grinding or clenching.

Choosing the Right Dentist for You

If time is a factor for you, you might want to consider seeing a dentist that offers same day crowns since that will allow you to leave with your permanent crown in place. Crowns made by a dental lab will take a couple of weeks so you will have a temporary crown in and have to return to your dental office to have the permanent crown placed once it is  back from the lab. Crowns are an important restoration so if you have been diagnosed as needing a crown, follow through with treatment as soon as you are able.

More on Dental Crowns : What are Dental Crowns?