How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost? Average Prices With and Without Insurance

Losing teeth because of poor oral health affects your ability to eat, but it can also change the shape of your jaw, affect your sinuses, and even increase your risk of certain medical conditions. Fortunately, if you have a badly damaged or decayed tooth, you can often save it by getting a dental crown.

Dental crowns are made of ceramic, metal, or a combination of these materials that are designed to look and act like a tooth. It can also be used to replace a missing tooth, either as part of a dental bridge or as a component of a dental implant.

The cost of a dental crown can be several hundred dollars. It depends on several factors, such as the amount of work involved and the material used. Fortunately, there are ways to save money, including shopping for dental savings plans and receiving services from a dental school.

How much does a dental crown cost?

Without insurance, the average cost of a single dental crown ranges from $800 to $2,500. The price depends largely on the material.

Most dental crowns consist of the following substances:

• All ceramic or zirconia: Dental crowns made of all ceramic or zirconia are the most natural-looking option and tend to be the most durable. All-porcelain crowns are typically used for front teeth, while zirconia crowns can be used for front and back teeth. According to Authority Dental, all-ceramic or zirconia crowns cost $1,000 to $2,500, with an average cost of $1,300.

• Metal: Metal crowns usually go on molars. The cost depends in part on the alloy used.  For example, gold alloy crowns cost more than those made from base metal alloys, such as nickel-chromium, cobalt-chromium, or nickel-titanium. Authority Dental lists the cost of a metal crown at $900 to $2,500, with an average price of about $1,300.

• Porcelain and metal: Another strong and natural-looking option is a crown made of porcelain and metal. These dental crowns can be placed anywhere in the mouth. Authority Dental reports a porcelain fused to metal crown costs $800 to $2,400, with an average cost of $1,100.

Other costs associated with a dental crown

You might need other dental procedures in preparing for the placement of your crown. This table lists possible services and prices:

Does insurance cover dental crowns?

Private dental insurance typically covers medically necessary crowns and usually pays about 50% of the cost. About 61% of adults have private dental insurance. Many plans have an annual coverage cap of $1,000 to $2,500, so be sure to check your policy.

Most policies have waiting periods ranging from a few months to over a year before providing major dental benefits. You might also consider a dental discount plan. Some of these plans may include price breaks on cosmetic procedures as well.

Original Medicare covers dental treatment only if it takes place while you are in the hospital. Many Medicare Advantage plans provide more comprehensive dental coverage. Additional premiums and cost sharing are often required. Exact prices and percentages may depend on whether your dental treatments are done in network or out of network.

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Medicaid offers dental coverage for children, including medically necessary crowns. But for adults, dental coverage depends on where you live. For example, New York Medicaid covers a range of adult dental services, including preventive care, while Nevada Medicaid offers limited dental coverage for adults 21 or older and expanded dental coverage for pregnant members 21 or older.

What’s required when you get a dental crown?

Getting a dental crown typically involves two visits to the dentist.

During your first visit, the dentist or prosthodontist will make an impression of the existing tooth and then remove a small layer of the tooth structure to make room for the crown. They may also perform a root canal treatment or fill a cavity in preparation for the dental crown. The dentist will protect the tooth with a temporary crown until the permanent one is ready, which usually takes 2 to 3 weeks. At that time, you’ll go back to the dentist to have the permanent crown placed.

Is getting a dental crown worth it?

Whether a dental crown is worth the cost depends on the reason you’re getting the crown and how much you’re spending. The amount you spend depends on whether you have dental insurance and whether the procedure is medically necessary.

Medically necessary reasons to get a dental crown may include:

• Repairing a cracked or severely damaged tooth

• Reinforcing the structure of a tooth after a root canal

• Filling and stabilizing a tooth with a large cavity

• Replacing a missing tooth using an implant or a bridge

For some wide or deep cavities, you may have the choice between a large filling or a dental crown. A dental crown is more expensive, but it also gives the tooth more protection and reinforcement. If you go without the dental crown, you may eventually need to have the tooth extracted.

Sometimes people want dental crowns to improve the appearance of their stained, chipped, worn, or uneven teeth. But most insurers consider these dental crowns cosmetic and will not cover them. You might want to consider other options, such as veneers or a whitening treatment, to see if they are less expensive.

Pros of getting a dental crown

• Shields your tooth from further damage

• Often enables you to keep your tooth

• Protects your tooth for several years

Cons of getting a dental crown

• Eventually needs repair or replacement

• If not medically necessary, the procedure will be an out-of-pocket expense

• Preparation of the tooth may leave it extra sensitive

What to ask your dentist to get the right type of crown

During your consultation for a dental crown, you’ll want to ask your dentist questions, such as:

• Which dental crown material is best given the location of the tooth and my budget?

• How long do dental crowns made from that material typically last?

• What type of care will keep my dental crown in good shape for as long as possible?

• Will metal alloys in the dental crown cause an allergic reaction?

• Is a same-day crown appropriate?

• Are you able to fabricate the dental crown in your office?

Ways to save on dental crowns

There are many ways to save money on dental crowns:

1. Shop dental insurance plans. Evaluate different dental insurance plans to discover the one that best aligns with your budget and needs.

2. Buy a dental savings plan. A dental savings (or discount) plan operates through a network of dentists who agree to accept negotiated, discounted rates for dental services and treatments, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.

3. Go to a dental school. Dental schools often have clinic hours. Call to ask about treatments and procedures offered at reduced rates.

4. Ask about payment plans. If you receive a higher bill than expected from your dentist, explain your financial situation, and ask about a payment plan.

5. Schedule an appointment at a community health center. Community-based clinics are typically in underserved areas and may provide routine and specialty dental services on a sliding fee scale.

6. Use an HSA or FSA. You can use tax-advantaged accounts, such as a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending accounts (FSA), to cover a variety of eligible dental expenses, including crowns.

7. Maintain your oral health. Get your teeth cleaned and a routine dental exam twice a year. Floss daily, and brush your teeth twice a day.

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Written by:

Sheila Miller Edwards, PhD

Sheila Miller Edwards, PhD, is a writer, editor, mathematician, and teacher living in northern New Mexico.

Edited by:

Charlene Rhinehart, CPA

Charlene Rhinehart, CPA, is a personal finance editor at GoodRx. She has been a certified public accountant for over a decade.

Reviewed by:

Zack Youngblood, DMD

Zack Youngblood, DMD, is a dentist who strives to change the general look of dentistry. Before stepping foot in the clinical field, he authored multiple works that helped dental students and dentists find their unique path in dentistry.

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