The exact price depends on the material used, such as ceramic, porcelain, or gold, along with the complexity of the procedure, your location, and your dentist’s qualifications. Dental insurance can cover about 50% of the cost, depending on your specific plan, and crowns are a durable, long-term investment that can last five to fifteen years with proper care.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers the visible part of a tooth above the gumline. Crowns are used to protect a tooth that’s been weakened by decay, a large filling, a root canal, or a crack, and they also restore the tooth’s natural appearance so it blends in with the rest of your smile.
How Much Does a Crown Cost Without Insurance?
Without insurance, a single dental crown generally falls between $800 and $1,700. Where your case lands in that range depends on a few factors: the material selected (ceramic, porcelain, and gold all come at different price points), how complex the procedure is, your geographic location, and the experience and qualifications of the dentist performing the work.
How Much Does Insurance Cover for a Crown?
Dental insurance can cover roughly 50% of the cost of a crown, though the exact amount depends on your provider and the specifics of your plan, including your annual maximum and whether the crown is considered medically necessary. Because coverage varies so much from plan to plan, it’s worth checking your specific benefits before treatment. You can review general coverage details on our financial and insurance page.
Are Dental Crowns a Good Long-Term Investment?
Yes. Crowns are built to be durable, typically lasting five to fifteen years with proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits. When you factor in how long a well-placed crown lasts, along with how it protects the underlying tooth from further damage or the need for extraction, the upfront cost often pays off as a long-term investment in your oral health.
What If I Don’t Have Dental Insurance?
Patients without insurance still have options for making crown treatment affordable. Flexible payment arrangements and financing can help spread out the cost, so a crown stays accessible even without traditional coverage. Our team can walk you through what’s available during your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do crown prices vary so much between $800 and $1,700?
The material you choose has the biggest impact on price, since ceramic, porcelain, and gold crowns all cost differently to fabricate. Procedure complexity, your location, and your dentist’s experience also factor into the final price.
Which crown material is the most affordable?
This varies by case, but material cost is only one piece of the decision. Your dentist can help you weigh cost against durability and appearance to choose the best material for the tooth being restored.
Does a crown cost more if I’ve had a root canal?
A crown is often placed after a root canal to protect and restore the treated tooth, and this is typically billed as an additional procedure alongside the root canal itself rather than folded into a single price.
How long will my crown last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular checkups, a dental crown can last five to fifteen years, and sometimes longer, before it needs to be replaced.
Is it cheaper to get a filling instead of a crown?
Fillings are generally less expensive than crowns, but they’re only appropriate for certain types and sizes of damage. A tooth that’s too weakened or extensively decayed may need a crown for adequate protection, regardless of cost, so the right treatment depends on the condition of the tooth rather than price alone.
Find Out What Your Crown Will Cost
The best way to get an accurate cost estimate is a consultation, where your specific tooth, material choice, and insurance coverage can all be factored in. Contact David M. White, DDS in Reno, NV to schedule a visit, or learn more about our crowns and bridges services.
