A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth to cover the tooth and restore its shape, size, strength and appearance.
Are you in need of a dental crown but hesitant to move forward because of the cost? Look no further! In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about dental crowns and how much you can expect to pay for this essential procedure. Don’t let financial concerns hold you back from receiving the quality dental care that you deserve. Read on to learn more about the benefits of dental crowns and budget-friendly options available near you.
Introduction to Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth to cover the tooth and restore its shape, size, strength and appearance. Crowns are generally used when a tooth is too damaged to be repaired with a filling or other type of dental restoration.
Dental crowns are made from different materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, and resin. The type of material used will depend on the location of the tooth being crowned and your aesthetic preference. Your dentist will discuss the best option for you.
Porcelain and ceramic crowns are often used for teeth in the front of the mouth because they can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. Metal crowns are usually used for back teeth because they are more durable than porcelain or ceramic. Resin crowns are also an option for back teeth, but they are not as durable as metal crowns.
Crowns are custom-made to fit over your existing tooth. Once your dentist has prepared your tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to fit the crown, an impression or digital scan of your tooth will be taken and sent to a dental lab where your crown will be made.
It usually takes about 2 weeks for your permanent crown to be ready. In the meantime, you will likely have a temporary crown put in place to protect your prepared tooth from damage or decay until your permanent crown can be placed.
Types of Dental Crowns
There are three main types of dental crowns:
1. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) dental crowns: PFM crowns are made of a metal base, which is then covered with porcelain. They are strong and durable, and can be used on both front and back teeth.
2. All-porcelain or all-ceramic dental crowns: These crowns are made entirely of porcelain or ceramic, and are a good option for people who have allergies to metal. They are also more aesthetically pleasing than PFM crowns, and can be used on front teeth.
3. Gold dental crowns: Gold crowns are made of an alloy of gold and other metals. They are the strongest type of dental crown, and can be used on back teeth.
How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?
The average dental crown cost is $1,000. But, the cost of a dental crown depends on the type of tooth material used, the location of the tooth and whether you have dental insurance.
Porcelain teeth are more expensive than other types of materials. If you get a porcelain dental crown, it will likely cost between $1,200 and $1,500. Gold teeth are less expensive and can range in price from $700 to $1,300.
The location of the tooth also affects the price. Molars are typically more expensive to fix because they’re larger than other teeth. If you need a molar crowned, it could cost anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000.
Your dental insurance may cover some or all of the costs associated with getting a dental crown. It’s important to check with your insurer before scheduling any treatment to find out what your coverage includes.
Factors That Impact Dental Crown Cost
There are many different factors that can impact the dental crown cost for a patient. The type of crown that is required, the location of the tooth needing the crown, and whether or not insurance will cover the procedure are all important considerations. In addition, the dentist’s experience and qualifications can also affect the cost.
Type of Crown: There are numerous types of crowns available on the market, each made from different materials with varying levels of durability. The type of crown needed will be based on the specific needs of the patient.
Location of Tooth: The placement of the tooth needing a crown can also play a role in cost. If the tooth is located in a difficult to reach place, it may require extra time and effort to place the crown, thus resulting in a higher cost.
Insurance Coverage: Most insurance plans will cover at least a portion of dental crown procedures. However, it is important to check with your specific carrier to determine what coverage you have and how much they will pay.
Dentist’s Experience & Qualifications: As with any medical procedure, it is important to choose a qualified and experienced dentist to perform your procedure. Additionally, some dentists may charge more for their services based on their qualifications and experience level.
Insurance Coverage for Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a popular dental procedure, and most insurance plans cover at least a portion of the cost. However, coverage varies widely from plan to plan, so it’s important to check with your insurer before scheduling treatment.
Most insurance plans will cover at least half of the cost of a dental crown, but some may cover as much as 80%. The amount of coverage will depend on your individual plan and whether the crown is considered medically necessary. In some cases, you may need to get pre-approval from your insurer before treatment.
If your insurance plan doesn’t cover dental crowns, or if you don’t have insurance, there are several financing options available to help make treatment more affordable. Many dentists offer in-house financing plans with low or no interest rates, and there are also a number of third-party lenders that offer loans for dental procedures.
When it comes to paying for dental crowns, be sure to shop around and compare pricing from different dentists in your area. Prices can vary widely depending on the materials used and the dentist’s experience level.
Dental crowns are an excellent way to restore your smile and improve the overall health of your teeth. While dental crowns can be expensive, they offer long-term benefits that outweigh their cost. If you are considering having a dental crown placed don’t forget to ask about packages offered at different dentist offices as well as any discounts that may be available. Ultimately, knowing how much a dental crown costs will help inform your decision and allow you to weigh the financial commitment against what it does for your oral health.