Dental crowns are durable covers made of very hard materials that are placed over the entire tooth to help provide strength and protection as well stop any further decay or damage following a root canal. They can also be used to hide deep discoloration, chips and other cosmetic issues. Crowns are custom-fit for your tooth and can be tinted to match the neighboring teeth so they look and feel completely natural.

Crowns are used whenever the structure of a tooth needs extra support and strength, such as when a tooth has a very large cavity or a large portion of the tooth has broken away. They’re also usually used following a root canal to help provide strength and preserve the tooth, and to hide deep discoloration following a root canal or trauma. Crowns are also applied to the teeth that are used to support a bridge, providing added strength as well as reducing the risk of damage at the points where the bridge is attached to the supporting teeth.

According to public data on crowns, costs can range from $800 – $1,500 – or more depending on the material used in the crown and the size of the tooth. A gold crown can set you back up to $2,500, according to CostHelper Health. All-metal crowns made of metal allows are sometimes more affordable options to gold or porcelain.

Costs may also rise if extensive prep work is required before placing the crown. For example, a dental implant or root canal prior to placing the crown would need to be factored into the total costs.

Dental insurance frequently covers much or all of the cost of the crown. However, all plans are unique and may vary on it’s coverage, type, and percentage. For example, a plan may only cover one type of crown. Allow us to check with your insurance company to get coverage estimates.

We recommend scheduling a free consultation with our office to discuss all your dental options and what is the most aligned path for your objectives and restraints.

Modern day crowns are extremely durable because of their precise fit to the tooth structure. With proper care, assuming the underlying tooth and gum remain healthy, they can last for a lifetime. To help extend the life of your crown, brush and floss regularly and see the dentist on a routine basis to ensure it remains properly seated on your tooth, and also avoid chewing on hard candies or ice or eating very sticky foods that can cause the crown to become damaged or dislodged.