Getting a dental crown can mean the difference between losing or keeping a tooth. But unfortunately, no matter how necessary, dental procedures can be expensive. As a patient, you should take time to consider your best interests. One important aspect when choosing a dentist is pricing. So, how much do crowns cost?
Dental crowns cost
According to Dental Implant Cost Guide, an online resource dedicated to helping patients learn about the costs of dental procedures, the cost of a crown can range anywhere from $500–$3000. That’s a huge price range, but $500 is lower than most dentists would charge whereas $3,000 is considerably higher.
There some factors that influence the price range, including:
- The material of the crown
- The typical rate of a specific dental practice (often based on location and expertise)
- Whether or not a patient has insurance
The first factor is the material a crown is made of. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for crowns based on what kind of crown you’re planning to get:
- Porcelain fused to metal: about $650 with insurance, and about $1,100 without
- Metal: about $900 with insurance, and about $1,400 without
- Porcelain: about $1,000 with insurance, and about $1,600 without
So obviously, the price you can expect to pay for your dental crown is much lower than $3,000, even if you’re getting a porcelain crown and you don’t have insurance, which is the most expensive option.
Dental practice and crown cost
After you know the average going rate for the crown you need, you can do some comparison shopping by asking different dentists in your area what they’d charge you. This will give you a good idea of what crowns cost in your area.
But be warned, you’re likely to encounter prices that differ $100 or more. That’s because dentists aren’t required to charge for dental work in accordance with industry standards. Some dentists are booked full, even at comparatively high rates, while others might purposely lower their rates to attract new patients. Pricing is based on things like the demand for a certain practice’s services or the rent a practice has to pay based on its location. There isn’t a simple formula for what a dental procedure usually costs.
With that said, you should be careful not to choose your dentist based only on the cost of a dental crown. It’s not worthwhile to save $150 if you aren’t sure you can trust a dentist. The quality of dental care you get from a practice can have a huge impact on your quality of life. Your dentist should take pride in their work and give you the best care possible.
It’s always good to visit a dental practice to get a feel for a dentist before having work done. Apart from pricing, here are a few things you should consider before picking a dentist to fit your crown:
Finding the right prosthodontist
- Do you feel comfortable with the dentist? Maybe you’re always nervous when you’re at the dentist’s office, but pay special attention to how you feel about a specific dentist. Do you trust them with your health? Trust your instincts and walk away if you don’t feel at ease.
- Does the dentist answer your questions properly? You have to be alert. Some dentists might answer questions by trotting around them. Just because you asked a question and the dentist started to talk doesn’t mean they answered your question properly.
- Does the dentist make recommendations based on price, or your health? This is a giveaway when it comes to choosing a good dentist. Honest dentists won’t recommend procedures they don’t believe will benefit you. If a dentist recommends work on a tooth that seems perfectly healthy, or is too eager to recommend expensive treatment options, that’s not a good sign. Always ask your dentist what the consequences will be if you don’t follow their advice. If the answer is something flimsy there’s a chance you don’t really need the procedure.
- Does the dentist make multiple recommendations? Instead of insisting on one specific treatment, your dentist should offer alternatives for fixing a problem. Good dentists will recommend an option even when they think you’re unlikely to choose it, just so you know it exists. After making suggestions, they’ll ask your opinion for feedback, and listen intently when you answer.
To help answer your questions about a dental practice, some dentists offer complimentary consultations so you can get a feel for a practice. Make your appointment for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Stone here.
