A crown is a cap that covers a damaged, cracked or root-canal-treated tooth. Most people pay $1,000-$1,500 for a porcelain or zirconia crown.
What’s included
The tooth is shaped, an impression or scan is taken, a temporary crown is placed, and the permanent crown is cemented at a second visit (or the same day with in-office milling).
Cost at a glance
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| Without insurance | $800-$2,500 per tooth |
| Typical | about $1,400 |
| With insurance (50% coverage) | about $400-$1,250 plus deductible |
What affects the price
- Material: porcelain-fused-to-metal and zirconia are common mid-range options; all-porcelain/e.max and gold cost more.
- Extra work: a build-up (core) adds $150-$350; a root canal adds more.
- Same-day (CEREC) crowns can cost slightly more but save a visit.
With dental insurance
Most plans treat this as major care and pay about 50% after your deductible (usually around $50), up to your annual maximum, so a $1,400 bill typically leaves you paying around $750. New plans often have waiting periods (6 months for basic, 12 months for major work). Run your own numbers with the dental cost estimator.
Ways to pay less
- Insurance usually pays 50% of major work, up to your annual maximum ($1,000-$2,000): plan big work across two calendar years if you can.
- Check the waiting period on new plans (often 12 months for crowns).
- Ask for a pre-treatment estimate from your insurer before you start.
- Dental discount plans (not insurance) typically cut fees 10-60% at participating dentists, compare with the insurance vs discount plan calculator.
- Dental schools and community health centers offer reduced-fee care. See how to afford dental work.
Cost ranges are national estimates compiled from published consumer cost guides and fee surveys (checked October 2026). Your dentist’s fees depend on your location, your mouth and their practice. This page is general information, not dental or medical advice.
What people actually paid for dental crown
Real prices reported by readers, not estimates. We only show a figure once enough people have reported it, and we never show individual reports.
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Frequently asked questions
Why do I need a crown after a root canal?
Back teeth become brittle after a root canal; a crown protects them from cracking.
How long does a crown last?
Commonly 10-15 years or more with good care.
Questions from readers
Question about Dental crown? Ask it here. We answer general questions on this page. For anything about your own teeth, ask your dentist.
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