Do you have a tooth that needs a crown? A dental crown is a common restorative procedure that can save a tooth that is severely decayed or damaged. When there is not enough enamel left for a filling to be effective, a crown can be placed over the tooth to provide a natural appearance and function.
If you have one or more teeth that need crowns, you may be wondering how much it will cost in your area. Here’s what you can expect to pay for a crown in the upper west side of New York, NY.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cover that is placed over a damaged tooth. Crowns can be made of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, gold alloy, or base metal alloy. Porcelain provides the most natural looking crowns, but metal crowns are stronger and more durable.
The Dental Crown Process
The process of a dental crown restoration takes place in the following steps:
- Consultation. The first step in the dental crown process is a consultation with your dentist to determine if this is the best treatment option for you.
- Impressions. Digital impressions (images) are made of the tooth that are used to create your dental crown.
- Preparing the tooth. The tooth enamel is reduced and shaped to be ready to receive the crown. Additional impressions are made that are used to create your dental crown.
- Temporary crown is placed. A temporary crown will be placed over the tooth until the permanent crown is ready.
- Permanent crown is placed. The permanent crown is checked for proper fit and bonded in place.
Average Cost of a Dental Crown
The average cost of a dental crown is anywhere from $1,200-$2,500. Where the actual cost falls within this range will depend on a variety of factors.
Factors That Affect the Cost of a Dental Crown
The following factors will contribute to the cost of your dental crown:
- Type of crown. The material that your crown is made of will affect the cost. Porcelain crowns are typically near the higher end of the cost range, and metal crowns are at the lower end.
- Size and location of the tooth. It may cost more to place a crown on a larger tooth, such as a back molar, because it is more difficult to access and will require more material to create it.
- Preparation needed. The amount of preparation your tooth needs to be ready to receive a crown could increase the cost. If a root canal or crown lengthening is needed, the total cost to restore the tooth will be higher.
- Insurance. If you have dental insurance that includes coverage for crowns, your out of pocket remainder will be lower than the total cost without insurance.
- Experience of the Doctor
- Quality and cost of the Dental Laboratory
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
How long does a dental crown last?
A porcelain crown will typically last about 10-15 years. In many cases they last longer with excellent care and maintenance. Metal crowns typically last 20 years or more because the material is stronger and more durable.
Does a crown hurt more than a filling?
Neither a crown nor a filling should cause any discomfort when local anesthesia is used. The tooth and the area around it will be numb so that you won’t feel anything while the tooth is being prepared and the crown is placed.
Glassman Dental Care provides dental crown restorations in Upper West Side NYC. To learn more, call 212-787-4860 or contact us to schedule an appointment.