A dental crown is a custom-fitted, tooth-shaped “cap” that covers a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are cemented onto the prepared tooth structure. The most common reason a crown feels loose or falls off is the failure or washout of the dental cement holding it in place. Loosening can also signal a deeper problem, such as new tooth decay forming underneath the crown, which compromises the underlying structure. A loose crown requires prompt professional attention because it leaves the vulnerable tooth stump exposed to bacteria, potentially causing significant damage or infection.
Determining the Necessary Procedure
When a patient presents with a loose crown, the dentist conducts a thorough examination to determine the root cause and the integrity of the remaining structures. The dentist evaluates both the existing crown and the prepared tooth structure underneath for damage. This assessment dictates whether a simple recementing is possible or if a complete replacement is required.
The simplest and least expensive path is recementing the existing crown, possible only if the crown is undamaged and the underlying tooth is healthy. This procedure involves cleaning the inside of the crown and the tooth, then applying new, specialized dental cement to reattach the restoration securely. Recementing is often the solution when the cement bond has weakened over time.
A full crown replacement is the more complex and costly path, necessary when the existing crown is compromised or the underlying tooth has sustained new damage. If the crown is cracked, broken, or warped, it cannot be reused and a new one must be fabricated. Similarly, if the dentist finds significant tooth decay or a fracture in the tooth structure beneath the crown, the tooth must be repaired before a new crown can be seated. The dentist takes a new impression to ensure the new restoration fits perfectly, which requires laboratory fabrication time.
Average Cost Ranges for the Fix
The cost for fixing a loose crown varies dramatically depending on the procedure determined by the dental examination. The cost for simple recementing of an intact crown is generally the lowest, ranging from about $75 to $350. This fee covers the dentist’s time for cleaning, preparing, and applying the new bonding material. The final price within this range often depends on the specific dental office policy and whether the original crown was placed by the same dentist.
Conversely, a full crown replacement is significantly higher, reflecting the materials, laboratory time, and multiple appointments required. The price for a new dental crown, without insurance, falls between $800 and $2,500 per tooth. The lower end of this range might cover basic porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) materials, while the higher end is associated with premium materials like all-ceramic or zirconia. If the underlying tooth requires minor decay removal or a build-up before the new crown is placed, these ancillary procedures will add to the final total.
Factors That Influence the Total Price
Several factors influence where the final cost will fall within the broad ranges for recementing or replacement. Geographic location plays a role, as dental practices in large metropolitan areas or regions with a high cost of living have higher operating expenses, translating to higher fees. Practices in rural or suburban areas often charge less for the identical service.
The material chosen for a replacement crown is a major cost driver, with differences in laboratory fees for various compositions. Porcelain fused to metal crowns, all-ceramic, zirconia, and gold alloys all have different price points. The higher-strength or more aesthetic materials command a premium; for example, the use of zirconia, which offers both strength and a natural appearance, pushes the cost toward the upper end of the replacement range.
A patient’s dental insurance coverage also modifies the final out-of-pocket expense, especially for a full replacement. Most standard dental plans categorize crown replacement as a major restorative procedure and may cover 50% or more of the cost after a deductible has been met. Coverage for simple recementing is less consistent; some plans cover it entirely as a basic service, while others cover only a small percentage or none at all. If the procedure requires the specialized expertise of a periodontist or endodontist due to complications, the specialist’s fees will be greater than those of a general dentist.