When a dental crown becomes loose or falls off, it requires recementation. This procedure involves the dentist cleaning the crown and the underlying tooth structure before reattaching the restoration with specialized dental adhesive. Recementing is typically a straightforward, non-invasive process intended to protect the tooth and restore function without needing a full replacement. The primary concern for most people is the financial impact of this necessary repair.
The Average Cost Range for Recementing
Recementing a dental crown is one of the most affordable restorative procedures available. For an uncomplicated case where the crown is intact and the underlying tooth is healthy, patients paying out-of-pocket can expect a cash price between $100 and $350. This range typically covers the dentist’s time, the cleaning of the crown and the prepared tooth, and the specialized dental cement used for reattachment.
This price is significantly lower than the expense of installing a brand-new crown, which can cost thousands of dollars. The procedure is often quick, sometimes taking less than 30 minutes. However, this low-end cost assumes an ideal scenario; any complication or need for preliminary work will cause the final bill to increase.
Variables That Influence the Final Price
Several factors can cause the price to shift away from the baseline cost for recementing. Geographic location and the type of dental practice influence overhead costs, with urban areas often having higher fees. The complexity of the procedure is also a factor, as a crown that has been off the tooth for a long time may require more extensive cleaning to ensure a successful bond.
The dentist may need to perform additional diagnostic procedures, such as a periapical X-ray, to confirm the integrity of the tooth beneath the crown. This X-ray is necessary to rule out new decay or a fracture in the residual tooth structure and adds a separate fee to the overall cost. The type of dental cement used can also be a minor factor. If the underlying tooth structure requires minor preparation, such as cleaning out superficial decay, the procedure may be reclassified, and the final price will rise accordingly.
Navigating Dental Insurance and Coverage
For patients with dental coverage, recementing a crown is usually classified favorably within the insurance structure. This procedure is commonly categorized as a minor restorative or basic service, rather than a major restorative procedure like placing a new crown. Basic services often receive a higher percentage of coverage from the insurance provider.
Many dental plans cover between 50% and 80% of the cost, assuming the patient has met their annual deductible. The deductible means the patient is responsible for the initial out-of-pocket expense before the insurance company pays its share. Even with coverage, an out-of-pocket cost remains, typically the co-pay or the remaining percentage of the fee. Many dental plans also limit recementation coverage to once every three years for the same tooth.
When Recementing Fails and Replacement is Necessary
Recementation is only possible if both the crown and the underlying tooth are in good condition. If the crown is fractured, cracked, or severely damaged when it comes off, recementing is impossible, and a full replacement is necessary. Furthermore, if the dental assessment reveals substantial new decay beneath the fallen crown, the tooth must be cleaned and rebuilt before a new cap can be placed.
In these scenarios, the financial outlay escalates significantly, jumping from a minor fee to the cost of a new crown, which typically ranges from $800 to $2,500. If the decay is extensive enough to reach the pulp, an additional root canal procedure may be required, adding $800 to $1,500 to the bill before the new crown is even considered.
If the underlying tooth is fractured or too compromised to support a new crown, the only option may be extraction, followed by a bridge or implant. This represents the most substantial financial and procedural commitment.