A “gold tooth” can refer to two very different items: a permanent gold dental crown or a removable gold grill or cap. The crown is a medically functional restoration cemented over a damaged tooth by a dentist. The grill or cap is a piece of cosmetic jewelry placed over one or more teeth.
Costs for Permanent Gold Dental Crowns
Permanent gold dental crowns are a long-standing option in restorative dentistry, chosen for their superior durability and biocompatibility. Dentists often recommend these for molars and back teeth, which endure the greatest chewing forces, because gold alloys are gentle on opposing natural teeth. A gold dental crown is not made of pure gold, as the metal would be too soft for chewing; instead, it is an alloy typically containing a high percentage of gold mixed with other noble metals like palladium.
The cost for a single, functional gold crown generally falls within a range of $600 to $2,500 without insurance coverage. The average price often settles around $1,200 to $1,500, but this figure does not include associated dental fees like initial X-rays or the cost of a temporary crown. The longevity of these crowns, which can last for decades, makes them a valuable investment in dental health despite the higher initial material cost compared to options like ceramic.
Pricing for Removable Gold Grills and Caps
Removable gold grills and caps are purely elective cosmetic items, unlike permanent crowns. They are typically custom-made by specialized jewelers or dental labs, not general dentists. Pricing for a single-tooth removable cap often starts around $225 to $350 for a lower karat option, such as 10K gold.
The price increases significantly depending on the number of teeth covered and the purity of the gold alloy chosen. A multi-tooth grill, covering four to eight teeth, can easily cost several thousand dollars, with 14K or 18K gold options commanding a higher price than 10K gold. Additional elements like diamond cuts, pave settings, or custom designs will also substantially elevate the final price tag.
Core Variables Influencing the Final Price
The primary factor driving the price of any gold tooth is the fluctuating market value of the metal itself, which directly impacts the raw material cost. The specific gold content, measured in karats, determines the final price, with 18K or 22K gold being substantially more expensive than 10K gold due to higher purity. Higher karat gold is softer, which is a factor considered for permanent crowns, while cosmetic grills often favor higher purity for visual appeal.
The complexity of the required dental work or fabrication also plays a significant role in the overall expense. For a permanent crown, a tooth requiring extensive preparation, such as a root canal or post-and-core buildup, will incur higher associated fees. Geographic location influences the price, as the cost of labor and operating expenses vary significantly between urban and rural areas. Provider expertise is also a factor, with highly experienced professionals charging premium fees for their specialized services.
Insurance and Financing Considerations
When planning to pay for a gold tooth, insurance coverage depends entirely on whether the item is functional or cosmetic. Permanent gold dental crowns are classified as a major restorative procedure, meaning dental insurance plans will often cover a portion of the cost, usually around 50%, once the annual deductible is met. This coverage is only applicable if the crown is deemed medically necessary to restore a damaged or decayed tooth. However, many plans have an annual maximum benefit, commonly capped between $1,000 and $2,000, which may not cover the full cost of a high-end gold crown.
Cosmetic gold grills or caps are considered elective jewelry and are almost never covered by standard dental insurance policies. For out-of-pocket expenses for either crowns or grills, many providers offer financing options such as in-house payment plans or third-party dental loans to help manage the cost over time.