How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Dental Crown?
The cost to replace a dental crown ranges from $800 to $3,000 per tooth. This range is similar to what you paid for the original crown. The exact cost depends on the crown material, the condition of the underlying tooth, whether a new impression or digital scan is needed, and your geographic location.
In some cases, replacing a crown is slightly less expensive than the first one. If the tooth was properly prepared during the original crown placement and the underlying structure is healthy, the dentist or prosthodontist may not need to do extensive reshaping. However, if there is decay, fracture, or damage to the tooth underneath, additional procedures like a buildup or post may be needed, adding $150 to $500 to the total cost.
Crown Replacement Cost by Material Type
When replacing a crown, you may choose the same material as your original crown or upgrade to a different option. Each material has a different price range and set of advantages.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)
PFM crowns cost $800 to $1,500 per tooth. They have a metal core with porcelain layered on top. PFM crowns are durable and less expensive than all-ceramic options, but the metal margin can become visible as gums recede over time. This is a common reason patients upgrade to all-ceramic when replacing an old PFM crown.
All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain
All-ceramic crowns cost $1,000 to $2,500 per tooth. Materials like lithium disilicate (e-max) and layered zirconia provide a natural appearance with no metal. These are the most popular choice for front teeth and for patients replacing older PFM crowns for cosmetic reasons.
Full Zirconia
Full zirconia crowns cost $1,000 to $2,500 per tooth. Zirconia is the strongest crown material available and is an excellent choice for back teeth that bear heavy chewing forces. Newer translucent zirconia options have improved the aesthetics, making them suitable for visible teeth as well.
Gold or Metal Alloy
Gold alloy crowns cost $1,000 to $3,000 per tooth, with the price heavily influenced by the current price of gold. Gold crowns are the most durable option and cause the least wear on opposing teeth. They are rarely chosen for visible front teeth but remain an excellent option for back molars.
Same-Day (CAD/CAM) Crowns
Same-day crowns made with in-office milling technology (such as CEREC) cost $1,000 to $2,200 per tooth. The advantage is that the crown is designed, milled, and placed in a single appointment, eliminating the need for a temporary crown and a second visit. Not all practices have this technology.
Signs Your Crown Needs Replacement
Crowns do not last forever. Knowing when replacement is necessary versus when a repair will suffice can save you money and protect your tooth.
When Full Replacement Is Needed
- Decay under the crown: If bacteria have reached the tooth beneath the crown, the old crown must be removed, the decay treated, and a new crown placed.
- Crown is cracked or fractured: A crown with a significant crack cannot be reliably repaired. It needs to be removed and replaced.
- Poor fit or loose crown: If the crown repeatedly comes loose or no longer fits tightly, the seal is compromised and a new crown is needed.
- Gum recession exposing the margin: When gums recede and expose the edge of the crown (especially PFM crowns with visible metal), a new crown with updated margins may be necessary.
- Wear and deterioration: After 10 to 20 years, the crown material and the cement holding it can deteriorate enough to warrant replacement.
When Repair May Be Sufficient
Not every crown issue requires full replacement. Minor chips in porcelain can often be smoothed or patched with composite resin for $200 to $500. A crown that has come off but is still intact can sometimes be re-cemented for $100 to $300 if the underlying tooth is healthy and the crown fits properly.
Your dentist or prosthodontist will evaluate whether the existing crown can be repaired or whether replacement is the better long-term option. Repeated repairs on the same crown are usually a sign that full replacement is overdue.
How Many Times Can a Crown Be Replaced?
There is no fixed limit on how many times a crown can be replaced, but each replacement removes a small amount of tooth structure. After multiple replacements, there may not be enough healthy tooth left to support another crown.
If the tooth has been crowned multiple times and the remaining structure is minimal, your dentist may recommend a post and core buildup ($150 to $500) to provide a foundation for the new crown. In rare cases where the tooth is too compromised, extraction and replacement with an implant or bridge may be the only option.
Protecting your crown through good oral hygiene, wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth, and avoiding habits like chewing ice can help each crown last as long as possible, reducing the total number of replacements over your lifetime.
Insurance Coverage for Crown Replacement
Most dental insurance plans classify crowns under major restorative care and cover 50% to 80% of the cost after your deductible. However, many plans have a replacement rule: they will not cover a new crown on the same tooth within 5 to 10 years of the previous one.
If your crown is less than 5 years old and needs replacement due to a manufacturing defect or premature failure, some dental offices will replace it at no charge or reduced cost under their warranty. Ask about the warranty policy when you receive your original crown.
Annual dental insurance maximums of $1,000 to $2,000 can limit how much of the crown replacement cost is covered. If you need crowns on multiple teeth, spacing treatment across calendar years can maximize your benefits. HSA and FSA funds are also eligible for crown replacement costs.
When to See a Prosthodontist for Crown Replacement
General dentists place the majority of dental crowns, and for straightforward replacements, your general dentist is usually a good choice. However, a prosthodontist brings additional expertise for certain situations.
Consider seeing a prosthodontist if the tooth has very little remaining structure, if you want to upgrade from a PFM crown to a high-end ceramic restoration for cosmetic reasons, if the crown involves a dental implant, or if previous crowns on the same tooth have failed repeatedly. A prosthodontist completes 3 additional years of training focused entirely on restoring and replacing teeth. Learn more on our [prosthodontics specialty page](/specialties/prosthodontics).
Find a Prosthodontist Near You
Every prosthodontist on My Specialty Dentist has verified specialty credentials. Search by location to find prosthodontists in your area who specialize in crowns, bridges, and complex restorations.
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