Restorative · Dental Crown · National Cost

How much does a porcelain crown cost?

Average Dental Crown cost in the US: $1,015-$2,670

🏥 Based on ADA fee survey data
📊 Population-weighted national average
🔄 Updated May 2026
✓ Reviewed by Pearl clinical team
$1015 – $2670

Typical Dental Crown range across the United States

📍 All 50 states covered 🏥 PPO typically covers up to ortho max

National average

$1560

Dental Crown · D2740

What is this procedure?

About this procedure

A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fully covers a tooth, used when the tooth is cracked, broken, has had a root canal, or has too much decay for a filling. A porcelain crown is the most common cosmetic option — it matches the color of natural teeth and avoids the dark line at the gum that older porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns can show. Most crowns require two visits: one for the prep and impression, and a second for fitting, with a temporary crown in between. Some practices offer same-day crowns using CEREC milling technology.

Crown lifespan is typically 10–15 years, depending on placement, material, and chewing forces. Replacement is sometimes needed sooner if the tooth underneath develops new decay.

Price factors

What affects this cost?

  • Material: All-ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), zirconia, and gold all have different price points. Zirconia is the strongest; all-ceramic is the most natural-looking.
  • Tooth location: Front-tooth crowns may cost more because of the cosmetic precision required.
  • Lab work: Crowns made at high-end labs cost more than those made at lower-cost labs or in-house with CEREC.
  • Build-up needed: If the tooth has been heavily restored, a build-up (post and core) is often required before the crown — this is a separate fee.
  • Same-day CEREC vs. lab: Same-day crowns can be priced higher or lower than traditional lab crowns depending on the practice.

By state

Where does this cost the most and least?

Pearl tracks pricing across all 50 states. Below are the highest and lowest cost markets — click any state for a full state-level cost breakdown across covered cities.

Highest cost states

Lowest cost states

Quote checker

What should your quote include?

Different providers bundle costs differently. Here's what a complete quote typically covers — and what's often left out.

USUALLY INCLUDED IN THE QUOTED PRICE

  • Local anesthesia
  • Tooth preparation
  • Impression or digital scan
  • Temporary crown (between visits, where applicable)
  • Lab fee for the permanent crown
  • Final fitting, bite check, and polish

OFTEN BILLED SEPARATELY — ASK BEFORE YOU AGREE

  • Build-up (post and core) — separate fee
  • Root canal if the tooth needs one
  • Sedation beyond local anesthesia
  • Replacement crown if the original fails
  • Crown lengthening (a periodontal procedure) if needed before the crown

Health stakes

What happens if you delay treatment?

  • A cracked tooth can fracture further, eventually requiring extraction
  • A root-canaled tooth without a crown is at very high risk of fracture
  • Decay can progress under a failing filling, eventually reaching the pulp
  • Once a tooth fractures below the gumline, it usually cannot be saved

Before you agree

Questions to ask your provider

  • What material are you using, and why?
  • Is this a same-day CEREC crown, or a lab crown?
  • Will I need a build-up, and what's that fee?
  • How long can I expect this crown to last?
  • What's the warranty if it fails or doesn't fit?

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Porcelain is most natural-looking but slightly less durable. PFM (porcelain fused to metal) is durable but can show a dark metal line at the gumline. Zirconia is the strongest, especially good for back teeth, with good esthetics. Your dentist will recommend based on the tooth and your preferences.
Most PPO plans cover crowns at 50% after the deductible, up to the annual maximum. Coverage depends on whether the crown is medically necessary (root canal, large filling, fracture). Cosmetic crowns may not be covered.
A well-made crown on a sound tooth typically lasts 10–15 years. Lifespan depends on the tooth's underlying health, the patient's bite, and oral hygiene.
You can, but root-canaled teeth are at very high risk of fracture without crown protection. Most dentists strongly recommend crowning a root-canaled tooth, especially a molar.
For most teeth, yes. Same-day crowns use the same materials and digital impressions; the difference is whether the crown is milled in-office or sent to a lab. For complex front-tooth cases, some dentists still prefer lab crowns for esthetic precision.

See local pricing

Compare what this costs in your city.

Pearl's cost data covers 485 U.S. cities. Search by procedure and zip — get a localized fee range and what to expect from your insurance.

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