Wondering how much does it cost to reattach a crown? Discover costs, tips, and real advice to handle your dental emergency fast.
Let’s keep things real for a moment.
You’re tooth-brushing like every other Tuesday morning, perhaps singing along to yourself (don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone), and before you know it—clink. You spew the toothpaste, look into the sink, and there it is: that crown you had last week, or so you think, looking at you like a small, traitorous helmet.
Sound familiar? That happened to me, too.
The first that came to mind? “Oh no. how much is this going to set me back?” The second? “Do I have to have this thing glued back for me?” Spoiler: don’t even try that. Ever.
So if you are reading this Googling how much does the re-attachment of a crown cost, believe me, I have been where you are. I’ve learned the hard way—and I’m going to take you through the things that I learned so that you won’t freak out, overspend, or try to reattach a crown using Super Glue. (Again, please, just. don’t.)
If you’re not even sure whether what popped out is a crown or something else, you might want to check out what a tooth crown appearance actually looks like first.
Article Breakdown
Rapid Response: What Does It Cost to Reattach a Crown?
Let us skip to the point first, since I assume that is why you are here.
Average Cost to Reattach a Crown:
$90 to $250 in most instances.
The price may fluctuate based on:
- The dentist rates (clinic vs. private practice)
- Whether the crown is of good condition
- Location (city dentists are more expensive, unfortunately
- Insurance coverage (which can cut your bill considerably)
In case the crown is broken or cannot be reused, you might have to replace it, which can cost anywhere from $800 to $2,000 based on the material.
Yes, not enjoyable—but definitely manageable if you know how to prepare for it. And that is just what we are going to explore here.
Why Do Dental Crowns Fall Off Anyway?
If you are like me, you likely figured that crowns had a long-term commitment to stick around for. But it seems even dental procedures have their off days.
Here is why crowns may suddenly jump ship:
- With time, old dental cement degenerates.
- Tooth decay is formed under the crown.
- Sticky or hard foods like caramel apples dislodge the adhesive.
- You grind your teeth while sleeping.
- The crown was not fitted properly to start with.
My experience has been a combination of old cement and much too many years of ignoring that funny feeling in the mouth upon chewing. Lesson learned.
Talking About Money: The Cost Aspects
You’ve got the little cap in hand now and you wonder how much it’ll cost to put it back on. Here are the things that drive that price:
1. State of the Crown
If the crown is in good condition—no cracks, warping, or chipping—reattachment is simple and less expensive. But if it is damaged? The dentist may have to fabricate a whole new one, which increases the price tag.
My own personal record: My crown remained intact but the tooth below had decayed slightly. That meant added cleaning, a buildup, and a greater price tag—about $210 out-of-pocket post-insurance.
2. Subgingival tooth health
Since the natural tooth has crumbled or cracked, the tooth may require
You rebuild with a post or a filling
Treat infection or decay
Perhaps get a root canal
That takes time, sophistication, and—you guessed again—expense.
3. Location, Location, Location
The same goes for the price of gas and rent, which jumps around geographically.
You could pay anywhere from $90–$120 in the countryside.
That same procedure can go for around $250–$300 in city centers.
4. Insurance coverage
Some insurance policies include crown reattachment in “restorative services.” Others place it in the “maintenance” category but cover only part of the procedure.
Pro tip: Never fail to call the provider. My provider initially informed me that reattachment was not covered, but after the dentist submitted a narrative (euphemism for “described the situation”), they reimbursed 60%.
5. Type of Crown
Porcelain crowns, metal crowns, porcelain-fused-to-metal… various materials have varying costs should you require a replacement.
| Crown Type | Replacement Cost (if needed) |
|---|---|
| Porcelain-fused-to-metal | $800 – $1,400 |
| All-porcelain | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Gold or metal alloy | $900 – $2,500 |
What Goes on at the Dentist’s Office?
Okay, so this is what happens when you go in for a crown re-attachement
Let me walk you through my experience so that perhaps some of the mystery (and fear) is alleviated.
Step 1: The Exam
They’ll conduct an X-ray to see whether:
- Your crown is recyclable
- Your tooth is still healthy
- There’s decay or infection
Step 2: Cleaning and Prep
In my situation, the dentist removed a small amount of decay and modified the tooth slightly to improve the way that the tooth fitted. This procedure contributed to the expense for me, but avoided the necessity for a complete new crown.
Step 3: Recement
Once that is done, they’ll put on the crown using some sort of dental cement. You bite down softly while the cement is setting.
Total time spent in the chair? Approximately 30–45 minutes.
Step 4: Billing and Breakdown
I received my invoice at the front desk with a sense of relief—less than $250, and the good news was that my insurance paid for half.
Next time you have to answer the question of how much does reattaching a crown cost, you’ll have a real-life experience to draw upon and a rough estimate to give.
Can You Reattach a Crown Yourself?
Let me respond to this with a firm, resounding: No. Nope. Don’t even think about it.
There are also some temporary dental cements available at a pharmacy, yes. And in case of an emergency situation (such as traveling or the weekend), they can secure the tooth for a day or two.
But these are stopgaps—such as taping a bumper on a car. It may hold for a short while, but you’re not addressing the issue at hand.
DIY risks include:
- Processors
- Incorrect placement
- Swallowing or injuring the crown
- Harmful to the tooth
I attempted to MacGyver mine using a store-bought kit once. The crown came loose again when I was eating a slice of pizza. Painful, embarrassing, and ended up costing me more in the long run.
When Should You Get a New Crown?
Here’s the thing: not every crown is meant to be reattached. Occasionally, you may require a replacement due to:
- The crown is either broken or cracked
- It no longer fits since there have been changes within your mouth
- The core tooth is severely damaged
Indications that a new crown may be in the works:
- Pain upon biting
- Sensitivity to hot/cold
- Seeable chips or jagged edges
- Loosening or wobble even upon re-attachment
If you are still in doubt about how much reattaching a crown costs under these circumstances, the answer can change radically—because you might face an entire new procedure, not merely a repair.
Steps to Avoid This From Occurring Again
No judgment—we’ve all missed a few flossing sessions. But to keep from going through the whole crown situation again, this is what helps:
- Avoid sticky, hard foods (especially on crowned teeth)
- Use a night guard if you are a bruxer
- Maintain regular cleanings every 6 months
- Carefully brush and floss around your crown
- Do not discount strange feelings (sensitivity, instability)
Also: have your dentist check the bond on your crown at your regular check-ups. It only takes two seconds but may save you hundreds down the line.
My Personal Experience: The Panic Was More than the Real Expense
When the crown came flying off, I panicked for about an hour. I envisioned thousands of bills, requiring an emergency procedure, and appearing toothless for the next Zoom at work.
But once I actually phoned my dentist, the process was smoother than I had anticipated.
It wound up costing $210, my insurance covered some of the price, and the appointment took less than an hour. I left feeling like I’d avoided a bullet.
Most importantly, I learned a few things:
- Ignoring tooth weirdness is always a bad decision.
- Dental procedures can be affordable with good communication.
- And indeed, you may recover from a crown debacle without being penniless.
It is just one of those things that your brain has a tendency to turn scarier than it should be. If you are considering how much to reattach a crown, then you are already where you should be—preparing, planning, and hopefully breathing a little easier.
Key Takings:
If your crown fell out and you’re panicking about costs, you’re not alone—and it’s not the end of the world. Most of the time, reattachment is quick, affordable, and a whole lot less dramatic than it feels at 7 AM when you’re staring at your molar in the sink.
TL;DR Recap:
- Cost to reattach a crown: $90–$250
- Cost may increase if the crown or tooth is damaged
- Reattachment is usually simple if handled quickly
- Call your dentist and insurance provider to get real estimates
- Avoid DIY repairs unless it’s a last-minute, temporary fix
Additional Resources:
- Dental Crowns: What to Expect: Offers an overview of what crowns are, the types available, and general information about crown repair and replacement—including ballpark costs.
- What to Do When Your Crown Falls Off: Step-by-step guidance on what to do if your crown comes off, when to see a dentist, and average costs for re-cementing or replacing a crown.
- Crowns: American Dental Association Overview: Professional insights into what crowns do, how they’re applied, and what to expect in terms of dental visits and restorations.
