Dental Crowns Cost? Is it a common situation for this kind of the dental work?

Question

I'm in the process of the bridge placement for 4 teeth. Initially dental office estimated the cost of the bridge of $4,900 and my co-payment was doing to be of $2,900 ( I have $2000 in dental insurance annually) . Later I received the statement from my dental insurance showing that the dental office submitted the estimation of $6,800 and insurance paid $1,800. Office told me that I am responsible for $4,800 now instead of $2,900. Is it a common situation for this kind of the dental work?

Jay Neuhaus, DDS · Answer

As you can see from other's responses, costs vary tremendously based on region and skill level of dentist, as well as quality of lab. What you should be concerned with is why did the dentist quote you one fee, and then submit a different fee to insurance (higher), and then tell you that you are responsible for more than he originally said!!

Martin Gorman, DDS · Answer

as far as fee go, everybody charges the fee that can. Wide variation in quality and skill. But, is a bridge the best treatment? With implants, you preserve tooth structure and all teeth can be single units. Longevity is also potentially lifetime with implants, if the work is completed correctly. Good luck with your treatment.

Mauricio C. Tijerino, DMD · Answer

The cost can vary quite a bit. I would say from $700 to over $2000 per crown depending on many things: geographic location, which teeth, skill and quality of dentist, lab cost.

	In my opinion the biggest cost is the time and skill of the dentist. I reserve an hour and a half to prepare a crown. I also take my own impression (which is state law) and make my own temporary. You may get a lower fee at a high volume office but the dentist may only spend 30 min. with you and the impression may be taken by an assistant (it should not be) and the temporary will be made by an assistant (which is allowed but the dentist has to check it). Also, the lab cost can vary from $70 to over $400 per crown. This cost has to do with the quality of metal or porcelain and the ceramist skill.

	The insurance issue can be confusing. I would call your insurance and have them clear it up for you. This depends on whether your dentist is in or out of network. Somehow the math doesn't add up; If the cost of the bridge is $4900 and the insurance paid $1800, then you should only be responsible for $3100.  Some offices send in estimates that are higher to the insurance in an effort to get more coverage. This should help the patient out by reducing their portion. Technically this is considered insurance fraud, because you are inflating the cost for billing purposes but the actuall fee is less.

	The fee for the bridge should be determined by the office and it should be the same for cash patients and for insurance patients. Unless you are in-network, which you may get a fee max fee set by the insurance co.

	Best way is to send a pre-estimate or pre-determination ahead of time to see how much will be covered before the work is started. This way you can plan your budget accordingly.

	Hope this helps

	Dr. T

Kevin Coughlin, DMD · Answer

Depends on doctors skill and experience and materials used $900-!900.00 seems like a fair range  good luck

	 

	 

	Kevin Coughlin DMD, MBA, MAGD   CEO Baystate Dental PC

German Arzate, DDS - Account Suspended · Answer

Here in my practice crowns (PFM) are $450 US each and all porcelain are $550 US each. We use only imported materials at our lab (Mexico does not produce dental materials), we also invite patients to visit our lab in case they want/need to. For a 4 unit PFM bridge the cost here is $1,800 US, includes everything and I need you in Cancun only 5 days.

Dental Crowns Cost? Is it a common situation for this kind of the dental work?

Answers (7)