Dental crowns are designed to protect and strengthen damaged teeth, but they aren’t invincible. Over time, even the most durable crown can come loose or fall off completely. When that happens, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: how much does it cost to reattach a crown?
The answer isn’t the same for everyone. The cost depends on several factors including where you live, the type of crown, your dental insurance, and the extent of damage. In this detailed guide, you’ll discover the average cost to reattach a dental crown, what influences pricing, and how to prevent it from happening again.
What Does It Mean to Reattach a Dental Crown?
Before diving into costs, it’s important to understand what crown reattachment actually involves. A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, function, and strength. When it falls off, it usually means the cement holding it in place has weakened or the tooth underneath has changed shape.
Reattaching a crown simply means your dentist cleans the crown and tooth, applies new dental cement, and secures it back in place. However, if the crown or underlying tooth is damaged, repair or replacement may be necessary and that changes the price.
Common Reasons a Crown Falls Off
- Old or weak dental cement
- Tooth decay beneath the crown
- Chewing hard or sticky foods
- Poor oral hygiene
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Accidental trauma or impact
If your crown has come loose, don’t try to fix it with household glue. The wrong adhesive can damage your tooth permanently.
Average Cost to Reattach a Crown
Now let’s address the main question how much does it cost to reattach a crown?
In most cases, reattaching an existing crown costs between $90 and $300 in the United States. However, if the crown is broken or the tooth underneath requires treatment, the cost can rise significantly up to $2,000 or more for replacement.
Here’s a breakdown of average costs based on treatment type:
| Procedure | Average Cost (USD) | With Insurance | Without Insurance |
| Re-cementing existing crown | $90 – $250 | $50 – $150 | $150 – $300 |
| Replacing a lost or damaged crown | $800 – $2,000 | $400 – $1,000 | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Temporary reattachment | $50 – $100 | N/A | $50 – $100 |
Tip: Always take your fallen crown with you to your dental appointment. If it’s intact, reattachment will cost much less than creating a new one.
Factors That Affect the Cost to Reattach a Crown
The total cost of reattaching a crown can vary greatly depending on several factors. Let’s explore the main ones below.
1. Type of Crown
Not all crowns are made from the same material.
- Porcelain crowns look natural but are more fragile.
- Metal crowns (gold, silver, or alloys) are stronger and easier to reattach.
- Zirconia crowns are durable but expensive.
The cost to reattach depends on how easy it is to clean and cement the material.
2. Dentist’s Location
Geography matters. Dentists in urban areas like New York or Los Angeles often charge 20–40% more than those in smaller towns due to higher overhead costs.
3. Insurance Coverage
If your dental plan includes major restorative work, insurance may cover 50%–80% of the cost to reattach or replace a crown. Without insurance, you’ll pay the full amount out of pocket.
4. Tooth Condition
If decay or structural damage exists under the crown, your dentist might need to treat it before re-cementing adding extra costs for procedures like cleaning, filling, or even a root canal.
5. Dentist’s Experience
Highly skilled dentists or specialists may charge more, but they often provide longer-lasting results.
Reattaching vs. Replacing a Crown , What’s Cheaper?
Many patients wonder whether reattaching or replacing is better. If your crown is intact and fits well, reattaching is the most affordable option. Replacement becomes necessary only when the crown is cracked, warped, or missing.
| Option | Description | Cost Range | Longevity | When Recommended |
| Reattachment | Re-cementing the original crown | $90–$300 | 5–10 years | Crown is intact |
| Replacement | Creating and fitting a brand-new crown | $800–$2,500 | 10–15 years | Crown is damaged |
Example:
If your porcelain crown simply popped off while eating something sticky, your dentist can likely clean and re-cement it in a single visit. But if the crown broke or the tooth beneath has decayed, replacement is the only safe option.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Crown Reattachment?
In most cases, yes dental insurance can help cover part of the expense. However, coverage depends on your plan type and reason for treatment.
Here’s what to expect:
- Basic re-cementing: Often covered at 50–80% after deductible.
- Replacement crowns: Usually covered at 50%, but limits may apply.
- Cosmetic repairs: Not covered if the crown was purely for appearance.
Tips to Maximize Insurance Benefits
- Ask your dentist for a pre-treatment estimate.
- Confirm whether your crown repair counts as “major restorative work.”
- Choose an in-network dentist for lower costs.
- Use flexible spending accounts (FSA) or health savings accounts (HSA) to cover the rest.
What to Do If Your Crown Falls Off Before Seeing the Dentist
If your crown falls off, don’t panic and don’t throw it away. Follow these steps:
- Carefully remove the crown and rinse it with warm water.
- Clean your mouth gently to remove food debris.
- Store the crown safely in a small container or plastic bag.
- Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
- Use temporary dental cement (sold in most pharmacies) if the tooth feels sensitive.
- Call your dentist immediately to schedule a reattachment appointment.
Warning: Never use super glue, nail adhesive, or other household products. These chemicals are toxic and can permanently damage your tooth and gums.
How to Prevent a Dental Crown from Falling Off Again
Prevention is the cheapest solution. Once your crown is reattached, follow these tips to keep it in place for years.
- Brush and floss daily using fluoride toothpaste.
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candies, or sticky foods like caramel.
- Schedule dental checkups every six months.
- Ask your dentist about a night guard if you grind your teeth.
- Don’t ignore early warning signs like looseness or discomfort.
Quote:
“A dental crown can last 10–15 years or longer with proper care. Neglect it, and you might pay the price literally.”
Dr. Karen Miles, DDS, New Jersey Dental Association
When Reattachment Isn’t Possible
Sometimes, re-cementing isn’t enough. Your dentist might recommend replacement if:
- The crown is cracked, chipped, or warped.
- The tooth structure underneath is decayed.
- The cement base has eroded or failed completely.
- The fit is too loose to hold securely.
In such cases, replacing the crown ensures long-term stability and prevents infection.
Final Thoughts: How Much Does It Cost to Reattach a Crown?
The average cost to reattach a dental crown ranges between $90 and $300, depending on condition, materials, and insurance coverage. Replacement can cost upwards of $2,000, but quick action and proper dental care can often save you from that expense.
If your crown feels loose or has already fallen off, see your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you act, the more likely it is that simple re-cementing will fix the issue saving you time, pain, and money.