How Much Does It Cost to Reattach a Crown?

If you’ve ever had a dental crown pop out while eating or brushing, you know how surprising and stressful it can be. One minute you’re chewing your lunch or brushing your teeth, and the next, there’s something hard rolling around in your mouth—a piece of your tooth. Once the shock wears off, your mind probably races to two big questions: “What do I do?” and “How much is this going to cost?”

Don’t worry: you’re not alone, and most of the time, the fix is quick and doesn’t break the bank. Let’s walk through what to expect when a dental crown comes loose, what you should do right away, and how much it usually costs to get it properly reattached.

Average Cost to Reattach a Dental Crown

If your crown is in good shape and your tooth underneath is healthy, getting the crown glued back on is usually not that expensive. Dentists usually charge between $100 and $250 for this fix. That often includes a quick checkup and the work to pop your crown back into place with dental cement.

Of course, that’s assuming nothing else is wrong. If your crown is cracked or your tooth is damaged, prices go up and you may need more work.

Things That Can Change the Cost

The price for putting a crown back on is low when it’s a simple problem. But a few things can raise the bill:

• Tooth Problems: The dentist will check your tooth first. If there’s a cavity or new decay where the crown was, it needs to be cleaned out and filled before the crown is glued back. This can add to the cost—and sometimes the tooth may not be strong enough anymore to hold the old crown.
• Damaged Crown: If your crown has cracked or broken, it can’t be reused. You’d need a new one, which is much more expensive.
• Why It Fell Off: If your bite is off or the crown didn’t fit right to start with, your dentist might need to fix your bite. That can be an extra charge, but it does help prevent the crown from coming off again.
• Need for a New Crown: If neither your tooth nor your crown can be fixed, the dentist will recommend a new crown. This is much pricier than just reattaching.
• Dental Insurance: Some dental insurance plans pay partly or fully for crown reattachment. It counts as a basic dental fix, but double check your specific plan for what’s covered.

Why Do Crowns Come Off?

Crowns are made to last for years, but sometimes they come loose before their time. Common reasons include:

• Old Cement Wears Out: Over time, the glue or dental cement holding the crown in place can break down, especially if the crown is older than 10 years.
• Tooth Decay: Cavities near the edge of your crown can weaken the grip and cause the crown to pop off.
• Sticky or Hard Foods: Biting down on things like caramels, toffees, nuts, or even chomping on ice can pull at the crown and loosen it.
• Teeth Grinding: If you grind your teeth, especially at night, that constant pressure can pop a crown loose or even break it.
• Little Tooth to Hold On To: If there’s not much natural tooth left under a crown, there isn’t as much for the glue to grip.

What to Do When Your Crown Falls Out

If your crown comes off, take a deep breath and remember these steps:

1. Remove the Crown from Your Mouth: Don’t swallow it. Take it out and rinse it off gently.
2. Check the Crown: Is it whole? Is there tooth stuck in it, or does it look chipped? This info helps your dentist.
3. Store the Crown Safely: Put it in a small box or bag and bring it to your appointment.
4. Call Your Dentist: Don’t delay. Your tooth under the crown is unprotected and can get sensitive fast.
5. Protect the Tooth: Chew on the other side of your mouth and avoid hot or cold foods, as your tooth may feel sensitive. You can use dental wax from the pharmacy to cover the exposed tooth until your appointment.

If You Need a New Crown: Costs to Expect

If your dentist sees that your old crown can’t be reused, or your tooth needs a lot of repair, you’ll need a new crown. This is more involved and more expensive.

• Porcelain Fused to Metal: These crowns have a metal base with porcelain on top. They cost between $800 and $1,500.
• All Porcelain or Ceramic: These look beautiful and are most common for front teeth. Expect to pay $1,000 to $2,500 each.
• Zirconia Crowns: These are extra strong, look very natural, and usually cost $1,200 to $3,000.
• Gold Alloy Crowns: Very tough and great for back teeth if you don’t mind the gold look. Cost is usually $1,000 to $2,500.

If you have insurance, check with your provider—some plans will help with new crown costs, especially if your old one lasted a long time.

Should You Use a Temporary Repair Kit?

You might be tempted to buy a “temporary crown cement” kit from the pharmacy if your crown falls out late at night or when you’re far from home. These kits are handy for emergencies, but only as a stop-gap. The glue isn’t as strong as what your dentist uses, and if you glue your crown back on yourself without cleaning everything properly, you might trap bacteria inside, which could cause an infection.

So, if you do use a kit, treat it as a temporary fix and make a dentist appointment as soon as possible. Never use household glue or try to wedge the crown back with force.

Wrapping Up & Key Takeaways

When your crown falls out, act quickly but don’t panic. Reattaching it is often straightforward and won’t cost you a fortune—most folks pay around $100–$250 if both the crown and tooth are in good shape. Save your crown, call your dentist soon, and let them handle the repair. Don’t try to fix it yourself for more than a very short time.

If your tooth or crown is too damaged, be ready for the possibility of a new crown, which is more expensive. And remember—trying to wait it out or just gluing the crown in at home can create bigger, pricier problems later.

Key Points to Remember:

• Average Cost: Most people pay $100-$250 to reattach a healthy crown.
• See Your Dentist Fast: The exposed tooth can get sensitive or decayed quickly if left uncovered.
• Keep Your Crown Safe: Bring it with you to your appointment.
• Repairs May Add to Cost: Damage or decay under the crown can drive up the price, and you may need a new crown.
• DIY Is Temporary: Pharmacy kits are just for emergencies. See a dentist as soon as you can.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why does my crown keep coming off?
If your crown falls out more than once, there’s probably an underlying issue—maybe your bite is off, the fit isn’t quite right, or the tooth holding it is too small or damaged. Teeth grinders may also have problems. A dentist should look for a lasting solution.

2. What should I do if my temporary crown falls out?
Temporary crowns are held on with weak glue and can come loose. Call your dentist right away. They might reattach it or advise you how to keep it on until your final crown is ready. Don’t leave the tooth uncovered too long.3. Will dental insurance help pay for reattaching a crown?
Many plans cover crown reattachment as part of regular dental maintenance, but it depends on your coverage. Contact your insurance company to check.

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