A dental crown covers and protects a tooth that has been weakened by decay, fracture, a large restoration or other structural damage. Because the condition of the tooth and the work required beneath the crown differ from patient to patient, a single online price can leave out important parts of the treatment plan.
Star Dental can provide a tooth-specific estimate after an examination and any necessary dental X-rays. The estimate should make clear whether it covers only the crown or also includes a buildup, temporary restoration or another service. Call 303-222-1414 for current availability at our Denver office near Lakewood. We are open seven days.
For a clinical overview of crown treatment, visit Dental Crowns and Tooth Restoration. This guide is limited to cost factors, insurance and questions to ask about an estimate.
Start by identifying what the crown estimate includes
The word “crown” is sometimes used casually for the entire process, but an estimate may contain several distinct services.
Examination and imaging
The dentist examines the tooth, gums and bite and reviews any imaging needed to see decay, previous dental work, the root and supporting bone. The examination and X-rays may be billed separately from treatment.
Preparation and temporary protection
The tooth is shaped so the planned crown can fit and function. Depending on the treatment method and timing, a temporary crown may protect the prepared tooth while the final crown is made. Ask whether preparation and temporary protection are included in the crown line item.
The final crown
The final restoration is selected and made to fit the prepared tooth and bite. Materials and fabrication methods can differ. Star Dental’s dentist should recommend a clinically appropriate option and explain any cost difference among suitable choices.
Work needed beneath the crown
A tooth that has lost substantial structure may need a foundation or “core buildup” before it can support the crown. In some circumstances, a post may be used to retain that buildup. A root canal, buildup or post is not automatically included in a crown estimate.
Factors that can change the estimate
How much healthy tooth remains
A tooth with a small damaged area is not the same as one with a large fracture or extensive decay. Removing decay and creating enough sound support for the restoration may add steps. If there is not enough restorable tooth structure, the dentist may discuss a different treatment or referral.
Whether the tooth needs root canal treatment
A crown restores the outside of the tooth; root canal treatment addresses inflamed or infected tissue inside it. If root canal treatment is needed, it is a separate procedure and may occur before the final crown. See our Root Canal Treatment page and Root Canal Cost in Denver guide for those details.
Crown material and clinical location
Crowns can be made from different materials. The recommended choice can be affected by the tooth’s location, chewing forces, appearance, remaining structure, space and the opposing teeth. Do not select a material from price alone; ask which options are appropriate for your tooth and why.
Existing restorations or damage
Removing decay or an existing crown, evaluating a crack, or managing a broken buildup can change the treatment. A previously crowned tooth may need a different workup from a tooth receiving its first crown.
Gum or supporting-tooth concerns
Inflamed gums, decay extending below the gumline or inadequate exposed tooth structure can affect timing and may require additional care. Periodontal or specialist services, if recommended, should appear separately.
Laboratory, remake and warranty policies
Ask what is included if an adjustment or remake is needed and whether the office has a written policy. Avoid assuming every office’s estimate includes the same laboratory steps, follow-up or remake terms.
What may be separate from the crown fee?
Only the services appropriate to the individual tooth should appear, but possible separate items include:
- Dental examination and X-rays
- Removal of decay or an existing restoration
- Core buildup or post
- Root canal treatment or retreatment
- A temporary crown
- Gum treatment or crown-lengthening treatment
- Treatment of a cracked or broken tooth
- Specialist consultation or treatment
- Prescribed medication, when clinically indicated
- Replacement of a crown when plan or office conditions are not met
Ask the office for an itemized estimate rather than relying on the word “crown” alone.
Dental crown cost with PPO insurance
Many PPO plans classify crowns as major restorative treatment, but plan design varies. The patient’s share may be affected by:
- Deductible and remaining annual maximum
- Waiting periods or frequency/replacement limitations
- The plan’s allowed amount and coverage percentage
- Network status
- Whether a buildup, post or root canal is covered separately
- Material limitations or alternate-benefit provisions
- Whether pretreatment review or authorization is requested
A pretreatment estimate from an insurer is useful but is generally not a guarantee of final payment. Benefits can change if eligibility ends, the annual maximum is used by another claim or the final service differs from the original request.
Star Dental accepts many PPO dental plans; participation and benefits vary by plan. Bring current plan details so the team can check available benefits and explain the office estimate.
Dental crowns and Health First Colorado Medicaid
Health First Colorado may cover a medically necessary crown when eligibility, tooth-specific clinical criteria, benefit rules and authorization requirements are satisfied. Star Dental can check current benefit information and authorization requirements for the recommended crown before treatment.
Effective July 1, 2026, Health First Colorado adult dental benefits have a $3,000 annual limit for each July 1–June 30 benefit year. Emergency treatment and dentures are excluded from that limit according to DentaQuest. How a crown and any related service are processed depends on current program rules and the claim. Star Dental can check available information before treatment. Our Colorado Medicaid Dental Coverage guide and Medicaid Dentist page provide additional context.
Planning for a crown without insurance
Self-pay patients should request an estimate after the tooth has been evaluated. Ask:
- What finding makes a crown the recommended restoration?
- Is the examination and imaging included?
- Is a buildup or post needed, and is it separate?
- Is root canal treatment needed before the crown?
- Which crown materials are clinically appropriate, and do their fees differ?
- Is a temporary crown included?
- What follow-up, adjustment and remake policy applies?
- Could any specialist service be needed?
This information makes comparisons more meaningful. An estimate for only the final crown is not equivalent to one that includes diagnosis, buildup and other necessary care.
Do not delay evaluation of a broken or painful tooth
A damaged tooth may continue to fracture or decay, and pain or swelling can signal a deeper problem. Call promptly for a broken tooth, increasing pain, swelling, fever, drainage or a crown that has come off. Do not use household glue to reattach a crown. If swelling affects breathing or swallowing or involves the eye or neck, seek emergency medical care.
Request a dental crown evaluation in Denver
Star Dental welcomes new patients from Denver and Lakewood, is open seven days, accepts Health First Colorado Medicaid and most major PPO plans, and has Spanish-speaking staff. Call 303-222-1414 or request an appointment online. The dentist must examine the tooth before recommending a crown and preparing an estimate.
Dental crown cost: frequently asked questions
How much does a dental crown cost in Denver?
There is no single crown fee that fits every tooth. The estimate can depend on the tooth’s condition, the crown material, whether a buildup or post is needed, and whether root canal or gum treatment is separate. Star Dental can provide an itemized estimate after an examination and appropriate imaging.
Is a core buildup included in the crown price?
Not always. A buildup replaces missing tooth structure so the tooth can support the crown, and it may be listed as a separate service. Not every crowned tooth needs the same foundation. Ask whether a buildup or post is included in the estimate.
Is root canal treatment included with a crown?
No. Root canal treatment and crown treatment are distinct procedures. Some teeth need both, while others do not. If both are recommended, ask for each stage and the final restoration to be listed separately.
Does crown material affect the estimate?
It can. Material choice may be influenced by the tooth’s location, chewing forces, appearance, available space and other clinical factors. Ask which materials are appropriate for the tooth and whether the patient’s fee differs among those options.
Does insurance or Medicaid cover dental crowns?
Many PPO plans provide partial benefits for crowns, but deductibles, annual maximums, waiting periods and replacement rules can affect the patient’s share. Health First Colorado may cover a medically necessary crown when eligibility and program requirements are met. Neither eligibility verification nor authorization guarantees payment.
Can I receive a crown estimate before treatment?
Yes. After examining the tooth and reviewing appropriate imaging, the office can prepare an estimate that identifies the crown and any separate buildup, root canal, gum treatment or specialist service expected. The plan may change if new clinical findings arise during care.
Sources
- American Dental Association, MouthHealthy: Crowns
- American Dental Association: Claim Submissions — Crowns and Core Buildups
- American Association of Endodontists: What Is a Root Canal?
- American Association of Endodontists: Treatment Standards—Restoration After Root Canal Treatment
- DentaQuest: Health First Colorado Adult Dental Benefit Summary, revised July 2026
- DentaQuest: Change to the Health First Colorado Adult Dental Benefit Limit
- DentaQuest: Colorado Provider Newsletter, July 2026