Understanding Tooth Cap’s Cost in India

By Your Health Magazine

Individuals with a beautiful smile are considered to have great confidence and spirit. However, when people’s oral health is poor, and they suffer from decayed, discoloured, or missing teeth, their appearance and tooth function is affected. That’s where tooth caps come into the picture. Thankfully, tooth caps, also known as dental crowns, are dental prosthetics that help treat decayed or damaged teeth. They not only improve the aesthetics of these teeth but also help them function well.

One common concern that patients often have when thinking of getting a tooth cap is their cost. Worry not! In this guide, we will dig deep into the world of dental crowns. You will get to read all about what they are, their different types, the procedure to get them, their cost, and other important considerations.

What Is a Tooth Cap?

A tooth cap, also known as a dental crown, is a custom-made cap that is placed over a damaged, decayed, or weak tooth. It acts as a protective shield and helps restore the tooth’s size, shape, strength, and appearance. It covers the tooth’s visible part above the gumline. Based on what material is used to manufacture the cap, it can be tooth-coloured or metallic. What makes them highly durable is that they are made using advanced CAD/CAM technology.

Dental crowns serve various purposes, including restoration of weak or damaged teeth, root canal treatment, dental bridges, and implants. Patients also prefer tooth caps over teeth-whitening methods to fix their discoloured or stained teeth.

Why Do You Need a Tooth Cap?

There are several situations that may require you to get a tooth cap:

Protect Weak Teeth: In certain situations, due to constant wear and tear, our teeth may become weak and start to break apart. Tooth caps act like tough shields, keeping them safe and strong.

Fixing Worn-Out or Broken Teeth: Teeth may also have cracks in them or wear off due to decay. They can be recovered with the help of a tooth cap.

Support Big Fillings: When a large portion of the tooth is removed and filled with a lot of filling material, it needs extra support. Dental crowns help provide that support and keep the tooth stable.

Hold Dental Bridges in Place: Tooth caps keep dental bridges steady by providing support and holding them in place.

Improve Aesthetics: Tooth caps help hide stains on teeth or cover crooked teeth, making a person’s smile look appealing.

Protect Dental Implants. Tooth caps are used to cover dental implants and keep them safe.

What Is the Procedure to Get a Tooth Cap?

There are numerous steps in getting a tooth cap fixed:

In the first step, the tooth is prepared. Before starting with the preparation, the tooth and the area around it are numbed using local anaesthesia. Then, the dentist carefully reshapes the tooth to allow the tooth cap to fit over it.

Following the preparation, impressions of the prepared tooth are taken and sent to the dental lab. These impressions are very accurate and ensure the dental crown fits well.

While the tooth cap is being made, a temporary crown is placed over the tooth to protect it. Once the permanent crown is ready, it is sent to the dentist.

Once the permanent crown is ready, the temporary one is taken off. Then, the permanent one is bonded to the tooth with dental cement.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Tooth Caps

There are multiple factors that influence the cost of tooth caps in India:

Material Used: Dental crowns or Tooth caps are available in different materials like porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), ceramic, zirconia, and gold alloys. All these crowns cost different owing to their quality and longevity.

Brand Used: There are various brands that sell all types of crowns. They all cost different depending on the manufacturer and technology used.

Location of Clinic: Depending on which city or area the clinic is located in, the cost of tooth caps varies. Dental crowns are more expensive in metropolitan cities compared to small towns.

Dentist’s Expertise: Dentists with years of experience and training may charge higher fees than their counterparts or fresher dentists.

Additional Procedures: Some cases require additional procedures like teeth-cleaning or root canal treatments to be done before the placement of a tooth cap. This adds to the overall cost.

Different Tooth Cap Cost in India

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Tooth Caps:

Cost: ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per crown

Description: PFM crowns are a mix of porcelain and metal, as given in the name. Since it has both materials, it offers great strength and aesthetics. These tooth caps also cost less than all-ceramic ones.

All-Ceramic Tooth Caps:

Cost: ₹8,000 to ₹25,000 per crown

Description: These crowns are entirely made of ceramic, meaning they look like natural teeth and make a smile look great. They are ideal for front teeth.

Zirconia Tooth Caps:

Cost: ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per crown

Description: Zirconia crowns are robust and known for their great strength and durability. They also resemble natural teeth. Patients prefer zirconia tooth caps for both front and back teeth.

Gold Alloy Tooth Caps:

Cost: ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 per crown

Description: Gold alloy tooth caps are extremely strong and safe for the body. They do not cause any allergies. Hence, they are suitable for patients with strong biting forces or metal allergies.

In summary, while it is good to know about the different tooth caps available in the market, it is equally crucial to understand how much each cost and what factors affect them. Knowing all these important points will help you make the correct and well-guided decision while choosing a tooth cap for yourself. Your oral health is ultimately in your hands. Patients should check with different dental clinics about their charges and if they offer flexible payment plans. Doing this can help them effectively manage their expenses while ensuring quality treatment.

For more personalized guidance on dental crown costs or treatment options, consult a qualified dentist who can provide tailored advice based on your specific dental needs and budget.