How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost on the NHS?

A dental crown on the NHS in England costs £332.10, because crowns are a Band 3 treatment. That single charge covers the whole course of treatment, including your check-up, X-rays and any fillings or extractions you need at the same time. Some people, including under-18s and people who are pregnant, get crowns free.

What a crown is

A crown is a cap that completely covers a real tooth. The NHS website explains that crowns are usually made from metal, ceramic or porcelain fused to metal, and are fixed in place.

Crowns are used when a tooth is broken, badly decayed or weakened, for example after root canal treatment. To fit one, the dentist shapes the existing tooth so the crown can be fixed over it.

What the £332.10 covers

On the NHS, you pay for a course of treatment by its highest band. The NHS dental charges page lists crowns in Band 3, which includes everything in Bands 1 and 2. So for £332.10 you could have:

• an examination and X-rays
• fillings or root canal treatment
• one or more crowns
• other Band 3 work, such as a bridge or dentures

If you need two crowns in the same course, you still pay £332.10 once.

Will I get a metal or tooth-coloured crown?

On the NHS you get a crown that is clinically appropriate. For a back tooth, the NHS website says you may be offered a metal-coloured crown. Back teeth take a lot of pressure when you chew, and metal crowns are strong.

For a front tooth, a tooth-coloured crown is more likely to be considered appropriate. Your dentist should explain the options.

If you want a different material, such as an all-ceramic crown on a back tooth for appearance, you can discuss paying privately. Your dentist should tell you the risks, benefits and costs.

What happens when you have a crown fitted

A crown usually needs at least two appointments:

1. Preparation. The dentist shapes the tooth and takes an impression or scan. A dental laboratory then makes the crown to fit, which takes some time.
2. Temporary crown. You will usually have a temporary crown to protect the tooth meanwhile. Take care with sticky or hard foods.
3. Fitting. At the second appointment, the permanent crown is checked for fit and fixed in place.

Your treatment plan should list each step and the total cost before you agree.

Who gets a free NHS crown

You do not pay NHS dental charges if you are:

• under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education
• pregnant or have had a baby or stillbirth in the last 12 months
• getting certain benefits, such as income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit below an income limit
• treated by a hospital dentist in an NHS hospital, although charges may apply to bridges and dentures

The NHS website lists the full rules. If your pregnancy exemption ends during treatment, ask the practice how it will be charged.

If your crown comes loose or breaks

Contact your dentist. A loose crown is a reason to ask for an urgent appointment. Re-fixing a crown is included in urgent dental treatment, which costs £27.90.

Keep the crown if it comes off, and bring it with you. A pharmacist can advise on pain relief while you wait.

If you need more treatment within 2 months of finishing a course, you do not pay again for treatment in the same or a lower band. The NHS website notes that crowns may need replacing in the future, and a new crown after that point is a new Band 3 course.

Crown, filling or extraction?

Your dentist will recommend what is best for the tooth. A large filling (Band 2, £76.60) may be enough if there is enough healthy tooth left. A crown protects a weakened tooth for longer. An extraction (Band 2) may be the option if the tooth cannot be saved, and the gap can later be filled with a bridge or denture (Band 3).

Ask your dentist to explain why they recommend a crown, and what would happen if you chose a different option. Our guide to NHS dental treatment costs compares all three bands.

Your written treatment plan

For Band 3 treatment such as a crown, your dentist must give you a written treatment plan before starting. The NHS website says the plan sets out the proposed treatment and costs, you are asked to sign it, and you get a copy. Any changes should be discussed and agreed with you.

If you choose a private option for part of the treatment, such as a different crown material, that should be shown in the plan too, with its cost.

Crowns for children and young people

NHS dental treatment, including crowns, is free for under-18s and for under-19s in full-time education. Crowns on children's baby teeth are sometimes used to protect a badly decayed tooth until it falls out naturally. Your child's dentist will explain if this is recommended.

Questions about NHS crowns

Do I pay £332.10 for each crown?

No. One Band 3 charge covers all treatment in the same course, including several crowns.

Can I pay the NHS charge in instalments?

The NHS charge itself is set, but practices handle payment differently. Ask your practice when payment is due.

Is a crown cosmetic?

Not when it is clinically needed to protect a damaged tooth. Crowns fitted only to improve appearance are private.

Sources

Checked on 14 October 2026:

• NHS website: How much NHS dental treatment costs
• NHS website: Dental treatments
• NHS website: Who can get free NHS dental treatment or help with dental costs