The Crown That Cost $1,500 Why Dental Insurance Leaves a Gap Most Patients Don't Expect

A retired Nashville man paid about $2,000 for dental care last year despite having insurance. Here's what the numbers actually mean, and what you can do about it.

Russell Anthony made eight trips to the dentist last year. The 65-year-old retiree in Nashville, Tennessee, hopes to go less often in 2026, but he's already made a few visits. "I had a root canal just last week that was like $500," he said. "The week before that, I had a crown that cost me several hundred dollars. And as we speak, I have a broken tooth, and I have to go and see the dentist soon." In all, Anthony expects to pay about $2,000 for dental care this year, even though he has dental insurance. His...