Dental crowns are a common and versatile restoration that can save weakened or damaged teeth from extraction. However, many people tend to put off their treatment because they’re worried about how much it may cost. The truth is, leaving your smile untreated can end up costing you much more in the long run! Find out how getting the dental crown you need before the end of the year can save you time, money, and painful complications in the future.
How Long Can I Put Off Getting a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are designed to encapsulate the entire visible portion of a damaged or weakened tooth. Not only do they restore its function, but they shield and strengthen the tooth to prevent further damage or decay.
If your dentist recommends that you get a dental crown, you shouldn’t wait any longer than you have to. Leaving your tooth untreated exposes it to bacteria and debris, which can eventually lead to serious complications like dental abscesses, infected teeth, and irreparably damaged enamel. Not only are these issues painful, but they may require more complex treatments like extractions or root canal therapy that could cost much more than a dental crown.
Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Dental Crowns?
If you need a dental crown for more than just improving the appearance of your tooth (if you need a dental crown for a “medical reason”), then it will usually be covered as a restorative treatment by your dental insurance. Most plans will classify dental crowns as a major procedure, which are typically covered at about 50%. Depending on what materials your dental crown is made of, this can save you thousands of dollars!
Remember, even though you will be responsible for half of the cost of your dental crown, this restoration is a worthwhile investment. Paying for a dental crown now will likely cost much less money and discomfort than if you choose to go without.
Why Should I Get My Dental Crown Before the Year Ends?
Like any dental treatment, if you need a crown, you should get it before the end of the year. It’s likely that by now, you’ve paid your deductible but haven’t reached your annual maximum yet. However, if your dental insurance policy renews at the end of the calendar year, whatever is left of your annual maximum will expire. If you wait to get your dental crown until after your policy renews, you’ll need to pay much more for your dental crown because your deductible will be reset. If you haven’t reached your annual maximum yet, it’s a great idea to get the dental crown or any other treatment you need before the end of the year.
No matter what time of year it is, you shouldn’t put off caring for your oral health. If you’re concerned about the cost of treating your smile, talk to your dentist about maximizing your dental insurance benefits and if any financing options are available.
About the Practice
At Sebastian Dental, we’re passionate about keeping the smiles of our community happy and healthy for life. We believe that oral health care shouldn’t be complicated, so we’ll be happy to review your dental insurance policy details with you to help you maximize your benefits. In addition to taking a wide variety of dental insurances, we also offer low- to no-interest finance options through CareCredit and Aetna Access Discount Plan. To see how affordable caring for your smile can be, don’t hesitate to contact us via our website or at (772) 388-0088.