No one is exactly thrilled to hear that they need a dental crown. Maybe you’re anxious about having one placed, or perhaps you’re not convinced you need one since your tooth doesn’t hurt. Many people put off getting dental restorations like crowns because they worry about how much it will cost them. However, putting off getting the dental crown you need can ultimately cost you significantly more money and discomfort before you know it. Read on as we go over why dental crowns are an affordable and worthwhile investment in your smile, and if you have dental insurance, why you should get yours by the end of the year.
Dental Crowns Prevent Future Issues
If you need a dental crown, you shouldn’t put it off any longer than you have to. Dental crowns fit snugly over the top of a tooth to strengthen it and hold it together, which protects it from future damage and decay. Remember, teeth can’t repair themselves, so the longer you go without a needed dental crown, the higher your risk is of damaging the tooth further.
Even if your tooth isn’t bothering you right now, leaving it untreated opens up the possibility for worsening damage and infection. If these issues develop, a crown may no longer be the best solution. Instead, you may need a root canal or tooth extraction, both of which cost more time, money, and hassle than simply getting a dental crown. Getting a dental crown when you need one can save you a tremendous amount of money on future oral healthcare costs.
Maximize Your Insurance & Get Your Crown By January
Money should never be a reason you put off getting the treatments you need, but the price of a service is always one you should consider. Dental crowns are typically classified by insurance as a “major procedure,” which only earns them about 50-60% coverage or less. However, these benefits only kick in once you’ve hit your deductible. Since it’s the end of the year, it’s likely you’ve met this set amount and are now using your annual maximum, which is the set amount your insurance is willing to pay for your care. Annual maximums rarely roll over, so once your coverage period resets in January, you’ll need to by for your treatments until you reach your deductible again.
If you’ve met your deductible for this year, you should get the dental crown you need before the end of the year to maximize your benefits. However, if you haven’t met your deductible for this year yet, talk to your dentist to see if you can postpone your treatment until next year so the cost will be put towards next year’s deductible. Your dentist and their team have plenty of experience making the most out of their patient’s dental insurance coverage, so don’t hesitate to ask them for help to make your dental care as affordable as possible.
About the Practice
Dr. John White and his team strive to make every aspect of oral healthcare in Asheville as smooth and pleasant as possible, including payment and insurance. Dianne and the rest of the experienced staff at the front desk are happy to accept all PPO insurance plans, process and file claims on your behalf, and walk you through the details of your policy to help you better understand your coverage. For uninsured patients or those who aren’t pleased with their coverage, we offer flexible financing plans through CareCredit to make your treatments affordable. To learn more, visit Dr. White and his team online or give them a call at (828) 684-3020.