At your last checkup, did your dentist in Allen say you needed a dental crown? You should schedule that appointment as soon as possible. Some people may put it off because they fear the dentist or simply want to save money. However, getting it done now before the year ends can not only protect your smile but help you maximize your dental insurance benefits while you still have them. Continue reading to learn more!
The Importance of Dental Crowns
If you have a severely decayed or damaged tooth that can’t be repaired with a filling, your dentist may recommend a dental crown. It’s often used in cases where injury or extensive decay has compromised the tooth’s structure. Since the crown fully encases a single tooth, it helps restore its function, protects it against further breakdown, and enhances its appearance. Although some oral health problems can be solved with alternatives, others make a dental crown unavoidable.
What Happens If You Choose Not to Get a Dental Crown?
It’s never a good idea to postpone a dental crown procedure, especially if your dentist said you needed one. By choosing not to get it, you risk needing more complex and expensive procedures down the line. Here are a few other things that can happen if you put off getting a dental crown:
- Exposure to Harmful Bacteria – If you leave your weakened tooth unprotected, bacteria can penetrate deeper into it and cause further decay or a painful infection.
- Further Breakdown – An unprotected weakened tooth is also at risk for further breakdown. Without a crown, the damage worsens, and then your only viable option would be a root canal or extraction.
- Mouth Tissue Irritation – If damage or decay leaves a tooth with rough or broken surfaces, you can develop sores and irritation in your mouth.
Will Dental Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
Short answer: yes, but not in all cases. Whether or not your dental insurance will cover a dental crown procedure depends on the reason. If it’s done for health purposes, coverage is possible. However, if it’s only done for cosmetic purposes, the crown may not be covered. Of course, every dental insurance plan is unique, meaning benefits will vary from person to person. Make sure you review the details of your specific policy to understand your coverage.
Why You Should Get a Crown You Need Before the Year Ends
Aside from helping you keep a healthy smile, getting a dental crown before the year ends can save you plenty of money down the line. Most dental insurance plans offer benefits that expire on December 31st, meaning anything left unused won’t roll over into the new year. Therefore, it’s a good idea to schedule any outstanding treatments (like a dental crown) as soon as possible – especially if you’ve already met your deductible and haven’t hit your annual maximum. It’ll make your out-of-pocket expenses decrease dramatically!
As you can see, getting a dental crown doesn’t have to break the bank. By scheduling your appointment before the year ends, you can keep a healthy smile and make the most out of your benefits while you still have them!
About the Author
Dr. Tonie Lewis has over 15 years of dentistry experience under her belt. She attended the Howard University College of Dentistry, where she received the Community Dentistry Award and the Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Award. If you need help understanding your dental insurance, Dr. Lewis and her team are more than happy to help. Visit our website or call (972) 954-9728 to speak to a member of our team.