You recently visited your dentist for a six-month checkup and cleaning, where you were told that one of your teeth needs a dental crown. You might be tempted to avoid scheduling that appointment because you’re worried that it’ll be expensive. However, delaying getting a crown when you need one could spell disaster for your smile’s health and your wallet – especially if you have dental insurance! Here’s why getting a dental crown before the year ends could save you money down the road.
Why Do I Need a Dental Crown?
Dentists will usually recommend a dental crown when a tooth has sustained extensive decay or damage. The crown is designed to rebuild the tooth’s structure, allowing it to function as normal. Crowns also protect compromised teeth from additional damage and seal out harmful bacteria.
What Happens If I Put Off Getting a Dental Crown?
Scheduling a dental crown procedure may not feel urgent, especially if your tooth feels fine. However, postponing the treatment could do more harm than good.
The longer the tooth goes unprotected, the easier it is for bacteria to penetrate the enamel and reach the sensitive inner chamber – called the pulp – where the tooth’s nerves are located. At that point, it can cause a monstrous toothache. Not only that, but there’s a high probability that a crown won’t be enough to treat it; you might require a more invasive root canal instead. Waiting too long after that might result in the need for the tooth to be removed entirely!
If you want to preserve your natural smile, it’s best to complete the treatment your dentist recommends as soon as possible.
Why You Should Get a Dental Crown Before 2021 Ends
So, why is the end of the year a smart deadline for getting a needed dental crown? It has to do with dental insurance.
Most dental plans reset on January 1st, and any benefits that you didn’t use the previous year will not carry over into the next. Fewer than three percent of Americans with dental insurance use all of their benefits, so most of them end up wasting money! To prevent this, make sure to schedule any necessary treatments (like dental crowns) before December 31st. Now is the perfect time of year; since it’s likely that you’ve already met your deductible but not your annual limit, your out-of-pocket expenses can be reduced dramatically.
Don’t let the dental insurance coverage that you’re paying for go to waste! If you’ve been told that you need a dental crown, get it taken care of before the end of the year. It’ll benefit your bank account just as much as your smile!
About the Authors
At Prime Dentistry, Dr. Dhiren Ahir provids comfortable, high-quality dental care for families in Denton, TX and the surrounding areas. As an insurance-friendly dental practice, we’re in-network with many of the nation’s leading PPOs, including Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, Humana, and MetLife. We’re happy to help you maximize your dental benefits on treatments such as metal-free dental crowns. To make the most of your dental plan, contact Prime Dentistry at 940-514-0333.
