With more than 90% of Americans having at least one cavity by their 21st birthday, it’s safe to say that tooth decay is prevalent. If caught in the early stages, a simple filling may be all your tooth needs to be restored. In more advanced cases, dental crowns are the ideal solution. Although they are extremely lifelike in look and feel, many patients put off treatment due to the price. However, neglecting to get a dental crown can be more costly in the long run. Here’s why!
#1. Postponing Treatment Can Lead to More Costly Care
Despite popular belief, a tooth that has sustained extensive decay or damage cannot heal on its own. As a result, postponing your treatment allows the root of the issue to spread, wreaking havoc on your oral health and overall well-being in the process. By the time you do decide to act, more costly care may be needed. In short, getting your dental crown now could mean the difference between a root canal and a tooth extraction.
#2. Your Dental Benefits May Cover a Portion of the Cost
Since dental plans are often filled with tons of unfamiliar jargon, many patients aren’t truly familiar with their benefits. While the fine print can vary, the coverage structure is typically broken down into a 100-80-50 format. This means:
- 100% of checkups, cleanings, and other essential preventive care are covered.
- 80% of minor restorative treatments, such as fillings, are covered.
- 50% of major restorative services, like dental crowns, are covered.
So, if you have already met your deductible and have yet to hit your annual maximum, utilizing your benefits toward your dental crown can significantly lower your out-of-pocket expenses.
#3. Your Dental Plan Might Reset in January
Dental insurance plans may not all be the same, but many have one important thing in common: they reset on January 1st. Since any unused benefits don’t carry over into the following year, it’s important not to postpone your treatment. If you do, valuable dollars that could’ve been used toward restoring your smile will go to waste.
Postponing much-needed restorative care can seriously impact your wallet, oral health, and overall well-being. So, if you need a dental crown, but have yet to schedule an appointment, use this post as a reminder to do so!
About the Practice
Dr. Drew Vanderbrook and the rest of our phenomenal team at Vanderbrook Family Dentistry go above and beyond to provide top-tier preventive care, from thorough checkups to refreshing cleanings. However, decay and damage can happen. When it does, we can intervene with lifelike, durable, long-lasting dental crowns. The best part? We are happy to work with all dental insurance plans to lower your out-of-pocket expenses! To learn more about utilizing your coverage, schedule an appointment via our website or by phone at 214-821-5200.