At Morris Dental Solutions, we understand that a trip to the dentist often comes with surprises. You may discover that you have a cavity, need a root canal, or require a dental crown. But will your insurance cover the cost of these dental procedures? In this blog, we’ll dive into the world of dental insurance and its coverage for crowns. We’ll also provide expert recommendations to help maximize your insurance benefits for this sometimes necessary dental procedure.
What Is Dental Insurance?
Dental insurance is a specialized type of health insurance that covers dental health costs. Dental insurance plans provide financial support for various dental procedures, including preventative care, restorative care, and sometimes even orthodontics.
Plans are available through private insurance companies, employers, or public assistance programs.
What Does Dental Insurance Cover?
The coverage provided by dental insurance depends on the specific plan you have. According to the ADA, there are eight types of dental insurance plans:
- PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)
- DHMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization)
- Indemnity Plans
- DR (Direct reimbursement)
- Point of Service Plans
- Discount or Referral Plans
- EPO (Exclusive Provider Organizations)
- Table or Schedule of Allowances Plans
Each type of plan carries its benefits and drawbacks, which can impact the extent of dental services covered. Some common coverages include:
- Preventative care, such as cleanings, X-rays, and exams.
- Restorative care, like fillings, extractions, and root canals.
- Major dental procedures, including crowns, bridges, and dentures.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Crowns?
In most cases, dental insurance plans do provide coverage for dental crowns. However, the amount covered varies depending on your plan and coverage levels.
Some plans may have waiting periods before covering major procedures like crowns. In contrast, others may only cover a certain percentage of the cost or limit the number of crowns covered annually.
Know your dental insurance coverage in order to manage dental procedure costs. Understand your plan, maximize benefits, and make informed decisions with your dentist for cost-effective treatment. Regular preventative care can prevent expensive procedures and promote optimal dental health.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are a restorative dental procedure that involves placing a cap over a damaged tooth. Dental crowns are made of durable materials such as metal, ceramic, or porcelain. They are custom-made to fit the affected tooth, strengthening it and preventing further damage.
Dental crowns are often necessary for protecting teeth that are significantly damaged due to decay or injury, have large fillings, or have recently received root canal treatment.
For more information on dental crowns, read An In-Depth Guide to Understanding the Pros and Cons of Dental Crowns.
Step-by-Step Dental Crown Procedure: Same-Day Crown
A dental crown procedure usually follows this process:
- Digital impressions are made to create a 3D image of the mouth and teeth. This is used as a blueprint to design and craft the dental crown.
- If a root canal is needed, the dentist performs this procedure first. Depending on the situation, this is sometimes done after a crown is completed.
- The tooth is prepared by removing the decayed or damaged portion.
- The crown is made in the Planmecca Planmilling machine. Once it is complete, the dentist will check it for accuracy before placing it in your mouth.
- The fit and feel of the crown is tested and when you are satisfied with it, the crown will be permanently bonded to your tooth.
Why Are Dental Crowns So Expensive?
Several factors contribute to the cost of dental crowns, including the complexity of the dental procedure, the type of crown material used, and your location.
How Can I Maximize My Dental Insurance Benefits?
Here are some recommendations to get the most out of your dental insurance benefits for crowns:
- Familiarize yourself with the details of your plan, including its limitations and exclusions.
- Discuss the procedure with your dentist, and explore alternative treatments.
- Make use of your plan’s preventative care benefits, as regular cleanings and dental check-ups can prevent the need for restorative treatments like crowns.
- Understand your plan’s waiting period, as some plans may require a waiting period for crown coverage.
- Don’t hesitate to shop around, compare plans, and look for the most cost-effective treatment options within your network.
Dental Crowns in Buffalo Grove
Don’t let high costs discourage you from essential dental procedures. Know your dental insurance coverage and work with your dentist to maximize benefits and maintain optimal dental health.
At Morris Dental Solutions, we understand the importance of affordable dental care. Our team is committed to providing the highest quality dental services while working with you to make treatment as affordable as possible.
If you are searching for dental crowns in Buffalo Grove or dental crowns near me, call (847) 215-1511 or complete the online booking form.
Read our financial policy for more information.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and see how we can help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile!