After learning that you need a dental crown, your first thought might be “How much will it cost?” Price is one of the leading factors patients consider before deciding whether to pursue treatment. While you might think about waiting until it’s less of a financial burden, this can lead to more serious symptoms and a more extensive dental procedure. Instead of holding off on repairing your smile, learn why you should use your dental insurance benefits before the end of the year – you may save more than you think.
What Can Happen if You Wait to Receive a Dental Crown?
With the holidays approaching, the last thing you may want to spend money on is a dental crown. However, waiting until next year to undergo treatment can pose potential problems, such as:
- Your symptoms can worsen, leading to intense pain.
- The decay or damage can spread, further weakening your natural tooth and causing an infection.
- A dental crown may no longer be enough to address your situation. Instead, you may require a root canal or tooth extraction.
- If left untreated for too long, the decay can eventually cause your tooth to fall out.
Why Should You Use Your Dental Benefits Now Instead of Later?
Since none of the issues mentioned above sound fun, the best thing you can do is agree to seek treatment now instead of later. But if you’re still concerned about the cost, here are a few reasons why you might save more than you realize if you choose to use your dental insurance benefits:
- Most dental insurance companies recognize dental crowns as restorative treatment. This means they will likely agree to pay 50-80% of the total cost of your bill.
- If you have already met your annual deductible, your insurance company will be responsible for its portion of the bill, leaving you to pay significantly less out of pocket.
- You prevent your insurance company from getting more of your money at the end of the year. Most require that any unused funds be returned at midnight on December 31, which often results in policyowners losing billions of dollars each year.
Your dental benefits do not roll over, so it’s in your best interest to get the treatment you need now. Otherwise, you’ll be required to meet your deductible again in 2026. Not only will you save more money (that you can spend during the holidays), but more importantly, you’ll enter the new year with a healthier smile.
About the Author
Dr. Brian Frandsen earned his dental degree from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry in 1998. Starting his practice in 2007, he is a talented dentist with decades of experience. He helps patients get the care they need, when they need it. If a dental crown is required, he is pleased to welcome various insurance plans to lower out-of-pocket costs. If you are concerned about the price of treatment, contact us at (801) 890-0030 to schedule an appointment.