Has your dentist informed you that you need a dental crown in Hamden? You may recognize that getting a restoration is important for your oral health. However, you might also be concerned its cost. That is understandable because the price of crowns can be significant. In this blog post, we will discuss why acting soon to complete recommended treatment may help you save money in both the long-term and short-term.
Insurance Benefits Are About to Expire
Many dental insurance plans work on a calendar-year basis. At the beginning of the year, you were given an annual maximum (the greatest dollar amount that your insurance company is willing to pay out for approved treatments during a 12-month period). At the end of the year, any unused portion of that maximum is likely to expire.
If you still have a significant amount of your 2020 dental benefits remaining, putting them toward your crown could reduce your out of pocket obligation by hundreds of dollars. Most insurance plans consider crowns to be a major treatment, which means they will cover 40% – 50% of their price.
Also, keep in mind that your dental insurance plan likely comes with an annual deductible. You may have already paid the deductible earlier this year. Acting now to pursue treatment, before your deductible resets at the beginning of 2021, is a financially smart move.
Prevent More Extensive Treatments
In most cases, the purpose of a crown is to protect a damaged tooth. For example, it may shield a cracked tooth or protect a tooth that has suffered significant decay. Without the crown, the tooth is vulnerable. Over time, the damage is likely to worsen to the point where a tooth extraction becomes necessary.
While a tooth extraction is not usually a very expensive procedure, it is important that you think long-term. You will likely have to replace the tooth later on, which can be quite costly, especially if you opt for premium tooth replacement in the form of a dental implant. Therefore, it is wise to get your crown as soon as possible, before there is nothing more your dentist in Hamden can do to preserve it.
Your Dental Team Is Ready to Help
It is true that even with insurance, a crown can present a significant investment. If you do not know if you will be able to afford it, talk to your dental team. They may be able to help you apply for low-interest financing or pursue other avenues that can help you manage the cost of your care.
Do you need a dental crown? Concerns about cost should not hold you back from completing this necessary, tooth-protecting treatment as soon as possible.
Meet the Practice
New Haven Dental Group features a large team of dentists and specialists who serve patients at our four locations. In our Hamden office, our general dentists are Drs. Kevin O’Brien and Farnaz Shahraki. They provide numerous restorative treatments, including dental crowns. Our practice is also insurance-friendly and will be happy to help you use your benefits to the full. To learn more about how we can assist you, contact us at 203-806-9257.