Do you have a tooth that needs a bit of repair work? Whether it lost an old restoration, it needs to be fortified after root canal therapy, or it has suffered some decay, your dentist may recommend that you receive a metal-free dental crown. Such restorations are biocompatible and look very natural in the mouth. As wonderful as they are, however, you may hesitate to commit to one before you know whether your dental insurance will cover it. This post discusses how dental insurance typically applies to metal-free dental crowns.
Why Do You Need the Crown?
Whether or not your insurance will cover the metal-free crown likely depends on the answer to a pivotal question: Whydo you need it? If your dentist says that the crown is necessary in order to improve or protect your oral health, your insurance will probably cover at least a portion of its cost. For example, it is likely to be covered if its purpose is to strengthen a root canal-treated tooth or protect a tooth that suffered some decay. In general, insurance covers roughly half of the cost of major dental treatments, including crowns.
On the other hand, some individuals receive metal-free crowns for purely cosmetic reasons. They may want to disguise a discolored or misshapen tooth. In such instances, insurance is not likely to cover the treatment.
Of course, every insurance company has different policies. You will have to check the specifics of your plan to find out how it applies to your situation.
Using Insurance to Pay for Your Crown
If you are interested in receiving a metal-free crown, call your dentist’s office to make sure they have your current insurance information on file. That way, they will be able to verify your coverage prior to your appointment. Then, head to the office for a consultation. After your dentist examines your mouth and confirms your candidacy for the crown, the dental team will provide you with an estimate for the total cost of your treatment and your out of pocket obligation.
You will not need to worry about fussing with a bunch of insurance claim paperwork. Most dental offices, including Aveni Dental Professionals, are more than happy to take care of that for patients. Our team is even in-network with a number of major insurance providers, which can keep your out of pocket costs as low as possible.
If you need a metal-free crown and would like to use your dental insurance to pay for it, it is quite likely that you can do just that! The team at your dentist’s office will help you figure out the details of your coverage so you can enjoy a treatment process that is as easy and stress-free as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Steve Aveni is a dentist with over 40 years of experience. He has undergone advanced training in several aspects of his profession, including dental crowns. Our practice is also very insurance-friendly. To learn more about how our team can help you care for your teeth and maximize your dental coverage, contact us at 508-746-1918.