Will Dental Insurance Cover Crown Replacement? Dental insurance typically covers the cost of crowns for teeth that are damaged or decayed. However, there may be some limitations on how often you can get a crown replaced and what type of crown your insurance will cover. It’s always best to check with your insurer to find out exactly what’s covered under your plan.
Contents
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a “cap” that is placed over a tooth. The purpose of a dental crown may be to:
- Protect a tooth that has broken or worn down
- Cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth remaining
- Hold together parts of a cracked tooth
- Attach to a dental implant
- Cover misshapen or discolored teeth
- Improve the appearance of your smile
When is a dental crown necessary?
Dental crowns are most often needed when a tooth has been severely damaged, but they can also be used for cosmetic purposes or to support a dental bridge. When a tooth is damaged, it is important to repair it as soon as possible to prevent further damage and decay.
A dental crown will ‘cap’ or cover the entire surface of the damaged tooth, restoring it to its original shape and size. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, gold, and silver. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the best material for your needs.
In some cases, a dental crown may be necessary to save a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment. This is because root canal-treated teeth can become weak and brittle over time. A crown will protect the tooth and make it stronger.
Dental insurance plans typically cover the cost of dental crowns if they are considered medically necessary. This means that if your dentist recommends a crown to treat an existing dental problem, your insurance should cover at least a portion of the cost.
However, if you are getting a dental crown for cosmetic purposes, it is unlikely that your insurance will provide any coverage. If you are considering getting a dental crown for cosmetic reasons, you should discuss payment options with your dentist beforehand so that you are not surprised by the cost.
How much does a dental crown cost?
The cost of a dental crown varies depending on the type of material used and whether you have dental insurance. The three most common types of dental crowns are gold, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), and all-ceramic.
A gold crown typically costs between $1000 and $2,500. A PFM crown typically costs between $500 and $1,500. An all-ceramic crown typically costs between $800 and $3,000.
If you have dental insurance, your plan may cover some or all of the cost of a dental crown. For example, Delta Dental PPOKids covers up to $1,000 per child for dental crowns. MetLife PDP Plus covers up to $1,250 per year for dental Crowns.
To find out if your insurance plan covers the cost of a dental crown, contact your insurance company or talk to your dentist.
Does dental insurance cover dental crowns?
Most dental insurance plans will cover the cost of a dental crown, but the extent of that coverage can vary greatly from plan to plan. A typical dental insurance plan will cover 50% of the cost of a dental crown, but some plans may cover as much as 80% of the cost. There are also some plans that will not cover the cost of a dental crown at all. If you are considering getting a dental crown, it is important to check with your insurance provider to find out what level of coverage you can expect.
How often does dental insurance cover dental crowns?
Dental insurance typically covers the replacement of dental crowns every five years. However, you may be able to get coverage for a replacement sooner if your dentist determines that it is medically necessary.
What are the alternatives to dental insurance for dental crowns?
There are a few alternatives to dental insurance when it comes to dental crowns. One option is to pay for the procedure out-of-pocket. This can be expensive, but may be the best option if you do not have dental insurance.
Another alternative is to finance the cost of the procedure through a personal loan or care credit. This can help make the cost more manageable, but you will still need to pay back the loan.
You may also be able to negotiate a payment plan with your dentist. This can help make the cost more manageable, but you will need to make sure that you keep up with the payments.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped to answer your question, “will dental insurance cover crown replacement?” While coverage can vary depending on your specific plan and situation, in most cases, yes, dental insurance will help to cover the cost of replacing a crown. As always, be sure to contact your insurer directly for more information about your coverage.
