Are you in need of a new dental crown? It may feel like an easy thing to put off until your schedule clears up, but the truth is that you are much more likely to benefit from getting it before the year comes to an end. Not only is this crucial for the health of your smile, but it can also save your wallet! Continue reading to learn why you should get your crown now and how your dental insurance plays a role.
Why Should You Get Your Crown Now for Your Oral Health?
Crowns are needed to restore smiles after injuries, tooth decay, and tooth loss. They are used to provide protection from future chewing forces. If you are putting off getting your dental crown, you are putting your smile at risk. Here’s what could occur:
- Exposure to bacteria: If your tooth isn’t being protected by a dental crown, it could end up enduring more decay, or you could develop an excruciatingly painful infection. This is because it is being exposed to potentially harmful bacteria in the mouth.
- Irritation of mouth tissue: When the damage to your tooth has left it with a rough surface and broken edges, you could develop some sores and painful irritation of the soft tissue in the mouth.
- Additional damage: If your weakened tooth isn’t being protected, you’re leaving it vulnerable to break down even further. Without proper treatment, this will only get worse. You could even end up needing a root canal or extraction. Ultimately, getting a dental crown now can help you to avoid a painful dental emergency later on.
How Do Your Dental Insurance Benefits Play a Role?
If you have dental insurance, you should know that all of your unused benefits are likely to expire at the end of the calendar year. Your annual deductible is the amount of money that needs to be paid out-of-pocket each year until you are able to take advantage of your benefits. Every January 1st, this amount will reset, and you will be responsible for paying it again. If you have already met your annual deductible for this year, you are much more likely to save if you get your crown now instead of waiting for after the holiday season.
If you need to get a new dental crown, now is not the time to wait. There won’t be a better opportunity to avoid additional oral health issues and save money on your dental restoration.
About the Author
Dr. Eric L. Tolliver earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He has undergone comprehensive training in cosmetic smile design, advanced fixed and removable prosthetic restorations, and implant dentistry. Currently, he is a proud member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Missouri Dental Association. For more information on dental crowns or to schedule an appointment at his office before the year ends, visit his website or call (417) 887-5757.