Why You Should Get a Crown You Need Before the Year Ends

It’s easy to take your pearly whites for granted until something’s wrong with them. If you have a tooth that’s been bothering you, your dentist may recommend fixing it with a dental crown in Oklahoma City. But are your nerves about the procedure (and cost) preventing you from scheduling that appointment? Well, getting it done now can spare you from needing more complex and expensive treatments down the line. Plus, you can make the most of your dental insurance benefits while you still have them! Continue reading to learn more about why you should get a crown you need before the year ends.

The Importance of Dental Crowns

Dentists usually recommend a dental crown when either injury or extensive decay has compromised a tooth’s structure. The purpose of the crown is to help restore the tooth’s shape, size, and function while protecting it from chewing forces. It fully encases a single tooth, preventing it from breaking and keeping harmful bacteria out. Although some oral health problems can be solved with an alternative option, other make a dental crown unavoidable.

What Happens If You Choose Not to Get a Dental Crown?

If your dentist said you needed to get a dental crown in Oklahoma City, it’s a good idea to schedule the procedure as soon as possible. Otherwise, putting off the appointment can increase your chances of needing more complex and costly treatments down the line.

Here’s what can happen if you choose not to get a dental crown:

• Increased exposure to harmful bacteria. If you leave your tooth unprotected, bacteria can penetrate deeper into the tooth and lead to further decay or a painful infection.
• Further damage. Without protection, your tooth is at risk of further breakdown. And if enough time passes, the damage will worsen, meaning a dental crown may no longer be a viable option for you.
• Mouth tissue irritation. In some cases, damage or decay leaves a tooth with rough or broken surfaces. As a result, you can develop sores and irritation in your mouth.

Why You Should Get a Dental Crown Before the Year Ends

Aside from the health complications that can arise from putting off dental crown treatment, there’s another significant reason you should get it done as soon as possible – dental insurance. Most insurance plans offer benefits that expire on December 31^st, meaning anything left unused won’t roll over into the new year. If you have any outstanding dental treatments (like a dental crown), now’s the perfect time to use your coverage! Additionally, if you’ve already met your deductible and haven’t hit your annual maximum, your out-of-pocket expenses can decrease dramatically. Of course, every plan is different, so make sure you review the details of your policy to understand what’s covered.

Do you need to get a dental crown in Oklahoma City? Schedule your appointment before the year ends. By doing so, you can protect your smile and make the most out of your dental insurance!

About the Author

Dr. Jeffrey F. Hermen has nearly 30 years of dentistry experience under his belt. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. Dr. Hermen and his team are passionate about helping patients of all ages achieve their smile goals. If you need to get a dental crown in Oklahoma City, don’t hesitate to contact him for treatment. Visit our website or call (405) 621-2100 to make an appointment with Dr. Hermen.