Is Dental Crowns Covered by Insurance?

Dental crowns, or restorations, are long-lasting solutions that reinforce and restore the appearance of a tooth. However, there may be instances where a crown loosens or even dislodges. In such cases, the question arises: can it simply be reattached?

The answer depends on several factors. When a crown loosens or falls out, a dental professional can assess the possibility of reattachment. This is more likely under specific conditions:

• Temporary Cement: If the crown was initially placed with temporary cement, commonly used while a permanent crown is fabricated. This allows for adjustments and ensures a proper fit before permanent bonding.

• Intact Crown and Tooth Structure: If the restoration itself is undamaged and the underlying tooth structure remains healthy, reattachment might be feasible.

However, removing a crown, even for a dentist, is a delicate procedure. Permanent cement forms a strong bond, and removal requires specialized tools to prevent damage to the crown or tooth. If a crown is successfully removed without harm and the underlying tooth structure is intact and healthy, the same crown can be reattached using dental cement after thorough cleaning. However, reattachment is often considered a temporary solution, and there may be an increased risk of future issues with fit or leakage.

Here’s what to consider if your crown loosens or falls out:

• Do Not Attempt Removal Yourself: It’s tempting to try and put the crown back on, but improper handling can damage both the crown and the tooth.

• See a Dentist Quickly: A dental professional can assess the situation and decide on the most appropriate treatment plan. They might be able to receive the crown; however, based on the condition of the crown and tooth, they might recommend a new one for optimal longterm function and aesthetics.

• Save the Crown: If your crown falls out, make sure to keep it safe and bring it with you to your dental appointment. This allows the dentist to assess its reusability.

Remember, while reattaching an old crown may be possible in some cases, crowns are an investment in your oral health. Consulting a dentist is always the best course of action to ensure your crown, and your smile, stay healthy. In the long term, dentists typically recommend fabricating a new crown to ensure the best fit and functionality, as reattached crowns may not provide the same level of security and longevity.

Dental crowns are a well-established and effective restorative dental treatment designed to enhance oral health and tooth longevity. While generally safe, patients should be aware of some potential downsides and risks.

Tooth Sensitivity: After a crown is placed, patients may experience tooth sensitivity, particularly as the anesthesia subsides. This discomfort is typically temporary and usually subsides within a few weeks. However, persistent or worsening sensitivity may signal an improper fit of the crown, necessitating a dental consultation for possible adjustments.

Allergic Reactions: Although uncommon, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the materials used in crowns, such as specific metals or porcelain. Symptoms such as pruritus (itching), erythema (redness), or edema (swelling) around the gum line may occur. Patients with known sensitivities should discuss their allergies with their dentist to ensure the use of biocompatible materials.

Infection Risk: An imperfect fit of the crown can lead to gaps that harbor bacteria, potentially causing caries (decay) in the remaining tooth structure or periodontal disease (gum disease). To avoid such complications, it is essential to maintain excellent oral hygiene and attend regular dental visits.

Structural Integrity: Crowns, especially those made entirely of porcelain, are susceptible to fracturing or chipping. Additionally, the underlying tooth structure remains vulnerable to decay as the dentin and enamel can still be affected by bacterial and plaque accumulation despite the protective covering of the crown. Regular oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing, alongside routine dental checkups are essential.

Nerve Damage: During the crown placement process, there is a small risk of damaging the tooth’s nerves, which might require further interventions such as endodontic therapy (root canal) or, in rare instances, tooth extraction.

Overall, while dental crowns are invaluable for restoring and safeguarding dental health, it is important for patients to be informed about the potential complications. Those experiencing any ongoing discomfort, sensitivity, or other symptoms should promptly seek their dentist’s advice. By ensuring diligent oral hygiene and selecting a qualified dentist, the benefits of dental crowns can be fully realized while minimizing the risks.

Dental crowns are a widely used restorative treatment designed to protect and strengthen damaged teeth. However, even with a crown in place, the underlying tooth structure can still become infected. This condition, known as a periapical abscess or periapical disease, requires prompt dental attention to prevent complications.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Periapical pain: Throbbing or persistent pain around the crowned tooth is an indicative sign of a possible infection. This discomfort can be constant or triggered by biting down chewing, or consuming hot or cold foods and beverages. The pain arises from inflammation and irritation of the periapical tissues, which surround the tooth’s root.

• Gingival inflammation: The gum tissue surrounding the crown may become inflamed, appearing red, swollen, and tender to the touch. This inflammation is the body’s immune response to the bacterial invasion within the tooth. In certain instances, an abscess, which is a localized collection of pus, may develop on the gum near the crowned tooth. A ruptured abscess can release pus with an unpleasant taste or odor into the mouth.

• Increased tooth sensitivity: A crowned tooth can suddenly become hypersensitive to hot or cold temperatures. This heightened sensitivity is often caused by irritation of the dental pulp, the inner layer of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. The infection can inflame the pulp, leading to increased sensitivity.

• Halitosis (bad breath): An unpleasant taste or persistent bad breath can sometimes arise from an infected tooth beneath a crown. Bacteria thrive in the space between the crown and the tooth structure, and the byproducts of their growth contribute to bad breath. Patients may also notice a foul odor emanating from the area around the loose crown, where bacteria accumulate more easily.

• Facial swelling: In severe cases, an infection under the crown can spread to the surrounding bone, causing facial swelling, particularly in the jawbone near the affected tooth. This swelling is a sign of the body’s attempt to localize and fight the infection.

• Fever: If you develop a fever along with any of the aforementioned symptoms, it’s a strong indication that the infection has become more systemic and requires immediate dental attention. A fever signifies the body’s immune system working to combat the widespread infection.

Importance of Early Dental Intervention:

If you suspect that your crowned tooth might be infected, it’s essential to seek professional dental care immediately. If left untreated, a periapical abscess can result in serious complications, including:

• Further damage and potential loss of the crowned tooth
• Damage to the surrounding bone and tissues
• Spread of infection to other parts of the body, such as the jawbone or sinuses

Early diagnosis and treatment by a dentist can help prevent the infection from progressing and potentially save your tooth. A dentist will typically perform a comprehensive dental examination, including X-rays, to verify the presence and severity of the infection. Treatment options may include:

• Antibiotics: To combat the bacterial infection.

• Root canal therapy: To remove infected pulp tissue and prevent further spread of the infection. This may be followed by placement of a new crown.

• Apical surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the infected tissue from the tip of the tooth root.

By recognizing the signs and symptoms of a potential infection under a crown and seeking prompt dental care, you can help ensure a successful treatment outcome and preserve your oral health.

Dental crowns are a vital restorative treatment in dentistry, designed to strengthen and protect teeth that have been damaged. While these crowns enhance the visual appeal of teeth, their primary use is medically driven, making them a potentially covered treatment under many dental insurance plans, subject to certain conditions.

Coverage for Medically Necessary Crowns: Dental insurance typically covers crowns when they are essential for the tooth’s structural integrity and function. Coverage commonly applies in instances such as:

• Severe tooth fractures
• Teeth weakened by extensive decay or large fillings
• Teeth requiring reinforcement after root canal therapy

These conditions categorize dental crowns under “major restorative care” within most insurance policies. Coverage rates can vary, but insurers often cover about 50% of the crown’s cost. However, policy deductibles and annual maximums play a crucial role in the actual out-of-pocket expense for the patient. You may need to pay a deductible first, and there could be limits on the total amount the insurance will pay annually.

Cosmetic Crowns and Insurance: If a crown is installed primarily for aesthetic improvements, such as altering the color or shape of a tooth, it is unlikely to be covered by dental insurance. Procedures deemed cosmetic or elective are typically not included in dental insurance plans.

Understanding Your Specific Plan: The exact coverage details for dental crowns depend on your individual insurance plan. It’s important to review your policy or speak directly with your insurance provider to understand:

• The percentage of costs covered for major restorative procedures
• Your deductible and the annual maximum benefit
• Possible waiting periods for new insurance plan members before major procedures are covered

Maximizing Insurance Benefits: If a dental crown is anticipated, coordinating with your dentist can help optimize the use of your insurance. Dentists can strategize treatment timing, perhaps aligning it with the renewal of your insurance period or planning within the current calendar year to maximize benefits. Regular preventative care, such as cleanings and check-ups, can also play a crucial role. These visits not only maintain oral health but can also preempt the need for more extensive procedures like crowns by catching and addressing potential issues early.

Understanding how your dental insurance interacts with crown procedures enables you to make well-informed decisions about your oral health and financial planning. Always consult with both your dentist and insurance provider to clarify your coverage and plan effectively for any needed dental work.

Regular check-ups and diligent care are essential to minimize these risks and maintain a healthy, functional dental crown. At Selective Dental, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality dental care and addressing any concerns you may have. Schedule your consultation today with Dr. Victoria Vuong DDS and Dr. Henry Chang DDS to learn more about how we can help you achieve optimal oral health and a beautiful smile. We serve patients from all over Santa Clara County CA: San Jose Milpitas, Santa Clara, Campbell, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Gatos, and BEYOND!