If you’ve ever felt a crown loosen with a sharp tug of your tongue, you’re not alone. If you’re hunting for delta dental coverage for crown recementation, this guide will help you sort it out. You’ll learn how recementation fits into your benefits, how to estimate what you’ll pay, and tips to keep your crown firmly in place.
Delta Dental coverage for crown recementation
How recementation works
When a crown comes loose, your dentist applies fresh dental cement to secure it. This quick fix keeps your tooth protected and saves you from a full crown replacement.
Plan types and benefits
Most Delta Dental PPO plans treat recementation as part of minor restorative care. You’ll usually meet your deductible first, then coverage kicks in (often around half the cost). With DeltaCare USA, you pay a predictable copay at your dentist’s office, no deductible required.
Coverage for new crowns
Major restorative services
When you need a brand-new crown, most PPO plans cover about 50% of the fee after your deductible. Expect waiting periods and frequency limits (for example, one crown per tooth every five years).
Materials and options
You can choose porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-ceramic, or gold crowns (if covered). Plan benefits vary by material and provider contract. For a deeper dive into your crown choices, see our guide to porcelain crown replacement covered by Delta Dental.
Check your plan details
Review deductibles and limits
Open your benefits booklet and locate “Major services” and “Minor restorative.” Note your annual deductible and any waiting period before crown benefits begin.
Understand frequency caps
Some plans restrict replacement crowns to once every five or seven years. Track when you last had a crown to avoid surprise denials.
Estimate your costs
Use the cost estimator tool
Delta Dental’s online Dental Care Cost Estimator provides fee ranges for recementation and new crowns. Plug in your ZIP code and service details for a quick ballpark figure.
Compare out-of-pocket scenarios
Create a quick table to see how costs break down:
| Service | PPO plan (50% after deductible) | DeltaCare USA (fixed copay) |
|---|---|---|
| Crown recementation | A portion covered after deductible | One flat copay at dentist |
| New crown placement | 50% of lab and materials | Fixed fee per crown type |
Find an in-network provider
Tool to locate dentists
Search Delta Dental’s “Find a Dentist” page to filter for restorative specialists. Staying in-network often unlocks the highest benefit levels.
Savings with network care
Out-of-network dentists can charge more than Delta Dental’s negotiated rates, driving up your out-of-pocket spend. Always check your network status before booking.
Maximize your savings
Use HSA or FSA funds
If your recementation isn’t fully covered, paying with pretax HSA or FSA dollars can trim your real cost.
Ask about payment plans
Many dental offices offer interest-free plans for restorative work. Splitting a larger bill into a few bites can keep your budget intact.
Secure pre-treatment approval
Why predetermination matters
Getting a written estimate from Delta Dental (predetermination) ensures you know exactly what’s covered. It’s your best guard against surprise bills.
How to request it
Have your dentist submit procedure codes to Delta Dental before treatment. You’ll receive a benefit statement outlining covered amounts and your share.
Care for your crowns
Appointment preparation
Bring any old crowns you still have (if they came off intact). Your dentist may bond them back, saving lab fees.
Aftercare tips
- Avoid sticky, hard foods for 24 hours
- Brush gently around the crown margin
- Wear a night guard if you grind teeth
Prevent future recementation
Home care habits
Good oral hygiene (floss, brush, rinse) keeps decay at bay around crown margins, reducing the need for repeated recementation.
Routine check-ups
See your dentist every six months. Early detection of a loose crown often leads to a simple recement rather than full replacement.
Key takeaways
- Crown recementation is usually covered as minor restorative care under Delta Dental PPO plans, and by fixed copay under DeltaCare USA.
- Review your deductible, waiting periods, and frequency limits in your plan booklet.
- Use the Dental Care Cost Estimator to forecast your expenses.
- Stick with in-network dentists to get the best rates and benefits.
- Pre-treatment predetermination and smart aftercare keep costs and surprises to a minimum.
Ready to keep your smile secure and your wallet happy? Start by checking your benefits today.
