When you’re looking for a bcbs same day dental crown provider near you, understanding your coverage and locating an in-network dentist can save you both time and money. In the Charlotte, NC area, you have access to Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employees Program (FEP) Dental, which offers a nationwide network of over 500,000 in-network dentists. With 99.9% of members living within 15 miles of an in-network provider, you can enjoy convenient, immediate restorations without sacrificing quality or breaking your budget (BCBS Federal Employees Program Dental).
In this guide, you’ll learn what same-day crowns are, how BCBS FEP coverage works, how to estimate your out-of-pocket costs, and how to find and vet the best provider in your area. Whether you’re a busy professional seeking minimal downtime, a senior replacing a worn restoration, or simply in need of a durable crown in one visit, this article will help you make confident, cost-effective decisions.
Understanding same-day crowns
what is a same-day crown?
A same-day dental crown is a full-coverage restoration fabricated and placed in a single appointment. Using advanced in-office technology—most commonly CEREC or other CAD/CAM systems—your dentist can:
- Scan your tooth digitally
- Design a custom restoration on-screen
- Mill the crown from a block of high-strength ceramic
- Bond the crown in place
This contrasts with traditional crowns, which require two or more visits, provisional restorations, and a dental laboratory turnaround of one to two weeks.
benefits of same-day crowns
Same-day crowns have gained popularity for several reasons:
- Convenience and speed
- No temporary crown needed
- Fewer injections and impressions
- Precise fit with digital scanning
- Durable materials like zirconia or lithium disilicate
aesthetics and durability
Modern ceramic blocks offer lifelike translucency and color match, ensuring your new crown blends seamlessly with adjacent teeth. At the same time, high-strength materials resist chipping and wear, giving you a long-lasting restoration.
minimal downtime
By completing the entire process in one visit, you reduce chair time and recovery periods. This is especially appealing if you need to return quickly to work or daily activities.
Reviewing your BCBS plan
BCBS FEP plan options
Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental offers two plan tiers:
- High Option
- Standard Option
Both begin coverage immediately—there are no waiting periods for in-network services such as crowns. You can choose coverage for Self Only, Self Plus One, or Self and Family.
in-network vs out-of-network
Understanding the difference between in-network and out-of-network care is critical to managing costs.
in-network benefits
- No deductible for in-network services like crowns, fillings, and root canals
- Negotiated plan allowances per procedure, reducing your fee
- No waiting periods for major services (including Class C crowns)
- Access to over 500,000 dentists nationwide (99.9% of members have one within 15 miles)
out-of-network costs
- High Option: $50 deductible per person
- Standard Option: $75 deductible per person
- Coinsurance applies for Class B (intermediate) and Class C (major) services
- Provider bills you for amounts above BCBS allowances
Estimating your costs
Before you schedule an appointment, it’s wise to get a rough idea of what you may owe.
typical procedure costs
Without insurance, average national fees are:
- Routine exam, cleaning, X-rays: $685
- Root canal plus crown: $3,110
With a same-day crown alone, you might expect to pay between $1,000 and $1,500, depending on material and location. Your BCBS plan will reduce these fees significantly.
coverage scenarios
Use the table below to compare out-of-pocket amounts for a root canal plus crown scenario. Adjust for crown-only procedures by removing the root canal fee.
| Plan option | Total cost (no insurance) | Your cost in-network | Your cost out-of-network† |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Option | $3,110 | $885 | Deductible + coinsurance |
| Standard Option | $3,110 | $1,145 | Deductible + coinsurance |
†Out-of-network costs vary by provider charges and negotiated allowances. You’ll owe the deductible plus a percentage of the BCBS-approved amount.
Finding a BCBS same day dental crown provider
use the BCBS dentist directory
- Go to the BCBS FEP Dental website
- Select “Find a dentist”
- Choose “In-network” and filter by “Same-day crowns” or “CEREC”
- Enter your Charlotte ZIP code
This tool ensures you see only those dentists who accept your plan, eliminating surprise fees.
filter for same-day service
Not every in-network dentist offers same-day crown technology. When reviewing profiles, look for:
- CEREC or CAD/CAM equipment
- Ceramic milling on-site
- Listings or reviews mentioning “one-visit crowns”
Contact the office directly to confirm they can complete your restoration in a single appointment.
Choosing the right dentist
check credentials and technology
When you narrow your list of BCBS providers:
- Verify ADA certification and state licensure
- Ask if they have in-office milling units
- Inquire about the specific ceramic materials used
ask about experience and guarantees
A provider’s track record with same-day crowns matters:
- How many procedures have they done?
- Do they offer a warranty on the crown?
- What is their average case acceptance and success rate?
read patient reviews
Online ratings can reveal insights about chairside manner, timeliness, and overall satisfaction. Look for consistent praise around speed, comfort, and fit.
Managing preauthorization details
request preauthorization
Although BCBS FEP Dental does not require preauthorization for in-network same-day crowns, it’s wise to:
- Submit a predetermination of benefits if you have an upcoming root canal plus crown
- Receive a written estimate of your costs
This step confirms coverage levels and avoids billing surprises.
understand claim submission dates
For multi-appointment treatments, insurers expect the date of service to indicate the completion date. If you combine treatments—such as a root canal on one visit and a chairside crown on another—provide clear documentation to your dentist’s billing team. Automated claims systems rely on accurate completion dates to process benefits correctly (Dental Claim Support).
Maximizing your benefits
coordinate with FSA
If you participate in a Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA):
- Submit your BCBS Explanation of Benefits (EOB) for direct reimbursement
- Use the Paperless Reimbursement (PR) program for FSAFEDS participants to send claims electronically (BCBS Federal Employees Program Dental)
leverage preventive care
BCBS FEP Dental covers three cleanings per year at 100% in-network. Keeping up with preventive visits can identify issues early and minimize the need for extensive restorative work down the road.
Planning your next steps
- Review your BCBS plan details online or call customer service
- Use the dentist directory to locate in-network same-day crown experts
- Schedule a consultation and request a predetermination of benefits
- Confirm technology and materials with your chosen dentist
- Book your appointment and coordinate any FSA paperwork
For related coverage questions, explore our resources on insurance that covers dental implants and crowns or learn how to handle urgent restorations in our guide to emergency same day crown with insurance.
By understanding your benefits, estimating costs, and choosing the right provider, you can enjoy a high-quality, same-day crown with minimal out-of-pocket expense. Start today by finding an in-network BCBS dentist near Charlotte and take the first step toward a swift, durable restoration.