Stuck With Temporary Crown, Please Advice

Location: Bay Area, California

US Healthcare with Delta Dental: My (33F) crown fell off in Dec 2025. My new dentist (who I've grown to trust) realized that the crown that fell off was done by an old dentist. Since the crown was not able to be inserted back in, we started the procedure for a new crown. I was quoted $450 after insurance, which I had budgeted for.

The insurance denied the claim and now I am on the hook for $1000+. Apparently, you can't get a crown on the same tooth for 5 years, which I had no idea about and the new dentist's office did not inform me about. My dentist and I have both appealed to delta dental and are awaiting their decision.

But I feel stuck and a little devastated, because I finally thought I'd found a dentist who really cared. But their office keeps telling me to get on a payment plan and pay the full $1000. I feel so duped because if they had informed me about the 5 year replacement rule, I would have considered alternate options. Or even gone aboard for dental care.

I currently have a temporary crown and canceled the permanent crown appointment because they keep asking me for full $1000 payment. I have firmly told them that I am not paying anything till the insurance company decides on the appeal.

I am paying a mortgage on a single income, so I am not able or willing to pay $1000 when I was quoted $450. The office says they will send to collections after 90 days. Is there anything I can do? Are there any legal options? Has anyone been through something similar?