Like many dental insurance plans the Blue Cross Blue Shield model breaks dental procedures into various categories. How much you pay is then determined by what category the procedure falls under, what insurance plan you have, and whether you went to an in-network or out-network provider. Your detuctible with Blue Cross Blue Shield is only applied to Class A-C. 

• Class A (Basic Procedures): The first class of procedures covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield is the basic procedures. This covers really any dental procedure that would be commonly used during a routine check-up. This includes a dental cleaning, a dental exam, x-rays, and dental sealants. In most cases, these services will be fully covered if you are going to an in-network provider. 
• Class B (Intermediate Procedures): Intermediate procedures refer to certain medically necessary procedures that a dentist will recommend to handle tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral issues. This includes oral surgery, dental fillings for cavities, and gum scaling for gum disease. Your insurance may cover more than half of the cost depending on your plan and if you go to an in-network provider. 
• Class C (Major Procedures): Major procedures refer to restorative dental procedures that often require the creation of a dental device like a dental bridge or crown, however, they also include other procedures including root canal. These are larger procedures that will be covered from less than half to half based on your plan. 
• Class D (Orthodontic Procedures): As mentioned above, orthodontic procedures are not eligible for your deductible. In the case of orthodontic procedures, Blue Cross Blue Shield will cover a portion of the cost up to a certain cap depending on your plan. This cap is for the lifetime of the patient, so if you or a child in your family receives dental braces and uses the entire cap and needs further orthodontic procedures in the future, they will not be covered.