Why Couldn’t I Get a Refund If My Dental Crown Was a Wreck?

Posted by AllSmiles

I got a root canal and crown in 2013. I recently experienced some discomfort with the crown, and my new dentist said it was a wreck, so I got a new one two weeks ago. I called my previous dental office in PA, but they said there is no reimbursement for a crown that old. Should I have gotten a second opinion from another dentist as reinforcement to get a refund? Is it too late? Thanks. Jelena from NV

Jelena,

A crown that lasts more than ten years has met expectations for longevity. Insurance guidelines set five years as the standard for a dental crown, so expecting a refund after a decade will lead to disappointment.

Nevertheless, hearing a dentist describe your crown as “a wreck” can be unsettling. While honesty with you as a patient is essential, professional courtesy requires the dentist to be tactful. A dentist’s goal should be to help you understand the condition of your oral health and options for restoring it, not to criticize another dentist’s work harshly.

In rare cases, some dentists exaggerate flaws to encourage retreatment. Keep in mind that if your previous dentist had given you an inferior crown for your root canal tooth, you would probably have faced pain, loosening, or decay within the first few years, not after 12 years of wear.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns do not come with guarantees, but quality crowns can last far longer than five years when properly cared for. Insurance standards use five years as a baseline for replacing a dental crown, and many dentists will assume responsibility if a crown fails earlier.

Several factors influence crown longevity:

• Crown quality, tooth preparation, and crown placement
• Daily care and hygiene to protect the crown’s edges from decay
• Limiting frequent snacking, which can shorten a crown’s lifespan

These factors vary, so many dentists avoid warranties. Still, with expert placement and consistent care, crowns can last many years.

Chandler, Arizona, dentists Dr. William Walden and Dr. Tyrel Beavers sponsor this post. Read how they strive to give patients some of the best dental care in Chandler.