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View Full Version : Should I pay for my new crown?


jen232
May 26, 2009, 06:33 PM
I went to my dentist last May 14 and told me that I need a crown on my upper molar inorder that he can save it having root canal. That tooth never bothers me, it never gave me aches and pains, but accdg to my dentist the x-ray shows I need a crown to save it.
So, I agree. After the crown was put, since then I experienced unbearable pain on my tooth. I went to him and he said I need to see and endo and might need a root canal.
So, I went to an endo and undergone a root canal. Accdg to the x-ray, per my endo. During the filling of my molar, the dentist who made the crown almost hit the nerve of my tooth which gave me pain.

Now, I run out of my insurance. I have to pay for my root canal and evrything. My question is. I will be going back to my dentist for my crown on my root canal. Can I ask the dentist who did the crown that I shld not pay for the my new crown? Bec, I believe he did wrong on my tooth? Thanks!

Amir1981
May 26, 2009, 09:42 PM
Hmmm don't know enough about the situation, just tell him you didn't have a problem, and now your financial situation is taking a hit... maybe he can put a temporary crown on there until your insurance cycle renews again

flossie
May 27, 2009, 03:50 AM
Usually a crown is recommended when there is a large filling on the tooth or when a tooth has already had a root canal. It is to help prevent the tooth from fracturing with day to day wear. I can't say I've ever heard of a crown being recommended to prevent the need of a root canal.

It is not uncommon for a nerve to die after a crown is placed. The more often a tooth is drilled upon the higher the risk of future root canals and crowns. Your tooth may have just basically said enough is enough and died.

I think it was very unethical of the endodontist to blame the need of the root canal on the dentist that did the crown. He may ethically think that to himself but they should never verbalize it to a patient. I don't think the dentist who referred you to the endodontist will refer anyone else to him if that's the kind of information he is giving to his referrals.

Unfortunately, dental insurance is a privilege to have and not a right. You can do as Amir suggested and talk to your dentist about the situation. He just might give you a break on the cost of the new crown. Just keep in mind, that this sort of thing does happen after crowns are placed and it may just be a cost you will have to pay out of pocket for.

Good luck.