That’s actually a good point—sometimes the tooth just doesn’t have enough structure left for anything but a crown. I’ve seen folks get excited about onlays after reading online, but in practice, it really depends on how much tooth is left after the root canal. I remember one patient who was set on an onlay, but when we got in there, there just wasn’t enough healthy tooth. Did your dentist show you any images or explain what was left of your tooth after the root canal? Sometimes seeing those X-rays helps make sense of why a crown’s the only option.
That’s pretty much what happened with my kid. I’d read all about onlays online and was kind of hoping we could avoid a full crown, just because it sounded less invasive. But when the dentist actually showed me the X-rays after the root canal, it was pretty obvious—there was barely anything left on one side. I’ll admit, I still asked if there was any way to “build up” what was left for an onlay, but she explained (and showed us) that the risk of the tooth breaking was just too high.
It’s tough as a parent, because you want to do the least possible, but also whatever’s going to last. I do wish they’d talked through the options a little more before starting, but seeing those images made it clear why a crown was really the only way forward. Kind of makes you realize how much you don’t see until you’re actually in the chair...
Kind of makes you realize how much you don’t see until you’re actually in the chair...
That really hits home. I always think I’ve done my homework from reading online, but then once I’m actually sitting there, it’s a whole different story. I had a root canal on one of my molars a couple years ago and was so nervous about getting a crown—felt like such a big step. I even asked about onlays too, since it sounded less “permanent” somehow, but my dentist showed me the X-ray and, wow, there was barely any tooth left to work with. It’s hard not to second-guess, especially when you hear about other options.
I get anxious about anything that involves shaving down more tooth. But after seeing the pics, I realized there just wasn’t much left to save. Still, I wish they’d explained it all before I was halfway through the procedure. I left feeling like I’d missed a step, if that makes sense. Guess that’s just part of being a dental patient—never quite sure what you’re in for until you’re there.
Still, I wish they’d explained it all before I was halfway through the procedure. I left feeling like I’d missed a step, if that makes sense.
Totally get that, but to play devil’s advocate—sometimes we dentists are just trying not to overload you with info while you’re already stressed out in the chair. But yeah, maybe we could work on our timing... No one wants surprises mid-drill, trust me.
Yeah, I hear you—it’s weird when you’re lying there with your mouth open and suddenly they’re talking about “onlays” instead of crowns. I always feel like I should’ve gotten a syllabus or something before the drill starts... Would’ve saved me some confusion (and maybe a few nerves).
