I swear crowns are the “combo meal” of dentistry—just easier to sell.
That’s exactly how it feels. I asked about an onlay after my first root canal and my dentist just brushed it off, said “we don’t really do those here.” Didn’t even explain why. I’m not sure if it’s rare, or if they just want to stick with what’s familiar (and maybe more profitable?). Insurance is a mess, but honestly, sometimes I think they just want to keep things simple for themselves. The price difference is wild too... I’d have gone for an onlay if it was even an option.
Crowns do get handed out like party favors sometimes, but there’s a bit more to it—promise. After a root canal, the tooth is basically hollowed out and can be pretty fragile. Crowns are like the “armor” that keeps it from cracking down the line. Onlays are definitely less invasive, and I totally get wanting to keep as much of your own tooth as possible (I’d pick that too if I could). Thing is, not every tooth is a good fit for an onlay, especially if there’s not much left to hold onto.
That said, “we don’t really do those here” is a pretty weak explanation. It’s not some rare unicorn procedure—just takes a little more finesse and maybe a different set of skills or tools. Some practices just stick to what they know best. Insurance can be weird about covering onlays too, which doesn’t help.
Honestly, if you ever end up in that spot again, might be worth getting a second opinion. Sometimes you can save the tooth and your wallet... but yeah, it shouldn’t feel like ordering off a fast food menu either.
“we don’t really do those here” is a pretty weak explanation.
Couldn’t agree more. My kid needed a crown after a root canal and I asked about onlays—got the same brush-off. Honestly, I wish dentists would at least explain the options, not just default to what’s easiest for them. Insurance was a pain too, but sometimes it’s worth pushing back. Second opinions have saved us money and headaches before.
Honestly, I wish dentists would at least explain the options, not just default to what’s easiest for them.
I totally get where you’re coming from. I’m actually in the middle of figuring this out for myself and it’s been... a lot. I asked about onlays too (after way too much googling), and my dentist just kind of shrugged it off. It left me feeling like I was being a difficult patient for even asking, which was awkward.
Insurance is another headache—mine barely covers anything unless it’s the most “standard” procedure. But honestly, I’d rather know all my options, even if they cost more. I don’t love the idea of getting a crown if there’s something less invasive that could work.
I’ve started bringing a list of questions to appointments, even if it makes me feel silly. Sometimes they’ll slow down and explain things better if you push a little. Still stressful though... especially when you’re not sure what’s really necessary or what’s just easier for them.
Second opinions are so worth it, even if it means more waiting. It helped me feel less anxious about making the wrong call.
I get wanting all the options laid out, but I’m not totally sure onlays are always a good fit after a root canal. My dentist said sometimes the tooth is just too weak for anything but a crown. Did yours explain why they didn’t recommend it? Sometimes I wonder if Google makes us second-guess stuff more than we need to...
