I totally get what you mean about second-guessing after Googling stuff. I asked my dentist about onlays too, because I was hoping to avoid a full crown (cheaper, less drilling, all that). She basically said my tooth lost too much structure after the root canal, so an onlay wouldn’t hold up—just like yours mentioned. I guess it depends how much tooth is left? Still, I do wish dentists explained this stuff more clearly. I always leave with more questions than answers...
I get where your dentist is coming from, but I’m not totally convinced onlays are always off the table after a root canal. When I had mine done, one dentist said crown or nothing, but another actually showed me a 3D scan and explained why an onlay might work for certain molars if enough structure’s left. It seems like some dentists just default to crowns out of habit or because it’s less risky for them. I do wish they’d walk us through the options more clearly—sometimes it feels like we’re just supposed to nod and go along with whatever they say...
It seems like some dentists just default to crowns out of habit or because it’s less risky for them.
Totally get this. My last dentist barely let me finish my sentence before launching into the “crown is safest” spiel. But when I asked about onlays, suddenly it was like I’d suggested DIY dentistry. Honestly, if there’s enough tooth left and the bite’s not wild, why not consider it? Sometimes I feel like asking for a menu with pictures...
Crowns seem to be the default for so many dentists, and I get it—there’s less risk of the tooth cracking later, especially after a root canal. But I’ve definitely wondered if it’s always necessary. I had a molar done a couple years ago and pushed for an onlay since most of the tooth was still there. The dentist looked at me like I’d read too many blogs, but after some back and forth, he agreed. Still holding up fine, no issues.
I think part of it is that crowns are just what they’re used to recommending. Onlays take more finesse, and maybe not every dentist feels comfortable with them? Plus, insurance sometimes muddies the waters—crowns get covered, onlays less so, at least in my experience. I wish there was more transparency about the options, like you said, or even just a better explanation of why one is recommended over the other. Sometimes I feel like I have to do a crash course in dental materials just to have a real conversation...
I wish there was more transparency about the options, like you said, or even just a better explanation of why one is recommended over the other.
I totally get this. I had a root canal last year and my dentist barely explained anything—just said, “You need a crown.” I didn’t even know onlays were an option until later. Honestly, I’m nervous about pushing back because I worry about making the wrong call and having the tooth break. But sometimes it feels like they’re just doing what’s easiest for them, not necessarily best for me. Makes me second-guess everything...
