I lived in Indiana in 2014, and my dentist did a root canal and porcelain crown there. I relocated last year, and my dentist in IL said the crown was no good, so I agreed she could replace it. I called the dental office in Indiana and requested a partial refund because my dentist said the crown wasn’t any good. They refused the refund because I’d had the crown for ten years. Is there anything else I can do to get some of my money back? Is it too late to get a refund? Thanks. Karmen from Chicago
Karmen,
Your porcelain crown functioned for ten years, so it is reasonable that a dentist refuses to refund you if it malfunctioned this year.
We are concerned about whether your dentist explained why your crown was faulty. Your dentist is ethically obligated to explain your crown’s condition and why she needed to replace it. However, a few dentists may criticize another dentist’s work to influence your decision to replace it.
If your Indiana dentist did faulty work, you would have felt discomfort, or the crow may have leaked and caused tooth decay. Or, the crown may have fallen off. If you had no signs or symptoms that your crown was no good, you are justified in asking your current dentist about the recommendation to replace it.
How Long Does a Dental Crown Last?
A high-quality crown from a cosmetic dentist and ceramist can last 15 to 20 years or more if you take care of it. However, dental insurance companies expect a dental crown to last five years. Dental insurance won’t pay benefits if a crown must be replaced sooner.
Still, many factors affect the longevity of a dental crown, including how well a patient takes care of it. Frequently snacking can contribute to decay around the edges of quality dental work. Patients cannot expect a dentist to warranty their work. So, you cannot expect a dentist to reimburse you for a ten-year-old dental crown.
However, you may ask your current dentist why she recommended replacing your former crown.
The Monroe, Louisiana, dentists at Bayou Dental Group sponsor this post. Please read how Dr. Finley and his team offer some of the best dental care in Monroe.
