I received a root canal and permanent crown from a dentist in the Tennessee area about 12 years ago. Recently, my current dentist (in Georgia) evaluated the crown and told me it had serious issues that required replacement.
After replacing the crown, I called the original dental office to discuss the findings. I explained that my concerns stemmed from a licensed dentist’s evaluation rather than from my own opinion of the work. Despite that, the office informed me that they would not issue any refund or reimbursement because the treatment was performed so long ago. Is that a fair response? – Thanks. Stacie from CT
Stacie,
Expecting a refund for a crown that functioned for 12 years usually isn’t reasonable. That amount of service suggests the restoration performed adequately, even if it now needs replacement.
Dentists routinely evaluate previous restorations, and they should explain their findings clearly. Still, professional norms encourage balanced language rather than extreme criticism.
When crowns are truly poorly done, they tend to fail early.
- Most defective crowns cause problems within a few years.
- Delayed issues often reflect normal wear.
- Longevity suggests the crown may have been reasonably well done.
That doesn’t mean the crown shouldn’t be replaced now—only that its past performance and age matter.
Why Dentists Can’t Guarantee Dental Work
Insurance companies set a five-year expectation for crowns, which provides a useful reference point. Beyond that, outcomes depend heavily on patient-specific factors.
Dentists can’t control diet, oral hygiene, or habits like frequent snacking. Even excellent dental work can develop decay around the margins under those conditions. For that reason, dentists rarely offer long-term guarantees, even when the original work meets high standards.
Dr. James Gavrilos, an accredited cosmetic dentist from Barrington, Illinois, sponsors this post. Read about how he strives to provide some of the best dental care in Barrington.