Why do we get dental crowns?

Is post and core buildup good while I wait to get crowns?

• Here's my story: I had eight root canals on my top teeth a couple of years ago. My dentist (now former) at the time didn't do anything beyond that, nor did they recommend anything. After I moved to take a new job, I got a new dentist. This new dentist recommended crowning these teeth. The problem, of course, is that crowns cost a significant amount of money. While insurance covers it, I can only get two, maybe three, crowns a year. Since I need eight, my dentist said he would do post-core buildups on all my teeth. He said building up the teeth will keep the teeth firm until I get the crowns. Anyone else out there with a similar experience they could share? Also, how strong are post-core buildups? Looking at my teeth, if you didn't know I had the buildups, you wouldn't notice it. All the buildups are still in tact almost a year since they were done. I'm assuming they are strong, but would like some guidance on this. They look like a regular dental filling, but I don't know if it's the same or not.

• Answer:

  The best option is obviously to have the post buildup and crown done on each one. But the new dentist is trying to do you a favor since you can't afford it at once. Yes this is recommended to protect the tooth. Anytime a root canal is done, the tooth is weaker and needs to be protected with a crown. A tooth does not have a root canal will only get buildup. The post will serve as an anchor with the buildup which you're right looks like a filling. This creates the tooth structure which will hold the crown. As a temporary hold, it's ok. But if you're wondering can you leave it like this and not get the crowns, I suggest NO, deffinately need to get them crowned. I'll give you some info to educate yourself further on all this. http://www.coronadelmardentist.com/Restorations_CrownsCaps_4115650.aspx click on crown and bridge to see a video of the whole crown procedure... http://www.coronadelmardentist.com/DentalVideos.aspx