How to Determine if Your Tooth Has a Dental Post?

How can you tell if a tooth has been filled with a dental restoration?

My upper molar had already undergone root canal treatment, but it broke while I was eating.
I went to see a dentist at a clinic, and he said he would place a post, charging me NT$1,000.
However, I feel that he did not actually place a post; he only filled it with a white material.
A few days later, after eating something hard, it came off.
He advised me to get a crown, which would cost NT$6,000 for a metal crown or NT$8,000 for a palladium-silver alloy.
Does that mean I need to get a prosthetic tooth? Will my health insurance cover this? So, do I need to get a crown for that tooth?
In summary, I would like to ask you:
1.
If I do not want to get the prosthetic tooth at that clinic, can I get my NT$1,000 back? I paid the clinic without understanding why; that day, I only had a white filling placed on my tooth and had an X-ray taken.
He said he didn’t see any coverage from the health insurance and charged me NT$1,000.

2.
If a post was placed in the tooth, do I necessarily have to spend NT$6,000 or NT$8,000 to get a crown? Or can I stop here, having only spent NT$1,000 for the post? (How can I know if the tooth was actually treated with a post?) Is it possible that I don’t need to spend money on a crown? Thank you!
P.S.
When I open my mouth wide, I often hear a clicking sound on the left side; which specialist should I see for that?

Yi Ru, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/02/06

Dr. Cao Guoqing reply Dentistry

Hello! For teeth that have undergone root canal treatment, it is generally recommended to get a crown (also known as a fixed prosthesis) to prevent the tooth from fracturing, as these teeth tend to be more brittle.
Secondly, if there is not much tooth structure remaining, a post is usually placed to help support the tooth's shape.
Now, let me address your questions:
1.
Regarding the possibility of getting back the one thousand NT dollars, you may need to check with your dental clinic about that.

2.
a.
The cost of a crown is not significantly related to the post; the price mainly depends on the material of the crown.

b.
The primary purpose of getting a crown is to prevent tooth fracture and increase the tooth's longevity, especially for molars.
While it is possible to forgo the crown, you would need to be particularly careful when eating and avoid hard foods.
However, a fractured tooth can only be extracted and cannot be treated.

P.S.
For any joint sounds, it is advisable to consult a dentist.

Reply Date: 2011/02/06

More Info

To determine if your tooth has a dental post and to address your concerns regarding dental treatment, let's break down your questions and provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

1. Understanding Dental Posts: A dental post is typically used in conjunction with a crown to provide additional support to a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment. If your upper molar had a root canal and subsequently broke, a dental post may be necessary to stabilize the tooth before placing a crown. However, not all root canal-treated teeth require a post; it depends on the amount of remaining tooth structure. If your dentist mentioned placing a post but you only received a filling, it’s essential to clarify this with them. A filling alone may not provide the necessary support for a tooth that has been significantly compromised.

2. Assessing the Treatment: If you feel that the treatment you received did not match what was discussed (i.e., you expected a post but only received a filling), you should discuss this with your dentist. You have the right to inquire about the specifics of the treatment you received, including whether a post was placed. If you believe that the service was not rendered as promised, you may consider requesting a refund for the $1,000 you paid, especially if you feel that the treatment was incomplete or inadequate.

3. Need for a Crown: After a root canal, especially if the tooth is structurally compromised (like being broken), a crown is often recommended to protect the tooth and restore its function. The costs you mentioned for the crowns ($6,000 for a metal crown and $8,000 for a palladium-silver alloy crown) are typical, but it’s important to confirm whether these costs are covered by your insurance. In many cases, dental insurance may cover a portion of the crown cost, but you should verify this with your insurance provider.

4. Determining if a Post was Placed: If you are unsure whether a post was placed, you can ask your dentist for clarification. They should be able to provide you with details about the procedure and whether a post was indeed used. Additionally, an X-ray can sometimes reveal the presence of a post, but it may not always be definitive, especially if the post is not visible due to the filling material.

5. Next Steps: If you choose not to proceed with the crown at the current dental office, you have the option to seek a second opinion from another dentist. They can evaluate the tooth and provide recommendations based on its condition. If the tooth is deemed salvageable, they may suggest a different treatment plan.

6. Jaw Joint Concerns: Regarding the clicking sound you hear when opening your mouth, this could be related to your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). For issues related to jaw joint pain or dysfunction, you would typically consult a dentist who specializes in TMJ disorders or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. They can assess your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options.

In conclusion, it’s crucial to communicate openly with your dentist about your concerns and treatment expectations. If you feel uncertain about the care you received, seeking a second opinion can provide clarity and peace of mind. Always ensure that you understand the treatment plan and associated costs before proceeding with dental work.

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