How Long Can You Delay Getting A Crown?
Here’s What Happens If You Keep Putting It Off…
You’ve just been told you need a dental crown. Maybe it was after a root canal. Maybe your tooth cracked or has a huge filling that’s starting to fail. Either way, now you’re wondering:
“How long can I delay getting a crown?”
The honest answer? It depends—but waiting too long could backfire in ways you’re not ready for.
In this guide, you’ll get clear, experience-based answers on:
- How long you can safely wait in different situations
- What can go wrong if you delay
- Temporary options if you need more time
- Cost and pain implications of waiting too long
- What most dentists recommend (based on real cases)
Let’s break it all down.
⏱ How Long Can You Wait Before Getting a Crown?
Not all dental issues are the same. Some demand immediate attention. Others give you a bit of breathing room.
Here’s a practical breakdown to help you figure it out:
| Tooth Condition | Recommended Delay (Max) | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Post-root canal (back molar) | 1–2 weeks | Root canal-treated teeth are brittle and can crack easily without protection. |
| Large cavity or old/failing filling | 2–4 weeks | The tooth is already weak and may fracture anytime. |
| Visible crack or fractured cusp | ASAP (1 week max) | Cracks can spread quickly, making the tooth unrestorable. |
| Cosmetic chip (no pain, no decay) | 1–3 months (with monitoring) | If it’s not functional or deep, a short delay may be safe—but only under a dentist’s eye. |
🧠 Real Talk: You Might Feel Fine… Until You Don’t
Most patients delay crowns because there’s no pain—yet. That’s the trap. You might feel okay today, but the tooth could crack tomorrow while eating popcorn. And once that happens? A simple crown might turn into an extraction or implant situation. Not ideal.
⚠️ What Happens If You Delay Too Long?
If you keep pushing it off, here’s what you risk:
1. Tooth Fracture (Irreversible Damage)
Once a compromised tooth cracks deep enough, it can’t be saved. That turns a $1,200 crown into a $3,000+ implant or worse.
2. Infection Risk
Weakened or open teeth can become breeding grounds for bacteria. This could lead to an abscess or require re-treatment of a root canal, which is painful and expensive.
3. Gum & Jawbone Complications
Delaying too long may affect your bite or jaw alignment. It can even trigger bone loss if the tooth eventually has to be pulled.
4. Higher Long-Term Costs
Delaying often leads to more procedures, more pain, and more money. Crowns are preventive. Once damage progresses, you’re dealing with far more complex solutions.
🔄 Are There Any Temporary Options?
Yes, but they come with conditions.
- Temporary Crowns: If you need time to plan financially, your dentist might place a short-term crown. It won’t last long but can give you a few weeks of breathing space.
- Tooth Bonding: For small cracks or chips, bonding might buy time. But it’s not a substitute for full protection.
- Fluoride or Desensitizing Treatment: In cases of minor wear or non-painful sensitivity, fluoride varnish can slow down decay. Again—just a short-term strategy.
⚠️ Important: Temporary fixes are not solutions. They’re just holding you over. Always follow up.
📅 So, What’s the Ideal Timeframe for Getting a Crown?
As a rule of thumb:
- Don’t wait more than a month once a crown is recommended.
- Post-root canal? Do it within 1–2 weeks max.
- Pain, cracks, or fractures? Get it done ASAP.
Some dentists even schedule the crown before your root canal heals fully, just to make sure the tooth stays intact.
💸 Cost of Delaying vs. Cost of Acting Now
Here’s a quick snapshot:
| Procedure | Typical Cost (USA) |
|---|---|
| Dental Crown | $900 – $1,500 |
| Root Canal Retreatment | $1,000 – $1,800 |
| Tooth Extraction | $250 – $600 |
| Dental Implant (Full Cost) | $3,000 – $6,000 |
👉 Notice how acting now actually saves you in the long run.
🙋♂️ Common Questions People Ask
Q: “My tooth doesn’t hurt—can I still delay?”
Pain isn’t always a reliable sign. Most teeth needing crowns are pain-free—until they aren’t. Think of it like driving on bald tires. You won’t notice it until you’re in a skid.
Q: “Can insurance cover this?”
Many dental plans partially cover crowns—especially if it’s medically necessary. It’s worth checking in with your provider.
Q: “What if I can’t afford it right now?”
Ask your dentist about:
- Payment plans
- Temporary crowns
- Low-interest healthcare credit cards like CareCredit
conclusion:
Delaying a dental crown might feel harmless today—but the risks get bigger the longer you wait. Most dentists in the U.S. agree: once a crown is recommended, get it done within a few weeks if possible. If cost is an issue, talk to your dental office. There are often options available to avoid risking the tooth altogether.