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Q: Mean Dentist
asked by: cacille on December 4th, 2004
New User
Two weeks ago, I had a 3/4 crown put on a back tooth that I had cracked due to night grinding (i have a night guard, but don't always wear it). My dentist is a top cosmetic dentist, and I chose him as my new dentist two years ago. After the crown was done, I looked at it and noticed a line between where the crown meets the 1/4 natural tooth- the coloring seemed off, it didn't feel smooth, and I was worried about food catching in this space.


I asked the assistant if I could speak with the dentist about this. The assistant returned to "relay" the message that they could do a full crown instead, if that would make me happy (the tone was a bit sarcastic). She said the crown was fine and was smooth as glass. I quietly expressed my disappointment to the assistant, especially given the high cost of the work done. I didn't understand why the dentist would not come in and address my concern with the tooth.


I went to the receptionist to pay my copay. A minute later, the assistant came out and told me the dentist felt it would be better if I found a new dentist. I was dumbfounded! I could barely speak. I said I didn't understand, and the assistant said i'd be happier elsewhere. I went home and cried. I feel devastated. How could someone be so mean? The obvious solution is to find a new dentist. However, it is two weeks later and it still hurts to chew on the new crown...Something is wrong. I have to go back to this dentist to get a bite adjustment or an evaluation of what is wrong with this crown. Can he refuse to see me? If so, am I entitled to a refund since I will have to pay a new dentist for the bite adjustment/rework that would've been free with my existing dentist? I don't know what to do. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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PattyV
replied on December 4th, 2004
Extremely eHealthy
I'd say you need a new dentist.He sounds like an overblown windbag.I have been a dental assistant for 17 years and I would have refused to do his dirty work.If he did not want you as a patient,the least he could do was tell you himself!!It sounds as if you felt the transition of the restoration and your natural tooth.Depending on the area,sometimes these areas can be smoothed to make the transition less noticable.It is a shame that many docs are excellent clinicians, but lousy communicators.If you are in a managed care program,you do have recourse.Call you insurance company and file a formal complaint against him.That is your right to do so.I would not want this guy in my mouth again.We have had similar situations in our office and have called the previous dentist to ask them to cover the lab fee for the new work.Most dentists do not want any bad feelings and will usually try to come to some happy medium.If worst comes to worst,you can file a complaint with your local state boardgood luck to you.Patty
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cacille
replied on December 6th, 2004
New User
Thank you so much for your reply patty! It is such a relief to get some advice regarding what action I should take. My whole life feels like a mess right now, due to the anxiety i'm feeling over this. It will take me some time to find a new dentist, but I feel the need to have my crown taken care of asap. You're right, I don't want this guy in my mouth again, but I do feel somewhat desperate (do you know what I mean?). This is where i'm torn. How much do you think it would be if I were charged by a new dentist for a bite adjustment on this crown?
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PattyV
replied on December 15th, 2004
Extremely eHealthy
Hard to say what a new dentist would charge.Most will be fair with you.Some may not charge at all.Your best bet would be to schedule a new patient exam and be sure to tell the doc that your recently placed crown is not comfortable and you do not wish to return to the last dentist.Good luck to you!Patty
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