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
Extremely EHEALTHy
Joined: 01 May 2004 Posts: 1103 Location: Chicago area
Posted: 12-04-04 22:35pm
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
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 29 Nov 2004 Posts: 4 Location: MN
Posted: 12-06-04 15:05pm
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
Extremely EHEALTHy
Joined: 01 May 2004 Posts: 1103 Location: Chicago area
Posted: 12-15-04 00:02am
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
