My Prosthondontist changes prices/procedures with every visit
My Prosthondontist changes prices/procedures with every visit
Added: September 02, 2009 - 4:37 PM
By: Patient Email Withheld, Boston, MA
Need Dentist / Specialist:
Yes
Provide Cost Estimate:
Yes
X-rays Available:
Yes
Case Summary
Crown
Teeth: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16
Last Full Mouth X-Ray: Sept. 2, 2009
Last Cleaning: July 2009
Case Description
I am in the middle of having all my upper teeth replaced. I am in temps now but was susposed to have the porclains completed by end of August 2009. My dentist is insisting for me to have the lowers done for perfect occlusion before completing the upper teeth. Durring our initial consulations we agreed that this extensive work would be a 5 year plan due to my income. I have spent aproximatly $25,000 thus far this year and yet to have one permanent tooth in my mouth. I have had four implants and some root canals and two temporays since the first one failed. Funny I was charged $2,500 for the second temporay even though I have an email from my dentist stating that he knew the first $3,000 temp would not hold up. I therefore went through weekly apts. to remove, replace and repair the first temp. These apts. were long and painfully done without novacaine. He finally decided to get a better temp and place it without me knowing until I was billed $2,500. I thought we were repairing again. I have also been left with packing on a tooth then called and directed on how to take it out myself. I have been left with cement from replacing the temp and told to make sure I clean it well when I go home and yet have been required to book many cleaning apts with the hygenist as to keep my gums healthy. I don't trust this dentist but feel as though I am between a rock and a hard place. I am looking to switch but it is difficult to find someone with the expertise and one who wont want to redo all the work that has already been done. Is there a decent dentist out there?
TF
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Reply: My Prosthondontist changes prices/procedures with every visit
added: September 02, 2009 - 4:52 PM
Cost Estimate: $ No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
I am not a prosthodontist but I am a Fellow of the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies where I have completed over 200 hours of hands on and lecture based certification in Full Mouth Reconstruction. I have completed dozens of cases like yours and ALWAYS start by creating a perfect level UPPER bite and then match the moving lower jaw. Please visit my website at www.ultimateaesthetics.com to see some incredible examples of Full Mouth Reconstructions, with and without implants.I will give you a total case fee and finish the case for that fee. I would be happy to work with your existing treatment as you describe it.I look forward to helping you finish your case as soon as possible.
Reply: My Prosthondontist changes prices/procedures with every visit
added: September 02, 2009 - 5:16 PM
Cost Estimate: $ No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
Dear TFyour overall experience not only in regard to expenses, but also the extend of treatment even having multiple provisional restorations (temporary) is not uncommon at all. Perhaps, you should have (or maybe you were) to been informed from the beginning (at the time of initial planning) that you have major issues with both arches, and no treatment should have initiated, unless you were agreed to and be prepared for full reconstruction. Some times patients gets so overwhelmed with the plan that they might forget what they have been presented with...., or simply they hear what their primary concerns are (i.e. upper teeth, for cosmetic reasons.....). About the way you were treated and small incidents such as leaving some packing behind... and other unpleasant issues, I have to agree with you and say, simply a poor patient management, as these things may happens but definitely should be managed better than what you have described...About the routine hygiene appointments.... that is the best policy a prosthodontic practices could implement. Your overall masticatory health deeply depends on great hygiene program.Lastly, my best recommendation to you is stick with your specialist that has been treating you for this period of time, and definitely have studied your case, and getting to understand your functioning system, and beside changing may coast you more financially and timely. And, frankly you never know if the next doctor is any better or worse, good luck
Reply: My Prosthondontist changes prices/procedures with every visit
added: September 03, 2009 - 7:23 AM
Cost Estimate: $ No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
Dear TF,We are willing to offer you a free consultation where we can discuss your case, past treatment and further treatment plans. We can give you an estimate at the time of this consultation. Please contact us with any further questions.
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