I went to a chain dental clinic that has several locations in my city. I’d been at the same location for a year and had several fillings done. A few weeks ago, I went into a different location because of scheduling and the dentist asked me where my previous work was done. I told him one of the other locations. He got quiet then told me one of my fillings actually needs to be a crown. That surprised me because I’d only had that filled six months previous. I decided to get a second opinion. I went to a private dentist who didn’t work for a clinic, even though it cost me more. After looking at the x-rays and doing an exam, he also asked me where I had my previous work done. He ended up telling me that all of my fillings need to be repalced and one of my crowns is improperly fitted and there is something called margins that need to be redone. I do believe him and don’t feel like he is taking advantage, but this is going to cost me a lot of money. Is there any way to get some of this money back? Also, is any of this a dental emergency that I need to take care of right away?
Andrew
Dear Andrew,
I’m sorry you are going through this. I think I can help you. Because there is such a discrepancy between the two dentists, I think you need one more option. Tell the second, private dentist that you believe him, but you need to get a refund from the chain in order to afford what needs to be done. You will have the best shot of that with two dentists in agreement about the shoddy quality of the work. Ask him for copies of the x-rays. Then, go see another dentist a distance away, possibly even another city. Don’t tell them what the first dentist said. You want it to be a blind second opinion. Just ask him to look at the x-rays as well as look you over and ask him what he thinks of the work.
If both dentists are in agreement, then you can go to the chain and tell them you have two independent dentists who found the work was defective and needs to be replaced. The dentists need to be willing to put their name to that, but I don’t think you’ll have much trouble with that. This should help you get the refund.
As to whether any of the work would be considered a dental emergency, the last dentist to treat you would be in a better position to tell you that than I would. I haven’t examined you. However, he could traige your work and tell you what is most urgent. Typically, a dental emergency would mean you have an infected tooth.
This blog is brought to you by Decatur, AL Dentists Drs. Drake and Wallace.