Monthly Archives: January 2017

Lumineers

Can I Get a Refund for Broken and Discolored Lumineers?

I had lumineers placed on my top six teeth. Five went on fine, but the sixth one broke as he tried to place it. Then, when the replacement Lumineer came in, it didn’t match the others. Can I just get a refund?

Jenna L. – MIssouri

Jenna,

IF you are otherwise happy with how the rest of the Lumineers look, I might give your dentist a chance to make it right first. If you don’t like the way they look overall, then, yes, I’d ask for a refund and go to a different cosmetic dentist for your smile makeover.

With Lumineers, especially, you often end up with an inexperienced cosmetic dentist doing the work. They’re advertised to general dentists as being an easy cosmetic procedure to place. While they may be easy to place, getting them beautiful is something completely different. That requires more skill.

If you decide to go for a refund and get a different cosmetic dentist. Let me suggest you look at some of their before and after photos. Also, many good cosmetic dentists offer a beautiful smile guarantee. In Dr. Peck’s case, he doesn’t permanently bond on your veneers until you’re completely happy with them.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Kevin Peck.

Affordable Dentist

Affordable Root Canal Now

I fear I’m developing an emergency situation and need a root canal right away. I’ve had a cavity that I haven’t dealt with simply because of finances. I predicted I’d have enough money in two more paychecks. But, this morning I woke up with a swollen face. I fear it’s worse than I thought. Is there any way to deal with this in an affordable way quickly or am I stuck waiting for another month?

Laura O. – Illinois

Laura,

You’re in a bit of a pickle. I don’t want you to think I’m insensitive to your situation because I’m not. Before discussing your options, I wanted to make sure you understood how serious this is. It seems like you have some idea based on what you’ve written above. I just want to make sure you know that people still die from tooth infections. The good news is they rarely die from it when they get timely treatment. There is hope.

There are dentists who, not only strive to be affordable dentists, but will work with you on payments. Most dentists have payment plan uptions either in-office or through Care Credit. Let them know what’s going on and I’m sure you’ll find a dentist willing to work you.

Worst case scenario, you can go to your primary care physician and get some antibiotics. IT will not cure your infection. but it will buy you some time. Just don’t take too much time.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Kevin Peck.

Affordable Dentist

Errors and Overcharges From an “Affordable Dentist”

I recently visited a doctor who advertised as an “affordable dentist.” One of my premolars became a problem suddenly. I was in agony and my whole face was swollen. I knew I couldn’t wait until I had more money and see my regular office, so I looked up the name of an affordable dentist online and scheduled right away. I thought I was lucky because he was charging hundreds less for the root canal, but my experience was horrific. He went through the process of doing the root canal and spent nearly two hours doing it. I was almost in tears because he kept jerking my head around and my mouth was open for practically the whole time. Then, he tells me that he wants to prepare the tooth for a crown then and there. He said that the decay was bad and he wanted to get at least that much squared away. I agreed to it, thinking the guy was looking out for me. When he was removing the cavity, I felt it give way and he muttered something and left the room. A few minutes later, another assistant came in and told me my tooth would need to be extracted.

I thought I was lucky because he was charging hundreds less for the root canal, but my experience was horrific. He was rough, made me keep my mouth open for two straight hours while he yanked and grabbed violently.  I was almost in tears.  Then, he tells me that he wants to prepare the tooth for a crown then and there. He said that the decay was bad and he wanted to get at least that much squared away. I agreed to it, thinking the guy was looking out for me. When he was removing the cavity, I felt it give way and he muttered something and left the room. A few minutes later, another assistant came in and told me my tooth would need to be extracted.

I agreed to the extraction and the doctor came back and did it. I wasn’t thinking and just left afterward, only to get a bill about a week later for the root canal and the extraction. I called the office and the lady said the doctor deserved to be paid for his time. Clearly, he was no affordable dentist, but can they actually do this? Is there a law or a rule that protects me here? This wasn’t my fault and I shouldn’t pay for both. I don’t think I should pay at all after facing such horrendous treatment. What now?

Scarlett – Washington

Scarlett,

It sounds like he was a little sketchy on the ethics in billing –. Certainly inconsiderate. I understand your frustration. You went to an affordable dentist because you needed the affordable part. This seems like a stab in the back.

My advice would be to first get a copy of your x-ray, so if you need a second opinion on whether he missed something you can get it. Then, talk with their office manager. Tell her it is fair for you to pay for the extraction. .

If that’s not enough, try talking to the dentist directly. Show your x-rays to your current dentist. He should be able to tell you if the other dentist ignored something obvious.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Kevin Peck.