“Affordable” Dentist Disaster

I went in for a dental crown with a guy who was cheaper than the other dentists in town. I was looking to save some money but that was a big mistake. The temporary crown fell off once. I wasn’t too worried about that as it is temporary. Then, the permanent ones have fallen off over five times in as many weeks. On top of that, it is several shades whiter than my regular teeth and really sticks out…when it is staying in. I complained to my dentist and he said that he could change the color for another $400. I couldn’t afford that so felt stuck with the color. Then the crown fell out yet again and I asked him what he was going to do to keep this from constantly falling out. He said he would tell the lab the crown is defective and have them replace it. I was very clear with him that I did not want to pay any more for this crown because I’ve already paid in full and just need it to stay in. It’s not my fault it is defective. He agreed. THEN, after I get the new crown, which still doesn’t match, by the way, I get a bill for $423 saying this is what I owe after insurance from the original crown. But, I already paid that and feel like they are being deceptive to get me to pay for the new crown. What do I do?

Jenny

Dear Jenny,

Dollar sign hatching from an egg
There is a difference between affordable and cheap dentistry

Wow. I am sorry to hear everything you have gone through with this unethical dentist. The first thing I want you to do is NOT pay any further money. If you already paid the new fee, see if your bank will reverse the charges.

When a dentist provides a dental crown, there is a basic understanding that it will match your other teeth and stay in. That is dentistry 101. It seems like your dentist is more of a scam artist. What he’s telling you is “I will provide a dental crown. However, if you want it to match your teeth it will be $400 more. Plus, if you want it to stay in, that will be another $423. He sounds more like a used car shyster than a medical practitioner.

Next, do not return to the office. I want you to go to another dentist in your local area and recruit them to help you get a refund. If you are not dealing with a front tooth, you will not need an expert cosmetic dentist, just an honest one. There are more honest dentists than unethical ones, though it probably doesn’t seem that way now.

If your dentist refuses the refund, tell him you will be reporting him to the dental board. Believe me, they will be on your side.

Please don’t forget to leave a review about what this dentist did to warn any other potential victims.

I know you were looking to save money, but there is a big difference between a cheap dentist and an affordable one. Never go with the dentist who is substantially lower than the rest of the dentists in that area. It’s usually a red flag. However, look for an affordable dentist whose prices are reasonable and who is willing to work with you on payments.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Hillary Peck.

Can a Dental Crown Cause a Yeast Infection?

I had to get a dental crown on a back tooth. When the temporary crown first went in, my teeth felt sensitive. Then, since the permanent crown came in, I have had extra saliva, sores in my mouth, a bitter taste, and bad breath. Is it possible the crown caused a yeast infection in my mouth?

Pamela

Dear Pamela,

You’ve listed a lot of symptoms here and all of them have various causes. The sensitivity after temporary crowns is normal and usually ends shortly after the permanent ones.

As for a yeast infection, is it possible you’ve been rinsing a lot with peroxide in an effort to help with your situation? While it can be a good periodic disinfectant, using it more than just occasionally will lead to a yeast infection.

Sometimes after a stressful dental appointment, a person can develop burning mouth syndrome, but one of the main symptoms of that is dry mouth and you said extra saliva, so I am going to rule that out.

Sores in your mouth are usually from either stress or a virus. The other two symptoms, bad breath and a bitter taste, usually have to do with oral hygiene. Sometimes, after getting a dental crown where someone’s mouth is sensitive, they ease up on the brushing and flossing, but that actually exacerbates the problem. Dig in there without being delicate and it will help.

Of course, there is the possibility you are having trouble getting everything from around the crown. In those cases, something like a WaterPik will help.

Try those things and if it doesn’t help after a couple of weeks, see your dentist again and have him or her look at things.

This blog is brought to you Phoenix Dentist Dr. Hillary Peck.