Wellness

[threecees]

I had a cracked tooth last June. I had to switch dentists because my current one was

retiring around that time and I couldn't get in to see him before he did.

I found someone within a day or two and was able to be seen. He had no time to

fit me for a crown since I was not an established patient. He told me he would be

able to put a pin in it and temporarily fill it. It seemed o.k. after that appt. and I went

in early Nov.for the crown.

I had the crown in for a little over a month and then started having pain chewing on

that tooth. I called and was told to come in and the dentist would modify the crown.

Well what an ordeal I had to put up with. Went in the 1st time and he said the crown shifted and he took it down slightly to fit my bite. Still had the issue and went in a 2nd time about a month later and he did the same again. Still was feeling pain slightly and

it was bothering me and Icalled again and I was told each time since the 1st time that the xrays look fine and that it must only be my bite.

Dentist told me adjusting after a crown is put in is pretty common. I was so worked

up about this. It was really driving me nuts.

I would say it is about 90% good now. I have a crown on my bottom right side from

4 or 5 years ago that never gave me any problems.

[2blonde]

@drizzellla  My dentist does all those things right there in his own office.  Too bad you don't live in NE Ohio.......I'd hook you up!

[Scooby Doo]

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@drizzellla wrote:

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@2blonde wrote:

@drizzelllaThis definitely sounds like you need a root canal.  What I don't understand is why the dentist didn't suggest that in the first place instead of filling it, and also why it wasn't mentioned the last time you had your x-ray.  Big cavities don't just pop up from nowhere.  My dentist would never have handled it that way.  I'm not sure I trust your dentist.

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I am also not trusting the dentist. And that is why I am not rushing back for the root canal.

I really think he likes that I am a cash customer. He can charge me $250 to fill a tooth. Then send me to his "Dentist friend" for a kick back on the root canal. And then he can charge me another $1,800 for the crown.

I know big cavities just don't happen. He even commented about my last visit. I thought that is why you go every 6 months - so you never have a big cavity.

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I have to agree that I wouldn't be trusting the dentist at this point.  It sounds like he missed the cavity on the x-rays last time because they don't grow that fast unless they're exposed to a high level of sugar, like holding a cough drop in your cheek against that tooth.  I suspect that the dentist made a hairline crack in the tooth while drilling.  Or the walls of the tooth have been so thin and compromised that it cracked when you bit down on it.  I had that happen to me and I couldn't chew on a tooth for several years until I had the filling taken out and a crown put on it.  It's not going to get better by itself.  I'd be shopping around for a new dentist.

In another instance, the dentist noted that I had a cavity then gave my file to the assistant expecting her to make an appointment to get it fixed.  She didn't tell me that I needed an appointment, she missed it.  A few months later the cavity had grown to the point that I needed a crown.  Somebody's not accepting responsibility for their mistakes.

[indiepup]

I second getting a 2nd opinion for sure!  And probably a new dentist.

[drizzellla]

Thanks, I guess I knew that I should get a second opinion and a new Dentist. He has done some questionable things and I keep thinking his motives are to just "run up the bill".

I understand it is just him and he has 2 Receptionists, 2 Hygienists and 1 Assistant. He has alot of expenses to cover. But I feel like there are some months I am in his office every week. I am serious my patient file is at least 4 inches thick.

[AuntG]

Consider yourself a candidate for a root canal.

[Kachina624]

@drizzellla   Is your dental practice possibly owned by a corporation?  I've recently had experience with that situation after my long-time dentist retired and sold out.  The new group is on their 3rd dentist in 2 years, they sneak in treatments that I don't want, twice after I paid the bill in total, they "remembered" other charges.  I've fired them and am looking for a new dentist.  My first question is, "who owns this practice?"

[bonnielu]

I have a cavity under my crown.  I guess I will be getting a new crown.  Not happy since I take care of my teeth and  expected the crown to last. I hope my insurance helps me out... otherwise a really big bill.  

[Drythe]

@drizzellla

I had to have a crown on a tooth damaged playing basketball.  At first it hurt & my dentist said it was right on the root, but suggested I wait 6 months to see if the nerve calmed down.  I did wait and it stopped hurting.  Glad I did, as I want no more dental work than absolutely necessary.

I certainly do wonder hoe a “large” cavity could be missed upon exam ~ exray or not!  Don’t care for the sound of that.

Best wishes!

[brandiwine]

Sometimes a second opinion is well worth it.