[wowwy]

hello ... I'm hoping someone will tell me I can get my money back.

Is dental work guaranteed at all? I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

I'm in need of full mouth reconstruction (due to dental negligence, of course ... but that's a long story). Anyways, I had the top teeth replaced with crowns and one bridge done by a general dentist. Afterwards, I found out that I could have had a mold or mock-up of what the new teeth would look like (for me to approve them) and that these new ones should have been first temporarily cemented in before being permanently cemented in.

The new teeth went in. I never saw the crowns prior to him putting them in. I think he wanted to 'wow' me with my new smile. They were too long; my aunt said she's seen dentures looking better than this. Later, the dentist reshaped them. Due to this, they feel sandy (not polish smooth). Also, I don't like the way they look.

Also, all of them are too fat. Sometimes I hear a popping sound and can feel a buckling (like when you try to squish something together and it's just not going to fit). The dentist told me that that's just the way crowns are made (they will look "horsey") and he can't feel anything as to the overcrowded buckling. The bridge is loose and hurts in one area. The back teeth hurt when I floss. I do not pronounce "th" as well as "s" sounds properly.

I told my dentist about my complaints and he said he would "get me new teeth", but I just found out that he only intended to replace the front teeth. Also, he expected me to get the bottom teeth done before he fixed the top.

I got a second opinion from a specialist (and, by the way, I didn't even know there were specialists out there ... that option was never given to me). The specialist strongly inferred that the teeth did not have to be fat and that the natural teeth under the crowns are subject to fractures when removing the permanently cemented work.

I also had a tooth missing on the bottom molar area. 2 years ago, he whittled down my teeth and put in a temporary. I'm not really even sure why he needed to do that. I was never told that leaving a temporary on for a long time could result in the teeth rotting.

While I waited for him to fix the top he was waiting for me to get the bottom teeth done. He probably didn't pressure me (or inform me) because I had been through hell with the previous dental negligence. While time went by, the prepared teeth on my bottoms started to rot and I had to get 2 root canals and now more teeth are involved in the bottom bridgework.

I'm going to see him soon and really I want my money back. I want to go to the specialist and get new crowns and bridges. I want them all replaced. I'm a single mom and don't have all this money to burn ... the cost hurts.

I went into this dentist hating what the negligent people did to my teeth and now I don't like what's been done. I want to forget the bad and smile again. I don't think I should pay thousands of dollars (so far around $20,000) for teeth that need to be reshaped and sanded down and hurt. I want "factory fresh" teeth!!!

I hope I'm clear in stating my problem and I'd love to hear your opinion and advice. ... thank you.

[JudyKayTee]

I think this is more of a legal problem and less of a dental problem, although a dentist (or dentists) are involved.

In order to collect anything you have to PROVE THROUGH EDUCATED TESTIMONY (another professional) that the Dentist either did NOT do something he should have done OR DID do something he should not have done. Both of these would be negligent.

Then you have to prove damages.

These cases are very difficult because "usually" one medical professional will not testify against another and the costs of pursuing these claims are very, very high.

I would consult with an Attorney.

If you continue to return to this office you are going to have difficulty convincing a jury that you found him to be incompetent or negligence. I would search for a new Dentist.

[flossie]

wowwy,

Your best bet is to get in touch with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario. They are the licencing body for all the dentists here in Ontario. There is a complaints process available through the College. The College is supposed to protect the public.

When you call be sure you have everything written down. You will need the dates of the procedures and what was done at each appointment, how long you were in the chair and what the fees were. You will need to have copies of all your bills and receipts. You should have before and after photos. The dentist will be asked to provide any photos or x-rays he took.

I'd suggest you ask the dental office for a copy of your records for your own personal use, the documents do belong to you and you have every right to them so don't let them tell you they can't give you a copy. Do this BEFORE you are in touch with the RCDS.

Public Protection - Complaints Process

Sorry Judy but here in Canada we aren't quick to go to lawyers.

I hope this helps.