6745 Sugarloaf Parkway
Suite 200
Duluth, GA 30097

(770) 279-8800

Archives for April 2022

Should My Dentist Refund Me for Not Finishing My Denture On Time?

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I needed my overdenture replaced. However, I knew I would be relocating soon for a new job. I asked my dentist how long it would take to make a new one for me. He told me it would take three weeks. I didn’t actually receive it until a little after nine weeks. However, even after it did come in, the dentist had a devil of a time getting it attached. He had to force it on. After I got home, I could not even eat a bowl of pasta. I was in so much pain. Eventually, I was able to get it off. Unfortunately, when I tried to put it back in, I found that impossible. I called them and scheduled an emergency appointment. My dentist wasn’t in, but I saw one of his partners. He told me that the denture was not properly made. Not only was it at a slant, but the holes were not drilled out properly. Then, I got a call a WEEK later, saying they’d just ordered the new gaskets. I don’t have any time left. I have to move. Is it unreasonable for me to ask for a refund and have this fixed with whatever dentist I end up with in my new location?

Kevin

Dear Kevin,

Implant overdentures

Implant Overdentures

You should definitely get a refund from this dentist. He made a legal agreement with you by telling you that they would have your dentures ready in three weeks. He missed the agreed time by a significant amount. Then, when he finally did get them to you, they did not meet the minimum standard of care with the results. Though you should not have trouble getting a refund if this dentist has integrity, I have found that sometimes dentists who do shoddy work are the most reluctant to give a refund, no matter how well deserved. If that happens to you, there are ways for you to gain some leverage.

First, tell him you will leave a review telling him about the horrendous service you received. Believe it or not, these reviews have a large impact on their business. You could also tell him that you would be willing to write a positive review about his integrity and his willingness to make things right.

If that does not work, your second piece of leverage is to threaten to go to the dental board. Dentists do not like dealing with the dental board, so this carries more weight than you might think.

Finally, you could do a malpractice lawsuit, but the truth is I don’t think this would do you much good. You wouldn’t get enough to justify the cost, not to mention the hassle and time, of the suit.

Hopefully, he’ll step up and do the right thing.
This blog is brought to you by Dr. David Marion, who tries to be one of the best dentists in Duluth, GA.

Perforated Sinus During Dental Implant Procedure

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I had a failed dental implant procedure and the dentist recently removed the implant. He said there was no trouble removing it because the implant had not integrated with the bone at all. During the procedure, the sinus cavity was perforated by a few millimeters, which my oral surgeon says happens all the time. At that time of the removal, he said there was no need to do any preventative antibiotics. He did suggest I take Flonase as well as be gentle with the area. Though he stitched the gums, he said there was no need to close up the sinus cavity because it will heal on its own. He wants me to wait a year and then we will try again for the dental implant. A few days later, I started having congestion and this weird crackling sound even though I was taking the Flonase as instructed. I went back to have him look at it and he said for me to be patient. I told him I felt I needed an antibiotic. At first, he said no but I pretty much insisted. He finally gave me some antibiotics and I started feeling better and everything cleared up. My question is would it have been better to get the antibiotics during the removal procedure to prevent this?

Leslie

Dear Leslie,

illustration of a dental implant next to a tooth

While the way he handled the antibiotics is fine, I want to let you know that there is something much more concerning about this whole situation, which is the sinus perforation itself along with the lack of integration with the bone. While there are times that a sinus cavity will be perforated, a few millimeters is way too much. That is a huge distance by dental standards. Additionally, most of the time this is completely avoidable with adequate diagnostics.

Before letting him work on you again I would want to know two things. First, what diagnostics will he do in order to prevent this from happening again? Secondly, why didn’t the dental implant integrate with the bone? That will be important to know. It is standard procedure for him to do x-rays to ensure there is adequate bone there to begin with. This should have included a CT scan to ensure that something like a sinus perforation doesn’t happen. Placing dental implants is a three-dimensional procedure and requires three-dimensional diagnostics.

My suggestion is you make sure he can answer these questions before moving forward. It would also be helpful for you to get a second opinion on your case to give yourself the best chance of a successful outcome.

This blog is brought to you by Duluth, GA Dentist Dr. David Marion.