Since 2021, I’ve had three teeth that needed filling, root canals, and extractions. If my dentist continues this pace, I lose almost half my teeth in ten years. How is this possible? I brush and floss and keep dental cleaning appointments. Still, I’ve spent thousands of dollars on fillings, root canals, extractions, and dental implants. It’s been challenging to save money.
I’ve gone from my dentist monitoring two teeth to needing fillings. Then, the two fillings fell out after a few months, with the dentist saying that the cavity was too deep and I needed a root canal. The recurring issues concern me.
How do I know whether I’m experiencing poor care or if I have an underlying health issue that is leading to all these extractions? Should I insist on a refund, even if it takes an attorney to get it? Thank you. Ishmael
Ishamael,
Although one of our dentists would need to examine and x-ray your teeth, we will offer some suggestions. It is unusual for a patient with diligent oral hygiene, regular dental exams, and cleanings to need multiple root canal procedures. Regular checkups should detect early signs of decay so a dentist can treat it. However, you’re experiencing the opposite.
X-ray of an unrestorable tooth with deteriorated pulp, courtesy of ToothIQ.com
If a dentist watches a tooth vulnerable to decay and declares it unrestorable on the next visit, they may be negligent. X-rays and a sharp explorer can detect problems with the tooth, and the dentist should intervene. Even if a dentist is watching a tooth with an old filling, the decay should not progress fast enough to damage the tooth pulp and root. That’s an issue that a dentist should catch.
When a dental filling falls out and leaves a tooth exposed, it is fair for you to be suspicious about the quality of your dentist’s work. Additionally, if the dentist’s solution is root canal therapy, which fails, and then a dental implant, you should consider getting a second opinion from a skilled dentist.
It will be challenging to get a refund from your dentist. We suggest switching dentists. Ask them to examine your history of X-rays and determine whether your previous dentist misdiagnosed your case or recommended treatment you didn’t need. If another dentist finds a blatant issue, you can tell your previous dentist that you will report the issue to the dental board. You can also leave negative online reviews.
Although your concerns may not be worth hiring an attorney to get a refund, they are finding a new dentist to preserve your teeth and oral health.
David Finley, DDS, a Metairie, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read about what Dr. Finley and his team do to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.
