mississippiblue
03-04-2006, 02:58 PM
I have a problem with my current dentist. In 2003, I went in to have a tooth pulled. It was a painful cavity. My dentist persuaded me to have a crown placed on it instead. I did so. Recently, I went back to have the tooth next to the crown pulled because it had a small hole in it and was painful. After x-rays were taken, I was told that both of the teeth needed to be pulled or both of them needed crowns. I asked why did the crown that was done in 2003 needed to be pulled. I was told that it was decaying and had a large space between them. I asked why wasn't it positioned correctly and why was it decaying. I was told that nothing lasts forever. To replace both crowns would cost over $500. I opted to have the painful tooth pulled instead. The next day, I kept feeling something sticking out on the inside of my gumline. I looked in the mirror and saw what I thought to be a piece of tooth remaining. I called the dentist's office and made a post-operative appointment to have that piece removed. I went to the appointment and was told that what I saw was not a piece of tooth, but a piece of bone instead!! I asked was this normal and was told yes. However, I have had a few of my teeth pulled before, and not once have I ever had a piece of visible bone sticking out of my gumline. I was very uspet. I asked for my medical records. The staff was stalling and told me to wait in the waiting area. I wanted my entire file, even from 2003, because after receiving an explanation of benefits from my dental insurance, I paid $30 more than what I should have been charged. I have never received a breakdown of charges. I never really had a reason to question this, until my insurance started sending emails of the explanation of benefits. This recent email prompted me to look back at my charges in 2003. The insurance stated that my portion should have been $170. Yet, I paid over $300. I ended up leaving without my medical records. I was told to come back, because the records from 2003 were in archive. I am afraid that I may never receive the proper documentation. I have taken pictures of the exposed bone in my mouth. I do not know if it would be wise to consult with an attorney or not. Because, I can remember signing a form at the dentist's office stating that dental practice is not an exact science. What should I do? The area where the exposed bone is, is very painful, reddened, and swollen. I have to swap Orajel on it throughout the day, which is not good, because Orajel is not intended for extended use. I plan to visit another dentist this week. I would appreciate any advice.