My dentist drilled off part of my gums, what can I do? - Dental Health Message Board

brimorga · 12-26-2004, 01:40 AM

I had 12 year old veneers on my two top front teeth that I wanted to get replaced. I went to my dentist, he took impressions, removed the old veneers and created temporary veneers out of composite until my new porcelain veneers were ready 2 weeks later. The problem started then, because the temporary veneers he created went too high up and were jabbing into my gums, making them sore and bleed when I brushed. I went back 2 days later, told him my problem and he set to work drilling where the composite was jabbing into my gums, telling me he would just remove the part that was too high up. While he was doing this, I had Novocain, I noticed that the fluid sucker (don't know what it is called) his assistant was using was sucking up quite a bit of blood. When he was done, I looked in the mirror and the point of the gum going between my two front teeth was drilled off. What remains now, where the pink tip of gum used to be, is an off white spec of gum set further back in between my teeth. I guess his drill wouldn't go far back enough in between my teeth to remove all my gums

. You can now see a small triangle shaped gap between my teeth with a white spec of gum in the background. My dentist proceeded to tell me that the white would turn back to pink in an hour and gave me Periomed, which he said would help the gums grow back. Well here I am, several days later and the pink has not returned, and neither has my missing piece of gum. Further more I have read up on Periomed and it helps with tooth and gum sensitivity, not gums growing back. I think he just gave me that so I wouldn't feel the pain of my bleeding gums. Now, I don't know what to do.
I think that he is fresh out of college starting a new office with a couple of other dentists and he really has no idea what he is doing, nor does he have any experience or talent, just high tech expensive equipment.
I've already paid him for the veneers that are being created now but I don't really want to go back to him because he does terrible work. Most importantly however, I'm really ****ed off about my gums. Any suggestions as to if it's even possible for my gums to grow back without surgery and what I should do about getting my permanent veneers? All I have now are the crappy temporary ones he created for me and who knows how long those are going to last. Help!!!! Please!!!!

norrell · 12-26-2004, 05:40 AM

Oh gosh, I'm so sorry that happened to you. One thing is for sure, he lied to you about the periomed helping your gum to grow back. It does not! Periomed helps with sensitivity like you said and helps your gums to heal if it's been inflamed. It helps your gums to get healthier but no gum will grow. That was insane for him to tell you that. Also you should know that you gum is prob. a little bit swollen. Once it heals completely there will be more spaces between your teeth. The blood you mentioned can be just from the irritation of your gums when he was trying to adjust your vaneers. But the triangle gap between your teeth really does sound like he removed your papillae. Papillae is the pointy gum between your teeth. I would suggest you go back to him and address this issue. And point out to him also that what he told you about periomed is not true. It's hard to say what to do about the vaneers if you already paid for it. A good dentist will not put your permanent vaneers on without your approval. If after you address your papillae issue with him and still not satisfy with the outcome than you prob. should demand your money back and take your business elsewhere. Go in with a positive attitude and be calm. Drs do not address angry patients well. Good luck.

brimorga · 12-26-2004, 03:07 PM

Toothfairy,
Thanks for the sound advice. You are exactly right, he drilled off the front side of my papillae. I'm sorry to hear that once the swelling goes down, the gap will be larger.

I think that I will do what you said, but I'm also wondering if my dental insurance company is able to do anything. I'm also thinking about consulting with my former dentist, whom I now majorily regret leaving due to proximity reasons.
I will have to try my best to approach this as positive however, since everytime I look in the mirror or think about it, I just get so mad!!!!
Right now, the last thing I want to do is let this guy work inside my mouth again.

[Please refrain from using cuss/slang words. Words like "so mad" are preferred. Thanks - Well-come Moderator.]

norrell · 12-27-2004, 06:58 AM

I can't blame you for your anger. After all you expect quality care and trust your doctor. No, your dental insurance will not be able to do anything about this matter. They do not deal with situations like this. But yes, go back to your former dentist and get his opinion. Esp. if you didnt' leave his practice on bad terms. Many patients leave an office due to the driving distance and that is very understandable. Go see your former dentist asap because if you are still healing he might be able to tell if your papaillae is actually severed. I'm not doubting you but that is my advise. If your papillae has completely healed then it will be difficult to tell if it has actually been "cut". Also take good close up pictures of that area. Keep your head up and a positive attitude though it's difficult right now.

norrell · 12-29-2004, 06:07 AM

I have never known insurance company to drop a provider. That is how they make their money. From my experience a PPO dental office is all about quantity and not quality. I would stay away from those and go with a traditional dental insurance where you can pick your own dentist and not from a list. There is no company that license dentists. They are licensed thru the state they reside, by the governer. You can look them up online if interested. For ex. if you live in Ca. look under Ca board of dentistry. There is even a form you can file to complain about a dentist online. There's a lot of legality to it so make sure you read up on all of them prior to filing. It might not even be worth your time. At any rate it's better to deal with the situation at the home front. Talk to your dentist first. If you are yet not satisfied then seek other avenues.