I Agreed to an Extraction, But My Dentist Did a Root Canal Instead

Posted by AllSmiles

I paid my dentist $2100 after insurance for an extraction and a four-unit bridge for my upper right front tooth. When I went for the extraction, my dentist recommended a root canal instead. I asked him to clear it with my insurance company to see if they would provide coverage for the root canal.

I found out that my insurance company won’t cover a bridge because my upper arch already has too many teeth missing. My dentist changed the treatment recommendation again to an implant bridge, which I declined.

I’ve been wearing a temporary flipper partial from my dentist that has broken three times since late April. My dentist wants to charge me $525 for a new partial if I don’t sign a release promising not to hold him responsible for problems with one of the teeth in the bridge. This has been a humiliating experience, and I’m afraid to trust my dentist with any further work. I’m concerned about how to get a refund. Thanks. Kenneth J. from IL

Kenneth,

It sounds like you’ve had a frustrating experience with your current dentist. Given the mid-treatment switch to root canal therapy instead of extraction and the repeated issues with the temporary bridge, it’s certainly understandable why you’d be seeking a new provider.

Your dentist’s apprehension about you taking legal action indicates that he is aware of the inadequate service he provided. You have several valid and ethical complaints to secure a favorable outcome.

• Refund for Services: Notify your dentist that you are requesting a full refund for the treatment you received. Emphasize that while you are not currently planning legal action, this stance may change if a refund isn’t issued. It’s crucial not to sign any release forms, as doing so could forfeit your legal rights. Charging $525 for the repeatedly broken dental flipper is unwarranted and shouldn’t be a point of discussion.
• Reporting to Authorities: You can report the issue to your insurance provider, because they would want to be aware of the quality of service and the waste of time and money involved. Additionally, you could file a complaint with the Illinois Dental Board. Inform your dentist that you will refrain from taking these actions if he provides the requested refund.

You may choose to schedule consultations with at least two skilled dentists before choosing a new provider.

Chandler, Arizona, dentists Dr. William Walden and Dr. Tyrel Beavers sponsor this post. We cater to patients with dental anxiety.