[KSMacy]

I have written in the past about my saga getting dentures after having all my teeth extracted due to lack of funds to have my teeth repaired. At age 65, I found that many of the teeth which were crowned or supporting permanent bridges needed root canals or implants and could not afford to replace the crowns, bridge and get multiple implants. All of my teeth were crowned, many were post and crown.

I received support and help from Bryanna who I am so thankful. I wanted to ask for further advice, but could not find my old thread. I don't want to repeat my whole, long story. If someone could tell me how to find it I would appreciate it.

Thanks to advice from Bryanna, I decided to ask for a refund on the poor dentures which I have had to endure for the past 4 months. I finally found a Prosthodontist who seems to be far more thorough and kind. I decided to have him make me a new set of dentures. He has done relines and various adjustments on the old ones I've been wearing, and have made them bearable. I so look forward to getting the new ones but have to wait until I have saved enough money to pay for them. That should be the end of the month.

I sent an email to my old dentist to request a refund because the dentures she made never worked. They never fit my mouth and were too wide. Because they were so wide, they impinged on a nerve on the side of my face which cause me ear pain each time I moved my mouth. This was the first week after my extractions. They were also so big they wouldn't stay in my mouth. They kept falling out creating a situation where I couldn't eat nor go out of the house.

Due to the ear pain, she cut both dentures short. It immediately relieved the pain but now the dentures had no way of staying in. There was no suction, just 4 cut edges. After my stitches were removed and I could use adhesive, I could at least, leave the house. But I could not eat.

Things only got worse until she finally remade, at her expense, a new upper denture. She only did this because she couldn't do anything to keep the denture from falling out. She did not replace the lower which was even worse. She wanted me to pay $2,000 to have a new one made. I told her I couldn't afford that. She was cold and told me she could not do anymore for me.

That is when I found the Prosthodontist. He will not comment on the old dentures except to say, 'he is not a miracle worker.' He will not make any critical statements about these dentures. Neither will my Oral Surgeon. I do not push the point as I realize they rely on each other for referrals and don't want to get involved in a dispute.

Bryanna, I emailed the dentist asking for a refund. I stated why I felt she should refund my money and that I needed the money to have a new temporary set of dentures made. I never mentioned the Prosthodontist except to say I found another dentist who would make me a new set. But without a refund I am forced to continue to wear the old dentures which do not work. I cannot afford to pay another $2,800 for a new set without the refund.

Her secretary wrote back saying the dentist would not refund the money and they were glad I found a new dentist who could meet my expectations. She said she remade the upper denture at her cost, and would only refund 1/2 of the lower denture.

I realized, when I emailed her that I put the wrong amount for the refund. I thought I paid $938.00 for the set. I actually paid $2,800 for both. I don't know why I made that mistake except I was so nervous writing the email.

I can't get a new set using the upper she made. Although it stays in (because the Prosthodontist put some sort of liner in it), the teeth are too long and he can't use it to make the bottom. My bite is totally wrong. I have not been able to close my mouth fully because the teeth hit each other. So, he would not think of using her upper to make me a lower.

I have read your responses to other people about how to keep emotion out of any correspondence with the dentist. I'm not sure how to do that!

I'm am so unhappy, I feel I've lost 4 months of my life because of these dentures. I wanted to have implants put in but have no way to pay for it because I'll have to pay for another pair of dentures. I paid for bone grafting to the Oral Surgeon when he did the extractions. He did a beautiful job. I had to take a loan to pay for the extractions and bone grafts. I can't afford to pay for another set of dentures and get the implants.

I don't know how to proceed. I feel I threw all that money away, over $7,000 for the extractions and bone grafts. I didn't have to do that if I knew I couldn't get the implants. I never expected the dentist to make such a poor set of temporary dentures that I would have to have another set made.

I'm so sorry this is so long. I would appreciate any guidance you might offer me. I have not responded to the email from the dentist offering 1/2 refund for the bottom ($475.00). I need help about what to write her.

Thank you so much. I apologize for the length of this post.

Jane

[Bryanna]

Hi Jane,

Even though you already emailed her office, I would suggest that you speak with the dentist directly, not through her secretary. You can either do that by scheduling a consult with her or write a letter directly to her and send it registered mail. Give her a date to respond by or you will file paperwork with the local dental board.

Either way it is important to keep emotion out of it as best as you can.
Compile a written list of the following:

List ALL of the appointments and their outcomes by date that you had with this dentist. Also list the cost per procedure.

Then list what you had done with the OS by date along with the cost.

Then list what the new dentist has done, the cost to date and the proposed treatment and that cost.

Then list what your original expectations were regarding the fit of the temporary dentures based on what she had told you. State whether you felt your expectation were met or not... and whether you felt you were being cared for in a professional manner. State why you sought a new dentist.

State the bone grafts were very costly and they were done to preserve bone for dental implants. Due to the costs incurred to make a new temp..... etc...... you may not be able to move forward with the implants.

Request a full refund of both original dentures, minus her lab fees. I think lab fees for dentures run about $250.00 to $375.00 for each one. It is best to ask to see her lab bills for your dentures!

I'm sorry you are going through all of this nonsense. I am glad that you have found someone better to work with!!

Bryanna

Originally Posted by KSMacy

I have written in the past about my saga getting dentures after having all my teeth extracted due to lack of funds to have my teeth repaired. At age 65, I found that many of the teeth which were crowned or supporting permanent bridges needed root canals or implants and could not afford to replace the crowns, bridge and get multiple implants. All of my teeth were crowned, many were post and crown.

I received support and help from Bryanna who I am so thankful. I wanted to ask for further advice, but could not find my old thread. I don't want to repeat my whole, long story. If someone could tell me how to find it I would appreciate it.

Thanks to advice from Bryanna, I decided to ask for a refund on the poor dentures which I have had to endure for the past 4 months. I finally found a Prosthodontist who seems to be far more thorough and kind. I decided to have him make me a new set of dentures. He has done relines and various adjustments on the old ones I've been wearing, and have made them bearable. I so look forward to getting the new ones but have to wait until I have saved enough money to pay for them. That should be the end of the month.

I sent an email to my old dentist to request a refund because the dentures she made never worked. They never fit my mouth and were too wide. Because they were so wide, they impinged on a nerve on the side of my face which cause me ear pain each time I moved my mouth. This was the first week after my extractions. They were also so big they wouldn't stay in my mouth. They kept falling out creating a situation where I couldn't eat nor go out of the house.

Due to the ear pain, she cut both dentures short. It immediately relieved the pain but now the dentures had no way of staying in. There was no suction, just 4 cut edges. After my stitches were removed and I could use adhesive, I could at least, leave the house. But I could not eat.

Things only got worse until she finally remade, at her expense, a new upper denture. She only did this because she couldn't do anything to keep the denture from falling out. She did not replace the lower which was even worse. She wanted me to pay $2,000 to have a new one made. I told her I couldn't afford that. She was cold and told me she could not do anymore for me.

That is when I found the Prosthodontist. He will not comment on the old dentures except to say, 'he is not a miracle worker.' He will not make any critical statements about these dentures. Neither will my Oral Surgeon. I do not push the point as I realize they rely on each other for referrals and don't want to get involved in a dispute.

Bryanna, I emailed the dentist asking for a refund. I stated why I felt she should refund my money and that I needed the money to have a new temporary set of dentures made. I never mentioned the Prosthodontist except to say I found another dentist who would make me a new set. But without a refund I am forced to continue to wear the old dentures which do not work. I cannot afford to pay another $2,800 for a new set without the refund.

Her secretary wrote back saying the dentist would not refund the money and they were glad I found a new dentist who could meet my expectations. She said she remade the upper denture at her cost, and would only refund 1/2 of the lower denture.

I realized, when I emailed her that I put the wrong amount for the refund. I thought I paid $938.00 for the set. I actually paid $2,800 for both. I don't know why I made that mistake except I was so nervous writing the email.

I can't get a new set using the upper she made. Although it stays in (because the Prosthodontist put some sort of liner in it), the teeth are too long and he can't use it to make the bottom. My bite is totally wrong. I have not been able to close my mouth fully because the teeth hit each other. So, he would not think of using her upper to make me a lower.

I have read your responses to other people about how to keep emotion out of any correspondence with the dentist. I'm not sure how to do that!

I'm am so unhappy, I feel I've lost 4 months of my life because of these dentures. I wanted to have implants put in but have no way to pay for it because I'll have to pay for another pair of dentures. I paid for bone grafting to the Oral Surgeon when he did the extractions. He did a beautiful job. I had to take a loan to pay for the extractions and bone grafts. I can't afford to pay for another set of dentures and get the implants.

I don't know how to proceed. I feel I threw all that money away, over $7,000 for the extractions and bone grafts. I didn't have to do that if I knew I couldn't get the implants. I never expected the dentist to make such a poor set of temporary dentures that I would have to have another set made.

I'm so sorry this is so long. I would appreciate any guidance you might offer me. I have not responded to the email from the dentist offering 1/2 refund for the bottom ($475.00). I need help about what to write her.

Thank you so much. I apologize for the length of this post.

Jane

[KSMacy]

Thank you as always, Bryanna. I am trying to compose notes for the appointments. I am hesitant to mention the other dentists (Oral Surgeon, Prosthodontist). I have to continue working with them and do not want to cause any problems. What are your thoughts on that?

Unfortunately, I didn't keep any notes so am relying on memory. Luckily when her assistant emailed me she sent along the payment history which included the visits. What I realized when looking at that, she stated that temporary dentures were 'throw aways' and you couldn't expect them to fit correctly as your mouth heals. Except those 'throw aways' would have only lasted 4 weeks when she said I needed a new set. I would think 'throw away' dentures would last longer than a month especially after paying $2,000 for them. Anyway, I hadn't realized how little time I really had before she threw in the towel on them.

I will be happy to forward the email from her office if you would like to read it.

Should I mention that I will file a complaint if I do not get a refund?

Thanks again for being such an advocate for us poor, unknowing folks.

Jane

[Hopeless]

Dear Jane,

I know what you have gone through as I had a very similar experience. I paid for 3 sets of dentures, thousands of dollars, and then finally had a set made by a prosthodontist that fit perfectly. I was "toothless" for over 18 months. My general dentist's ego would never allow him to admit his failures. It has been several years since my experience. I plan to one day go tell him how detrimental he was to my life. I should have tried to get at least some of my money back but he would not even entertain the idea that he was at fault. He kept telling me I was being a wimp. When I found my prosthodontist, I never had a minute of difficulty. I have never needed a single drop of adhesive either.

Wishing you success on getting some of your money back.

[Hopeless]

Hi Jane,

I failed to mention in my prior response, the $10 grand I paid to an oral surgeon for bone grafts. I know how you feel about "throwing" all your money away. Not to mention all the pain and suffering. I would be sitting pretty if I still had all the money I spent on dental costs to only wind up toothless. I have never totaled it up but a low estimate is over $35,000.

No dental insurance. Made loans just as you did.

[ginnie]

I didn't read Bryannas post yet, but I will. Doctors and Dentists both have an obligation to the patient. The dentist you saw, did not do the dentures right to begin with. You already know that. I would request in a certified letter, a full refund. The Dentists are held accountable by a board. American Dental Association or the local branch would be a good place to start. Keep a copy of the letter for yourself and your records, along with all correspondence from the staff or from the dentist. You can submit it for review to the board. This dentist owes you. No one has money to throw away on something that never worked right to begin with. List all the office visits, and adjustments when you present the letter to a board. I hope you get every penny back. I am so sorry this happened to you. This would be worth a lawyer in my opinion. ginnie

[KSMacy]

Thank you Hopeless and Ginny for your support. It means so much to me. I never in a million years thought you could request a refund for poor dental work. I found this website and read the many posts and realized asking for your money back was not so far fetched.

This has been a horrendous journey for me. Our funds are limited as we are retired and have been taking loans to pay for this work. I didn't get my teeth fixed because it would have involved so many new crowns, implants and bridges. I had beautiful teeth (at least on the outside), after moving away from our home to this new State, I developed a tooth ache and that's when I got the bad news. I opted to extract all my teeth (against all advice) and get implant supported dentures. I thought it would be less expensive.

Ginny, I live close to you in Sarasota. Maybe I should let you know who Not to see as a dentist!

Thank you both for your support. Hopeless, I feel your pain. What a terrible time for you. I have been so traumatized by this nightmare, I can't focus on anything else. I feel my life has been put on hold and this whole ordeal has taken a toll not only on me, but my family as well. I'm happy it finally worked out for you. I also found a Prosthodontist who I am hopeful is good. I haven't gotten the new dentures yet because I don't have the money to pay for them. They are made and I should be able to pick them up next week. How ridiculous it all seems.

I just hope I can handle this alone. I'm not sure what to write and am afraid to speak to this dentist. She was so cold and intimidating I lost my nerve to fight for myself. The other dentists do not want any involvement so I have to do it myself.
Wish me luck...

Jane

[Bryanna]

Jane,

When you mention the work done and proposed by the other dentists, do not mention their names.

I cannot stress enough to you that you need to put YOU first... not the dentist that screwed you over, not the OS or the prosthodontist. Your OS and prostho will not be upset with you for standing up for yourself to this woman dentist. They may prefer to be sheep and not want to get personally involved, but they will not hold it against you for taking control of that situation.

I have been in dentistry for 35 years..... I can tell you that dentists make mistakes and they reimburse patients. If you believe that you were mistreated and bullied by that dentist... and based on what you have told me, I believe you were.....then allow that belief to empower you. Dentists will reimburse a disgruntled patient because it is easier for them than going before the board and/or being sued.

It says in writing that the temp dentures were throw aways!!?? It is true that most often the initial dentures are fabricated to be worn short term. Although they can be made so they can be relined a few times and some people get a year or more out of them! The less costly temp dentures that are cheaply fabricated and not easy to reline are less costly for the patient as well. Again, if she charged you full price for "throw away" dentures....... that is just disgraceful on her part.

Yes, I would state that you will file a complaint with the dental board if she is not willing to reimburse your money and then follow through and file the complaint. You have nothing to lose by filing the complaint!
It is important to keep in mind that this woman has not treated you kindly or professionally. She has bullied you into being afraid to confront her. I know you want to avoid a confrontation and I don't blame you. But if you truly feel that she did wrong by you and want to be reimbursed for poor dental care then don't let her bully you anymore.

Sure, you can send me the email from her office. Send it to bryanna007@yahoo.com.

Bryanna

Originally Posted by KSMacy

Thank you as always, Bryanna. I am trying to compose notes for the appointments. I am hesitant to mention the other dentists (Oral Surgeon, Prosthodontist). I have to continue working with them and do not want to cause any problems. What are your thoughts on that?

Unfortunately, I didn't keep any notes so am relying on memory. Luckily when her assistant emailed me she sent along the payment history which included the visits. What I realized when looking at that, she stated that temporary dentures were 'throw aways' and you couldn't expect them to fit correctly as your mouth heals. Except those 'throw aways' would have only lasted 4 weeks when she said I needed a new set. I would think 'throw away' dentures would last longer than a month especially after paying $2,000 for them. Anyway, I hadn't realized how little time I really had before she threw in the towel on them.

I will be happy to forward the email from her office if you would like to read it.

Should I mention that I will file a complaint if I do not get a refund?

Thanks again for being such an advocate for us poor, unknowing folks.

Jane

[ginnie]

Wow!!!!! You do live close to me. I have some really good information for you. I lived in fear of the dentist. I had work done that was bad, many of the issues you do. After a lifetime of looking I found a dentist who listens, is excelent in her practice, and can advise you correctly and not take you for money. My fear and worry went right out the window. She can also work with you financially, so this is NOT a burden to you while you are trying to get a refund. She will accept what you can do. She has mercy, and compassion.
Dr. Hilda Parajon, at Comfortable care Dental, on 41, The shopping plaza next to the Toyota dealership. Use my name for a reference. I have sent many people in her direction. All got back with me to tell me how good their experience is. she has a web site, with comments about her and her staff. Go there for a consult before you do the work. You will be a peace, and I know the information and care you would receive is top notch. Both her, and her two brothers are dentists. She reduced the cost of all my work as I too am on medicare/medicaid. She has a big big heart. I hope you choose her. You will not be disappointed, and you will get the best possible solution. I wish you all the best. ginnie

[KSMacy]

Yes Ginny, off University. Unfortunately or fortunately I found a Prosthodontist who is making me a new set of temporaries. It will cost me $2,600 but if they fit properly it is worth it. He has been very kind and understanding. I don't know what I would have done if I didn't find him. He was able to make adjustments to the terrible dentures from the other dentist to allow me to have the new set done. I still can't eat anything but soft foods but at least they stay in when I speak so I can go out.

I'm hoping for the refund from the first dentist to help pay for the new ones.

I'll keep the name of your dentist for future reference. It is so helpful to get the name from someone who has positive experience with a dentist.

Hopeless, I assume you didn't try to get a refund. It would not have occurred to me to try either. It was reading the posts on this site which led to the possibility. Ridiculous amount of money and dentists don't seem to think so. I don't think I'll be able to afford the 3 implants I was hoping to get. I still haven't gotten a straight price. I'll do that after this denture fiasco!

Thanks again for your support.
Jane

Jane