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Dentistry/Should I get a new dentist
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Question
I hope that your the right expert to ask.
I am wondering if I should seek a new dentist because I am questioning the ethics of my current dentist.
The situation is basically that I have a metal sensitivity. I guess the word might be allergy but I was always taught that it was called a sensitivity with metals. Since metals bother me, I placed in my chart that I am allergic. Anyway, my dentist gave me a metal bound porcelain crown. I didn't know that there was metal bound on it or I wouldn't have let them put it in. After they placed this crown in my mouth, I started to have inflammation and chronic bleeing in the gums surrounding the tooth. The gum itself even changed to a nice purplish. It has been a year and a half. I went into them and they said it is probably a metal allergy which isn't a surprise since I have had problems with it in the past. They offered to replace it with a porcelain crown but they want me to pay for it. Is it common practice for a dentist to have me pay for something like this? I mean I feel that it is their responsibility for not consulting my chart and I shouldn't have to pay for the replacement when they didn't do it properly the first time.
Dear Daniel: If you told them in advance that you have a metal allergy, and they used metal in your crown that touches your gum, then, in my opinion, your dentist is responsible, and should change it at no charge. If your dentist insists that you must pay for a new crown, than ask him for a refund of the money you paid for this crown, and, if insurance also paid, tell him to repay the insurance. Then I would find another dentist. One who is aware of your personal needs and seneitivities. Have a porcelain crown made after you have been refunded for the one you have. If your dentist does not agree to refund the crown, you may choose to file a Peer Review action through your local or state dental association, and/or file a grievance with your state board. Let me know what happens. dd
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Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO
Expertise
I am a Family, Implant and Cosmetic dentist. I will answer questions on any aspect of dentistry and matters relating to the smile, gums, jaws and lower face. Member American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, and Atlantic Coast District Dental Association. I have served as District Council Member of Alpha Omega, as well as serving for one term as its President. I am also a member of The Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, and Mount Sinai Hospital Guild. I have served as a Volunteer for Project Dental Health and The Tri-County Dental Health Council.
Experience
Having attained over 30 years of clinical experience in private practice in Michigan, in 2001 I was re-certified by taking and passing the Florida State Dental Board Examination. After moving to Florida, I spent nearly 10 years re-honing my skills while working as an Associate Dentist for several large dental groups. In September, 2004, I was appointed Adjunct Clinical Professor at Nova University's College of Dental Medicine. I am certified in placement of Mini Dental Implants, and I am Director of The Florida Implant Center (floridaimplantcenter.com). On March 1, 2010, at the age of 62, I began all over again by buying a dental practice near my home in the Fort Lauderdale area. As sole owner and Chief Dental Officer of the new Nob Hill Dental Center (nobhilldentalcenter.com), I can now carefully provide dental care to patients who care, all within a caring, joyful environment. Over my career lifetime, I have provided thousands of diagnoses, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, periodontal treatments, TMJ therapies, partials, dentures and extractions, and dozens of implants for my patients. The only aspect of dentistry with which I have very little experience is orthodontics.
Organizations
American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, Atlantic Coast District Dental Society, Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, Alpha Omega Alumni Association, and American Association of Dental Implantologists. Formerly, American Academy of General Dentistry, Michigan Dental Association, Macomb Dental Society, Detroit District Dental Society, Tri-County Dental Health Council (a charitable dental care organization)
Publications
"How To Save Money At The Dentist" Going to press soon.
Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology from Wayne State University
Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Detroit College of Dentistry
Adjunct Clinical Professor, Special Needs Department, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Awards and Honors
Membership in The Vedder Honors Society
Past/Present Clients
HIPAA rules do not allow me to post this information.
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