Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 12/29/2006

Question
I was given a gift certificate by a relative for a professional teeth whitening.  On the gift certificate, I was referred to a dentist (who is not my regular dentist) and it clearly specified that I would receive a complete oral examination, x-rays, oral imaging and the whitening treatment.  To make a very long story short, I went in with the intention of getting my teeth whitened (which was a pre-paid service) and walked out with a cavity being filled with a white porcelain, 2 silvers being replaced with white porcelains, and an occlusal guard (which I later discovered I did not need because I do not grind my teeth).  This dentist wanted to take out 2 more silvers and replace them white porcelains and also wanted to fit me for a retainer, but I declined because despite his informing me that none of this would be an out of pocket expense for me, I was concerned that it would be.  He billed my dental insurance company $1,388.00 (which included a set of partial x-rays that he took).  I gave him a co-pay of $100.00 on the day of my appointment and will have to pay my dental insurance carrier an additional $326.10.  My question:  Does it sound like I was being taken advantage of and is there any possible recourse?  

Answer
bob
you are asking me to diagnose something over the internet.  this is impossible to do. you needed to ask more questions up front...like why do they need replacing? was there decay under old fillings? did he show you anything on xrays?

i tell patients to always get second opinions if something does not feel right  with what you are being told. it is too late now to do this. you need good communication with your dentist. maybe sit down with him and ask him exactly what he did and exactly why. voice your displeasure and see how he handles things. then you have to decide what to do from then on...get a new dentist? stay with him? these are personal questions for you to think about. as far as recourse now, it is impossible to prove anything here. good luck with all of this.

jeff dalin, dds