Switching Dentists: How to Address Poor Dental Work and Costs

Q: Switching Dentists: How to Address Poor Dental Work and Costs

Hello： It is recommended to find a physician you trust. <br>After stating your purpose, it is best if the physician is willing to assist you. <br>If the issue exceeds the physician's scope of practice, asking the physician to issue a referral to a medical center for further manag

The dentist was careless with the filling, and I would like to switch dentists to have the same tooth refilled?

Hello~ Recently, I went to a dentist for a filling, but each time I leave, I end up with new issues.
The doctor always says, "Let's prioritize getting it filled before addressing aesthetic concerns," which results in the fillings looking worse than if I hadn't had them done at all.
Shouldn't aesthetic considerations be taken into account when treating anterior teeth? He keeps saying we can improve it later.
Just a couple of days ago, he filled two teeth next to my right central incisor.
The canine tooth had some discoloration and decay at the junction of the original resin.
It felt like the doctor, after cleaning and filling the decay, quickly covered the discolored resin with a new layer of resin to unify the color! After the filling, it looks like the canine has two layers, with a noticeable line where the new resin overlaps.
The color is quite close, but visually it looks like a thick layer of putty.
I immediately went back to the previous dentist and explained that the filling looked rough, like a thick layer of putty on top.
When I asked if I could have it redone, he said, "But the insurance doesn't cover that; otherwise, you'll have to pay out of pocket." I clearly stated that although I have another appointment, I probably won't return to him because I always leave with new issues! I trust your skills more, so can I pay out of pocket for you to redo it? The doctor replied, "You can, but I can't guarantee you'll be satisfied with my work; I'm afraid you might still be unhappy after the filling." I responded that the previous fillings he did for me were fine.
In fact, his work was okay and quite good; I don't know what else he thinks is wrong.
Since you still have an appointment, please discuss your concerns with him next time and ask him to address them, okay? I only noticed the overlapping line after I got home.
It seems like the previous doctor might not want to take on issues caused by other dentists, which is why he said the filling was acceptable.
The last time, part of my first molar broke off while eating, and I thought I could bring the piece soaked in milk to see if he could reattach it.
Instead, he ground down the sharp edge and applied some medication, saying that would be sufficient, without mentioning any follow-up or scheduling another appointment.
I thought maybe he was too busy to help me, so I didn't ask...
which led me to search for another dentist.
I ended up in a trap where the new dentist was very gentle, kind, and proactive, but their skills were lacking.
To avoid further issues, I won't be returning to that dentist, so I want to ask if I can only pay out of pocket to have the same tooth redone at another dental clinic? If so, what would the cost be? (Assuming the same composite resin is used.) I have seen my previous dentist for many years and trust his skills, but I'm afraid of making another mistake.
I want to go back to him for a redo, but I'm worried he might be unhappy about having to deal with someone else's mess.
Should I still consider going back to him? If I do, how should I approach the conversation? Thank you for your response, and I apologize for the lengthy message~

Jimmy, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/07/02

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry

Hello: It is recommended to find a physician you trust.
After stating your purpose, it is best if the physician is willing to assist you.
If the issue exceeds the physician's scope of practice, asking the physician to issue a referral to a medical center for further management is also a viable option.

Reply Date: 2023/07/02

More Info

Switching dentists can be a daunting experience, especially when you have encountered poor dental work that has left you feeling dissatisfied and concerned about the quality of care you are receiving. It’s important to address these issues thoughtfully and strategically to ensure you receive the best possible treatment moving forward.

From your description, it seems that your previous dentist prioritized immediate functionality over aesthetics, which is a common practice in dentistry. However, it is equally important to consider the aesthetic outcomes, especially for visible teeth like the anterior ones. The layering of new resin over discolored material without addressing the underlying issues can lead to unsatisfactory results, as you have experienced. This approach may not only affect the appearance of your teeth but could also lead to further complications down the line.

If you decide to switch dentists, you have every right to seek a second opinion or to have the work redone by a new dentist. In most cases, if you choose to have the same tooth treated again, it will be considered a self-pay procedure, especially if you are opting for a different dentist. The cost of redoing dental work can vary widely based on the complexity of the procedure, the materials used, and the location of the dental practice. Typically, composite resin fillings can range from $150 to $300 per tooth, but this can increase if additional work is needed, such as removing old material or addressing any underlying issues.

When approaching your previous dentist about your concerns, it’s essential to communicate openly and respectfully. You might say something like, “I appreciate the work you’ve done, but I have some concerns about the recent treatment. I noticed a visible line where the new resin meets the old, and it’s affecting my confidence in my smile. I would like to explore options for addressing this issue.” This approach allows you to express your dissatisfaction without placing blame, which can help maintain a professional relationship.

If you feel that your previous dentist may not be receptive to your concerns, or if you are uncomfortable returning, it is perfectly acceptable to seek treatment elsewhere. When looking for a new dentist, consider asking for recommendations from friends or family, or checking online reviews to find someone with a strong reputation for both technical skill and patient care. It may also be beneficial to schedule a consultation with a new dentist to discuss your concerns and see how they would approach your case before committing to any treatment.

In summary, switching dentists is a valid choice when you are not satisfied with the care you are receiving. You can seek a second opinion or have the work redone, typically as a self-pay service. Communicate your concerns clearly and respectfully with your previous dentist if you choose to return, or seek out a new provider who aligns better with your expectations for both function and aesthetics. Remember, your dental health and confidence in your smile are paramount, and you deserve to feel satisfied with the care you receive.

Similar Q&A

Affordable Dental Solutions for Long-Term Tooth Issues

Hello Dr. Tseng, I have the following question: My teeth have deteriorated due to lack of care, resulting in issues with all four corners of my molars, including missing teeth and root canals. After researching, I found that there are three options for reconstructing missing teet...

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Jeff: If there are missing teeth or if a tooth has undergone root canal treatment, gaps in the dental arch can be filled using removable dentures, dental bridges, or dental implants. Removable dentures are more economical, but they do not provide as much biting force. They ...

Finding Quick Solutions for Missing Teeth: Temporary Fixes and Expert Advice

I have a gap in my front teeth and I'm looking for a place to get a temporary filling. I went to a clinic where the doctor charged me NT$5000, but the result looked ridiculous, like chewing gum stuck to my teeth. The doctor didn't even bother to fill in the gaps properl...

Dr. Qiu Qiongyao reply Dentistry
1. Please visit a qualified dental clinic for treatment. 2. I don't know your location, so I can't provide any recommendations. 3. There is too much phonetic notation, making it difficult to understand the entire text.

Choosing Between Dental Implants and Bridges: A Cost-Effective Guide

Hello Doctor: (1) I have missing teeth on both sides of my mouth (near the cheeks), with one tooth missing on both the upper and lower jaws. I am considering dental implants so that I won't have to compromise the adjacent teeth as abutments for a bridge, but the cost is quit...

Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
The location of your missing tooth is referred to as the "six-year molar." The first molar should be restored to prevent loss of occlusal function, tilting of adjacent teeth, and other complications such as over-eruption of opposing teeth. The most cost-effective soluti...

Deciding Between Dental Treatments: A Patient's Dilemma

Recently, I received laser treatment for periodontal disease (costing 70,000 TWD), and the treatment has concluded (saying that laser treatment is painless is really misleading). However, there was no improvement (my teeth were very painful the week after the procedure), so I tra...

Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello: The treatment for periodontal disease currently relies on traditional methods such as plaque control, debridement of periodontal tissues, and effective oral hygiene education and training for better outcomes. The efficacy of lasers in the treatment of periodontal disease h...