I only have some old x-rays, but this is not a case of anyone talking me into work I didn't need. I'm going to try to post what I wasn't allowed to post yesterday. I know it's long, and hope not too confusing any sorry for any typos. I don't know how to get him to either fix everything, get help if he is not qualified and he pays for it, or ask for my money back. Any ideas on what went wrong or how to fix it?
I Just got 20 new crowns with one to go (#20). There was a plan after I got an implant for # 20 as follows:
#13, #14 repair to original length, crowns. Crowns #22-27. Replace crowns 20,21, 28,29 to open my bite.
I have 21 teeth. #22-27 were the only uncrowned teeth. The uncrowned teeth had ground down due to a tight bite. My other teeth were crowned, one at a time over several years as I needed them (not for cosmetic reasons). I've wanted to crown 22-27 for several years and had been told I needed at a minimum to get an implant for #20 and if possible 19 to open my bite. # 13 and 14 would also have to be shortened since no underlying teeth. In 2022 I changed dentists to my current dentist to have # 5 pulled/implant/crown. While I was waiting the crown on #12 fell off so he replaced that. (I stayed with this dentist as mine retired.) We discussed crowning 22-27 and he said the same thing I had been told before. He sent me to an oral surgeon for implant on #20 (#19 was not possible). I have TMJ issues so he made a mouth guard that I had to wear all the time for a month to be sure my jaws were okay. He said that if this did not work he was done and I would need to see someone else (prosthodontist). The guard was great. No Problems at all. He seemed to be aware of his limitations.
When I went in to pay for the work, I decided the replace the old (15-40 yrs) crowns on top #4 and #6-11. Not #5 and 12 because they were new (2022). I am an A1, easy to match. I assumed he would use the same material he used for# 5 and 12 This was my big mistake. I was drugged and numb when he came in the room and told his assistant he was replacing #5 and #12 and was going to change my bite.
I wish I had not decided to replace old crowns on the top or this would not have happened, but here we are. After he made my temps very short on top I said I wanted my teeth their original length. He said "NO" they showed too much when you smile” After I told him my teeth don't show at all when I smile, he said he could make them a “little” longer. I emailed his office and directed they stop work until I can talk with him and then hand delivered a letter for him later the same day. (I have attached the letter) The phone was ringing when I walked in my door. He didn’t understand why I didn’t just talk to him. I replied that I did talk to him but he did not seem to be listening. He made some apologies and excuses and said he could make teeth original length. He also pointed out that he ate the cost of the 2 crowns he wasn’t supposed to touch. I responded that it was unnecessary if he had stuck to the plan.
I can't pulverize my food at all which at this point is my main concern. When I told him this, he used the articulating paper, took pictures, put them on the screen to show me and said “I would show this to anyone”. He might be afraid I will sue him, I don’t know, but I am getting nowhere with him. I told him maybe I should bring something in to chew. With the help of a friend, I actually do have a visual comparison for him that absolutely shows I am not masticating my food properly. The fact that I put this visual together is ridiculous!!
Can't he tell somethin is off? He has all the latest equipment. He makes the teeth there. Based on what I overheard he may have used a new milling machine, He also used a material new to them (Aidite). It usually takes an hour to make a teeth , this this took eight hours. Could this be the problem? (new equipment, new processes)?
Also, what I thought were ledges at my gum line is actually my teeth protruding above the crowns. When I search, all I can find is that they should be flush. Sensitivity, especially to heat makes it very uncomfortable to eat. The sensitivity starts when the food touches the bottom of the crowns, not the gum line. He also permanently cemented, then told me some teeth were spaced too far apart and he would redo if it bothered me. Why would he do that? Flossing my teeth takes forever, and still so much more still washes out with the water flosser. Do I ask for my money back? Should I trust him to fix anything?
Thank you for taking the time.
