My dentist replaced a fused-to-metal crown with a ceramic one. She also replaced silver fillings with white ones. I have had the same dentist for five years with no problems. I chose her because she is the only holistic dentist within 75 miles of my home, and I work from home. My dentist used CAD/CAM technology to make my crown and cemented it without checking my bite. Unfortunately, my bite was off, so she sanded the crown and asked me to let her know how it felt in a few days.
I returned to the office the next week with no improvement, so my dentist sanded the tooth in front of the crown, as well as two front teeth. A dental assistant helped the dentist and did some of the work while my dentist saw other patients. My bite was still off, so my dentist said I needed to see an orthodontist. None of these problems existed before my dentist replaced the crowns and fillings.
Last week, I got a second opinion, and the dentist said the crown is too high and too small. He would need to replace the crown and build up the teeth that my dentist and assistant sanded down. The dentist also mentioned that Invisalign might help.
Now, I neither trust my dentist nor the dentist who gave me the second opinion because I am unsure whether he sees me as an opportunity to get money. I would rather get a temporary crown and take time to think this through, but who do I trust for that? – Thank you. Jazmin T.
Jazmin,
Thank you for contacting Dr. Tostado’s office and sharing your experience. We are sorry that you have experienced so many disappointments while getting metal-free and mercury-free solutions to preserve your teeth.
Should You Switch from a Holistic Dentist?
You can consider switching from a holistic dentist if your dentist cannot restore your teeth correctly. Many dentists who do not advertise as holistic respect patients’ rights and needs for mercury-free or metal-free options. They are also alert to chemical sensitivities and other factors that can affect the quality of your care.
Your dentist violated the standard of care by giving you faulty tooth restorations and damaging your natural teeth while adjusting your bite. You have grounds for contacting the state dental board and an attorney.
Does CAD/CAM Technology Produce Faulty Crowns?
Look for a trained cosmetic dentist who offers holistic or biocompatible options
Many dentists use CAD/CAM technology and complete dental crowns successfully. Digital impressions have greater accuracy than physical impressions. But building a high-quality crown requires a trained, skilled dentist to direct the equipment. And a dentist must understand how to adjust your bite before cementing a crown.
How Can You Find a New Dentist?
You can find a new dentist by looking for one or two highly skilled dentists sensitive to patients’ requests for biocompatible dental materials and advanced cosmetic and restorative dentistry training. Schedule a consultation with each dentist to discuss your treatment options. The dentist may be willing to explain what you must do to get a refund or compensation from your previous dentist.
Dr. Gilberto Tostado, a San Antonio cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.