ComplaintsforDental Associates of Delaware

• Initial Complaint

  04/13/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On February 8th, 2024 I went in to have some fillings completed. Upon the numbing medication wearing off, tooth number 15 and the surrounding areas were causing me excruciating pain and extreme sensitivity to sweetness and cold. I gave it a few days to settle and when the pain only continued to get worse I called to see about coming back in as the pain was so bad I was taking 800mg ibuprofen every 6-8 hours around the clock. When I went back in on February 14th, 2024 I was told there were no issues and xrays were taken that revealed I now needed a root canal after having no issues prior to the filling that had been done the week prior. I was still in excruciating pain, unable to chew on that side or drink anything on that side and continued to take ibuprofen around the clock just to be able to function. Once I finally had the root canal completed 3 weeks later, I called to schedule my crown and was told it would be 2 months before I could get in. That is much too long to go between having a root canal and crown so I finally decided to switch dentists and they were able to get me in almost immediately and agreed that it was much too long and that my tooth was compromised due to the excessive drilling done during the filling, which I can attest to as I had never had so much drilling done on a tooth prior to that. This dentist, Dr. **** was rude, made me feel like a child and said something along the lines of "I'm sorry you're unable to deal with post procedural sensitivity" when I went back in to have things looked at after being in excruciating pain for almost a week. The dentist I saw in this office previously was wonderful and I never had any problems. Dr. **** was not who I was expecting to see as no one even told me my dentist was no longer there. My quality of life was and still is severly impacted due to her poor work and bedside manner. I am seeking compensation for the root canal and crown that were necessary following the butchering of my tooth.

  

  Business response

  04/23/2024

  Good Afternoon,

   

  We will review your information in your chart, discuss with the doctors and be in touch soon.  We look forward to speaking with you about your needs. 

  Customer response

  05/03/2024

  Better Business Bureau:

  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my complaint and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 

  Regards,

  Complaint ID: 21570448
  

   

   

   

  

  Business response

  05/20/2024

  Patient was seen by Dr. **** on February 8, 2024 for three restorations (fillings), including the tooth #15 referenced in this Better Business Bureau complaint. Treatment was originally provided on this tooth by Dr. ********* at our practice previously on January 16, 2023. Based on the radiography from that visit in 2023, the tooth #15 presented with an existing large amalgam restoration that was already close to the pulp (nerve) and with secondary caries. On 2/8/2024, when the patient presented for #15O restoration with Dr. ****, it was explained to her before starting the procedure that the tooth already had a large restoration with secondary caries; therefore, the tooth may need root canal treatment if the tooth is symptomatic. Patient returned on 2/14/2024, presenting with symptoms of pain on #15. Dr. **** completed a cold test with Endo Ice which showed lingering pain. #15 was then diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis and the patient was given a referral to an Endodontist to have the specialist assess and treat the tooth further. Per the recommendation of the American Association of Endodontics, teeth like #15 that are needed more for chewing generally require a crown to be placed after root cancel therapy. 

  We are sorry to hear the patient felt her treatment with Dr. **** was not to her satisfaction. Dr. **** provided appropriate care and specialty referrals as appropriate; therefore, we are not able to provide any reimbursement as requested in this complaint. Dr. ****'s schedule was booked greatly in advance at the time of the patients call regarding her crown; however, she was offered to be contacted if any cancellations arose but then disconnected her call with our team. 

  Customer response

  05/23/2024

  Better Business Bureau: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my complaint and have determined that this does not resolve my  issue.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below. Dr. **** was NOT my dentist and I was never even informed that my appointment would be with someone different when I went in for the fillings. I was also never informed the tooth may need a root canal prior to recieving the filling that caused the issue. I was in extreme pain and was treated poorly by office staff as well as Dr. **** in order to get seen for the pain the filling had caused. It was only at the follow up appointment for pain that I was informed I likely needed a root canal which was AFTER the filling took place. No one made any effort to mention that before the procedure nor did I know I would be seeing that provider before showing up for my appointment that was originally scheduled with the Male dentist I had seen previously. I was then referred out for a root canal and was told a crown would be needed on the tooth after the root canal. I had the root canal and then was again treated poorly by office staff when I attempted to schedule that crown after the root canal I shouldn't have had to have. They knew it needed to be done no more than 6 weeks out at a maximum as when I was referred out I was told no more than 30 days for a crown. The appointment I was given was more than 8 weeks out which was absolutely unacceptable. The entire experience was unbelievably rude and in addition to the rude staff, the dental assistant was improperly trained and had to get extensive assistance both times I was in the office. I will continue to let everyone know to steer clear of this establishment and I will be contacting my lawyer.  Regards, Complaint ID: 21570448      

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