DO NOT GO. HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE. DR MULGREW DAMAGED MY ONCE HEALTHY TOOTH REQUIRING A ROOT CANAL AND CROWN.
I went to Dr Mulgrew when my previous dentist retired. I had been with that dentist for more than 20 years and had complete confidence in their abilities. During my first visit to Aloha Dental I was told two unexpected things, that- 1. a filling I had was deteriorating and 2. I needed a night guard as I was grinding my teeth while sleeping. A custom night guard (I believe in the neighborhood of $600) was recommended. My previous dentist had never mentioned either of those issues which was surprising as they had always been diligent about the care that I received. Nonetheless, I decided to move forward with the replacement of the filling.
On the day that my filling was replaced, I was told that I should expect pain for 2-3 weeks. (I've since learned from multiple sources that the standard is 1-2 days. Don't get a filling from Dr Mulgrew unless you're prepared for 10 times the industry standard for recovery.) Additionally, Dr Mulgrew told me that the tooth that he worked on had a very deep cavity and that it was probable that I would likely need a crown or root canal at some point as there was little healthy tooth left. This was surprising as I had no pain in my tooth and had never been told that there was an issue with my tooth. I was once again strongly encouraged to purchase a custom night guard.
After 1 1/2 weeks, I was still unable to chew on the right side of my mouth, had considerable pain if my upper and lower teeth made contact, and persistent, continual pain 24/7. I scheduled a follow up appointment as I was about to head out of town for 2 months. At that appointment, Dr Mulgrew ground down some high spots. When I told him that it felt as though I was making contact with the left side of my mouth prior to the right, he told me that was "contradictory" to the symptoms I was reporting and told me that I was still within the 2-3 week window for expected pain.
I went out of town and the same symptoms continued requiring me to visit and pay for two emergency out of town appointments one week apart. Each of these dentists were well regarded by several family members so I have confidence in their opinions. Each separately drew the same conclusions- 1. The initial cavity was very shallow with a small filling, 2. The replacement filling that Dr Mulgrew did was poorly and improperly done. It was also created with a low valley leaving a gap on the right side of my both when my left side made contact, 3. My previously healthy tooth was now DYING as a result of Dr Mulgrew's work. The X-rays, taken one week apart, clearly showed the dramatic infection that was now surrounding my entire tooth. 4. I now needed a root canal and a crown. and 5. I had no need for a night guard. One dentist went so far as to say "I make it a practice to not comment on another dentist's work but it is clear, this dentist damaged your tooth and was trying to lay the ground work to cover for that. You would not need a root canal if he had not killed your tooth."
So, I am now approximately 5 weeks out from my encounter with Dr Mulgrew and Aloha Dental. Dr Mulgrew poorly and unnecessarily replaced a filling and killed my tooth, and I've paid for 2 appointments with him, along with 2 emergency out of town appointments and will be paying for a root canal, temporary crown and permanent crown. Additionally I've been in pain for 5 weeks and am still unable to able eat anything but soft foods.
Prior to writing this review, I called Aloha Dental, explained the situation to the office manager and let him know that I wanted to give Dr Mulgrew the courtesy of discussing things prior to posting a review. I understand that mistakes can happen and wanted to afford him the chance to accept responsibility for this situation. To his credit, he did give me a call. Regrettably, he did not take any ownership for the mistakes that were made, assumed no responsibility and made no attempt to try to rectify things. On the positive side, the office staff at Aloha Dental has always been courteous and, when I was left waiting for 30 minutes for an appointment, they offered an HEB gift card (which I declined).
If you are seeking dental care, I would STRONGLY advise against Dr Mulgrew. There are many talented, responsible dentists in Austin. He does not appear to be one of them. read more