I was referred to this Endodontist by my former Dental Group, "Perfect Smile" in Wellington,…read moreFLorida, because a root canal that had been performed on me there had "Failed". I developed a horrific infection that literally blew up overnight and I just couldn't understand how this happened.
My first impression as I walked in was of Dr. Lubell's Office Manager/Receptionist who advised that they would allow me to make payments and were giving me the "HMO" price, but the payments needed to be made within 3 months to the tune of $450.00 per month, because I, like thousands of Palm Beach County residents, do not have insurance (much less Dental Insurance) nor do I have a few thousand sitting in a reserve account for just such situations like this.
I do not have $450.00 per month to spare (I barely have $100.00 after bills) so I sold the only jewelry I have to my name and was able to come up with $825.00 which I thought was a pretty good start. Instead of being happy I came up with ANYTHING (which was not going to be the case initially...) I was sternly told that payment was expected on the SAME DAY each month and I had better let her know what day my card was to be charged for the remainder of the balance of $580.00 (this, by the way, is a DEBIT card - not a credit card I can pay over time).
By the time I got to see the Endodontist, it was after 5:30 and I suppose because I was an "Emergency Patient" being seen at the end of the day and probably because he was tired, he was not even remotely pleasant. I was spoken to with sarcasm and criticism.
I was criticized by Dr. Lubell because I let my condition go on "so long" that he had to use much more Novacaine than is normal .... (so, it was MY fault I was in the condition I was in, huh? As I stated before, I had a Root Canal done about 2 years ago with "Perfect Smile Dentistry" in Wellington, FL - Paid in full, I might add... Apparently, unbeknownst to me, Root Canal's "Fail", requiring a 2nd Root Canal AT FULL COST, AGAIN, I MIGHT ADD. I have had [unfortunately] many, Root Canals and have NEVER had one "Fail").
So, my tooth blows up on me and within 1 day, is so infected that I want to kill myself from the pain and NOW, not only is "Perfect Smile" not willing to take responsibility for their "Failure", they send me to this guy who makes everything MY fault and whose Office Manager treats me as though I'm a derelict off the street they're required to treat!
He states that he is unable to reach the infection so he'll just leave this gaping hole in my tooth for a WEEK and afterward, will fill with temporary filling on my next visit.
When I asked if I'm able to eat and if so, how (obviously fearing any food particle making its way up that canyon he's left behind), I'm told in the most sarcastic manner to "chew on the other side".
I can only hope this procedure works this time. Only time will tell. I can say this - unless you have a GREAT dental plan and a few thousand in the bank, don't expect a pleasant doctor/patient relationship out of this guy. I was left with a very bad taste in my mouth and I'm not talking about the Novacaine. Unfortunately, I have to go back to this guy in a week.
Another word of caution - apparently, I am required to go back to "my" Dentist's office to have the tooth filled permanently.... the SAME office that "Failed me before requiring I pay TWICE for the same procedure!!!!!
I'm not saying my situation is Lubell's fault, but based on his attitude and that of his staff, toward me, if I ever need an Endodontist, I won't be going to see him and I certainly would not refer. I mean .... is it REALLY too much to ask that a health-care professional, who chooses to work with the general public, actually be kind and considerate toward those he or she practices on? Especially financially - considering the current economic situation of the U.S.....
