I'm sorry to leave this review about a doctor at this establishment--and honestly, about the office…read moreas a whole. I really wanted to trust this place, but they left me with no choice.
I first came here in 2019, when they recommended full‑mouth crowns. I couldn't afford it, so I later sought a cheaper option in Istanbul. In February 2023, I underwent a full‑mouth rehabilitation there, which went wrong. The positioning of my teeth caused TMJ symptoms and muscle strain, and the clinic erased my information within six months, so I couldn't return for help.
When I visited Balcones Family Dental in October 2024, I had already replaced four teeth, had a root canal, and was experiencing mild TMJ symptoms. Dr. Christopher Glecos recommended an occlusal equilibration to straighten my bite. I later learned he was still taking online classes related to the procedure. My mouth had already been through significant trauma, and I needed someone with deeper expertise.
Dr. Glecos wanted to "start fresh" and did not review my background in detail. I told him about my TMJ and that I was seeing a chiropractor, but I now know I needed physical therapy and a TMJ specialist. Despite the complexity of my case, he proceeded. Looking back, I believe I should have been referred out. According to his bio, he had been a dentist for ten years, but his experience with this specific treatment was limited.
My goal was to identify bite instability and determine which teeth needed attention. He described using "slits of paper" to evaluate my bite. At no point did we discuss irreversible adjustments. I believed we were still in the diagnostic phase.
But immediately after the paper test, he began altering my bite with a bur. I didn't expect the procedure to start then, but I allowed it because he had already begun.
After several sessions--and another root canal from my previous dentist in between, which he knew about--I began waking up with new symptoms: nerve pain down my legs, muscle strain, and eventually a chronic sinus infection. When I reported these symptoms while picking up my night guard, I was told to see a general physician. The dentist wasn't even going to be called in until I insisted. When he finally examined me, he said he saw no issues and offered more adjustments. Given the new symptoms, I declined. He then said there was little else he could do.
When I described the symptoms as nerve‑related, I was told that because the adjustments were made on crowns, they shouldn't cause nerve issues. My symptoms were dismissed as "underlying issues." I strongly believe a destabilized bite--especially around the jaw joint--can trigger nerve‑related symptoms. TMJ was a major part of our consultation, and I expected a more thorough evaluation or referral.
My symptoms were severe: pain traveling through my legs, feet, chest, and throat; changes in my gait; numbness in my left hand; rapid aging in my appearance; facial deformities under my eyes from a chronic sinus infection; and loud tinnitus in my right ear--the side with the TMJ issue. I provided medical reports documenting all of this, and nothing was said.
I sought help from multiple specialists, but referrals and long wait times slowed everything down. Some symptoms improved, others worsened. When I returned six months later for a cleaning--still reporting symptoms--I was finally referred to a prosthodontist. The hygienist pushed for the referral, suspecting a collapsed bite. Given the timing of my symptoms, I can't help but wonder if an earlier referral would have made a difference.
The prosthodontist told me I needed another full‑mouth rehabilitation. A huge financial burden--and likely what I needed from the beginning after returning from Istanbul.
As I continued reporting symptoms, the office became defensive. When I sent a letter of intent seeking financial assistance, they chose not to re‑admit me.
Dr. Glecos washed his hands of the situation when his procedure went wrong. He did not take responsibility, did not review my background thoroughly, and was not transparent about his level of experience. The office manager followed suit to protect the practice's image. They were not interested in helping further, even though their treatment contributed to my new symptoms.
I wish I had been more thorough when choosing my next dentist. I trusted too easily.
This dentist may be fine for smaller, routine tasks, but I strongly caution against trusting him with major dental issues. He made mine worse and stepped away at the first sign of complication.