This is my experience with Dr. Michael Ribera of Advanced Endodontic Associates. In short, I am angry and upset with the quality of care I received from him.
My primary dentist filled a cavity on the #18 tooth and put a cap on an adjacent tooth last March. Two nights later, I experienced pain along that side of my jaw that had just had extensive dental work. I called my dentist the following morning, and she recommended I make an appointment with Dr. Ribera for an X-ray scan so I made an appointment to see him.
The scan showed no problems.
Dr. Ribera tapped on the #18 tooth with an instrument. I did not react, and I was not in pain.
He then applied a piece of ice to the inside of that area, and I reacted.
He said that proved I needed a root canal.
I said I wanted to talk with my husband in the waiting room.
As soon as I said that, he hurried out ahead of me to my husband, and as my husband recounts, he was unusually friendly and chatty for a professional and someone he had never met.
He stood close to my husband and, in a very animated demeanor, described why I needed a root canal. When my husband asked if we should make another appointment, he said he had time, and we should do it now.
The company does not take insurance, so we paid the full fee, some $2855.00, out of pocket.
Since the procedure, I have had continuing pain and sensitivity with this tooth. It is now sensitive to the touch - even with my tongue and still sensitive to ice.
After several months of these problems, I shared my experience in a complaint I filed with the DC Dental Society. Kurt Gallagher, executive director of Society, said they would look into it, but I haven't heard from them.
With the continuing sensitivity, I became more concerned and made an appointment with another endodontist who said that their X-rays showed that some of the root was left behind, and additionally, the tooth was cracked and could not be saved.
( I also learned from two endodontists that root canal clients are usually advised to wait two weeks before the procedure, which was not suggested by Dr. Ribera).
My husband and I are old school (I am 76 and he is 80 yrs old) and are usually trusting of the advice of professionals.
I have suffered considerable mental anguish since I realized what had happened in Dr. Ribera's Office. I feel that I permitted myself to be taken advantage of.
I am sharing my experience in the hope that it will help others seeking endodontic services. read more