At first I thought this was the best dental practice ever, as everyone was friendly and helpful. Then the deception began. I had a molar extracted in June, and was presented with two treatment options, bridge or implant. The dentist explained the differences, showing a clear preference for the implant option, and stating that the prep work for the implant procedure would be done that day and I would return in November for the implant as that was the length of time required to complete healing. A financial overview of the two choices was presented with my husband present, and the total cost out of pocket for me was going to be just over $2700 for the implant option, vs. just under $2000 for the bridge option. This involved the purchase of some policy sold by the office to reduce my overall cost. I pay my bill that day of $1047 and make my follow up appointment for November. November 21st arrives, and I'm told I won't be getting this gaping hole in my mouth filled, as the socket for the implant now must be installed. I am assured this is the last step of the procedure, because I am disappointed that I have to continue chewing on only one side of my mouth and having my tongue chaffed raw by the tooth with no neighbor to block it from my tongue. I am told that my payment of over $2000 is also due that day. I dispute this, as I clearly remember being told that the entire procedure will cost $2700. I receive apologies while the office finance guru makes some computer clicks and I am charged $1733. I make an appointment for a check up in 2 weeks to ensure everything has healed.
I find out that my grandson's christmas concert is the same morning as my follow up appointment so I call to reschedule. I am told that, because the specialist I am scheduled to see is only in on Fridays, and she is going on maternity leave, that I cannot reschedule until February. I express my exhasperation as this is only supposed to be a check to make sure the sutures have dissolved, and am told that I will just skip that check and come in for the final appointment in February. Today, February 4th I call to schedule that final appointment. This time I am told that I cannot come in until after March 20th, as six months is required from post to implant. Even though this math seems off, November 21st to March 20 equals four months by my calendar, I am livid at this point because it was NEVER DISCLOSED to me that I would be eating on one side of my mouth for over nine months. I tell the office clerk to refund my account and I will go elsewhere to get this procedure completed, and am informed that I am not owed any money. As a matter of fact, I will owe an ADDITIONAL $1200 at the next visit for the actual implant. Now my mind is blown. I am not an angry person, and I try to keep my composure but this sent me over the deep end.
The end result, my husband called the office back after calming me down enough so that I could go back to work. He scheduled an appointment for me for the next availalbe Friday which happens to be our anniversary and Valentines day (obviously our celebration that evening is now cancelled), to go in while they do even more prep and take impressions for a crown to be manufactured. It will be an additional two weeks until that will be completed, and I will have to pay the additional $1200. I hope my story will help another unsuspecting soul from going through what I am. In dentistry, full disclosure is necessary and setting an unreal expectation is BAD. Shame on this dental practice, once this is done I will not return, nor will I recommend. read more