I began treatment with Dr. Michael Patrician in 2017 while looking to establish care with a new dentist. In 2017 x-rays were taken at this office, Dr. Michael Patrician examined them and assured me my teeth and gums were in good condition without any concern. He told me he was an orthodontist after I asked for a recommendation for one. I trusted him, agreed on his quote for braces and proceeded with installation under his care. During treatment, I began getting headaches and unusual sensations in my jaw, which was ignored several times when mentioned to Dr. Patrician. Despite being in my late 30's, my teeth were only cleaned every 6 months while having braces, and at one appointment his Dental hygienist mentioned "pockets under my gums", which I later found out was a symptom of gum disease. At this appointment, he did not diagnose, treat or mention this condition to me. As my discomfort grew worse, I was forced to get a second opinion where I was informed that I had a moderate to severe periodontal disease. This was brought to my attention by another general dentist, who then referred me to a periodontist who confirmed the condition. The Periodontist contacted Dr. Patrician to explain the condition and request the removal of braces. I requested the appointment to have the braces removed with Dr. Michael Patrician immediately, but his secretary was not able to have me seen for a few weeks. Finally, at my appointment, Dr. Patrician told me the condition was not as severe as the Periodontist had described, claiming the condition was genetic or from poor hygiene. Prior to install, I purchased the right equipment to maintain the cleanliness of my mouth. I do not have poor hygiene and no one in my family has this condition. When he removed the braces, he didn't even bother cleaning the cement off my teeth, even after I asked him too. I found out a few weeks later by a board-certified orthodontist that cement should only be placed under the bracket and not on the entire tooth's surface as it was by Dr. Patrician. This condition could have been prevented and treated before it caused the amount of damage it has. I now have bone loss and gum loss from the negligence of this dentist. Gum disease is a common problem and can be exacerbated by braces, especially for people in their 30's. It wasn't until the periodontal disease was diagnosed, I learned that Dr. Patrician was not an Orthodontist and does not have the proper training to install braces. Despite antibiotics, several professional deep cleanings, I am still feeling discomfort and overall unwellness weeks after having the braces removed. read more
