There is only one truly holistic dentist in my town so I have tried my best to stick it out with her, but I’m having a bit of trouble at this point and need some advice. I wanted to replace a mercury laden filling as well as a crown that had a metal base. She used this new CAD/CAM technology that was supposed to make the crown right while I am in the office. She mentioned to me that the crown was larger than she expected when she removed it. I didn’t think anything about that at the time. I was a little surprised when she bonded the crown on without even trying to fit it. It felt weird after that, like it was too bulky. She sanded it down a bit and sent me home. That side of my mouth was hurting a ton whenever I chewed so I went back just a week later. She said it was because the molar in front of the new crown was hitting the other teeth too hard. That confused me because that had never happened before, so why now? She sanded that one down and then said my bite was off and the only thing left to do what see an orthodontist. How is that even possible from getting a dental crown? I want a holistic dentist, but at this point I’m beginning to wonder if I should switch dentists. But, in that case, how do switch out my mercury fillings?
Penny
Dear Penny,
What an awful experience. I can assure you that it should not have gone that way, especially with a CEREC crown, which is what the CAD/CAM technology provides. This dentist is truly clueless about how to use the technology. She is also clueless about how a crown should fit.
At this point whatever she had done has thrown off your bite so much that you need to get the damage repaired. I would not just ask for a refund, but for her to pay to have this repaired. She caused damage and needs to repair it.
After your bite is repaired and healthy, you can still get the amalgam fillings replaced. You don’t have to have to see a holistic dentist in order to get switch them out for white composite fillings.
I would look for a mercury-free dentist to switch them out. They will have the skills and materials to do it safely.
If your current dentist doesn’t want to take responsibility, I’m fairly confident if you mentioned a malpractice suit she would change her mind. If she doesn’t, her insurance will do it for her.
This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.
