I will admit I price shopped when I needed a dental crown. I’m beginning to think this was a mistake. I’ve had to have this dental crown rebonded on four different times and the dentist charges me a visit fee every time. He says I’m getting a discount because he’s not charging me a procedure fee, just some “chair time”. Am I wrong for thinking he should be fixing this for free?
Karlyn
Dear Karlyn,
When a crown is bonded correctly, it stays put.
Many people confuse cheap dentistry with affordable dentistry. As you’re unfortunately discovering, there’s a big difference. To answer your question, yes, he should fix this for free. It’s his mistake. In fact, I’m questioning his competence. Most dentists go their whole careers without a crown falling off, let alone having the same crown fall off four different times. That’s unheard of.
It sounds to me like he has no idea how bonding works, which is a rather basic service learned in dental school. I wouldn’t bother going back. If it falls off again, ask for a refund. If he gives you a problem with that tell him you’ll report him to the dental board. This will be the fifth time your crown has fallen off and that certainly wouldn’t meet the ethical standard of functional dental care.
What to Look for in an Affordable Dentist
You’ll want someone who gives you alternative treatment options. For instance, with a tooth replacement, while a dental implant is an ideal treatment, a dental bridge is a perfectly acceptable alternative. Some patients can’t afford even that, so a dentist should make sure they know about their other options such as a removable partial denture without pressuring them to get the better treatment. Of course, they can tell you the pros and cons, but leave the decision to the patients.
Also, look for a dentist willing to work with you on payments. Whether they have in-house payment plans or work through Care Credit, they should have a way for patients who don’t have all the money up front to still get the care they need.
This blog is brought to you by Ahwatukee Dentist Dr. Harveer Kaur.