I am in a tough spot. I called my dentist because I needed to replace the denture that fits over my four existing mini implants. I explained that I am moving out of state in three months and needed a time frame for how long it would take the denture to be completed. They quoted me three weeks. Fast forward two and a half months later and they finally called me to come in for my denture. When I did, the dentist had a horrible time getting it to fit. He forced the denture on and sent me on my way. I was in horrible pain the entire next day and could not even eat noodles. I called the office and they told me to come back in. I had to see a different dentist from their office because mine was off that day. He looked at everything and said he saw two problems. First, the denture itself was structured incorrectly and slanted to one side. Second, the holes around the attachements were not drilled out properly. He suggested I come back and they can start the procedure over. I told him I’d get back with him. The big problem, aside from not really having confidence in this office, is that I am just plain out of time. Their three weeks took ten and I only have two weeks left before I have to leave. Is it reasonable to just ask for a refund and have this done in my new area after the move?
Justin
Dear Justin,
Full sized versus mini dental implants
I am sorry this happened to you. Yes, you are being more than reasonable about this and are well within your rights to ask for a refund on both legal and dental grounds. First, they made an agreement with you to have the dentures ready in three weeks. They missed that timeline. In fact, they blew past the time and didn’t even keep in contact with you about the delays. This is a breach of contract.
Second, they were unable to get the denture to fit over the implants. Add to that the structural problems that, if left as they were, would have caused you to have jaw pain and could have led to TMJ Disorder.
I would start by just nicely asking for a refund. If they balk at that, then let them know that you will be leaving a bad review, speaking to the dental board, and (if insurance was involved) contacting the insurance company. At least one, if not all of those, should give him pause and encourage him to do the right thing.
When you get to your new location, make sure you have a dentist with post-doctoral training in dental implants take care of this for you. This way you know that you are getting a dentist who knows what he is doing this time.
This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. J.E. Williams.