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POSTED UNDER Porcelain Veneers REVIEWS

More Than the Worse Decision I Ever Made! - Haverford, PA

ORIGINAL POST

When I went to my new dentist, she told me my...

kdawgg
$16,000
When I went to my new dentist, she told me my teeth were perfect. I said they are yellow...instead of offering me a whitening procedure which she sent out in an email in August,2014, she said "Oh, I can place a paper thin material over YOUR teeth and whiten them." I laughed at the time and said I didn't want to look like "the gals on news." She said, she "could match the color of my eye balls implying she would not make them to white," NEVER did she say she would have to prep my teeth. I learned a term called "cut down" after I she drilled and preppred for hours.....causing 10 root canals in one month! If you don't believe this could happen, I am living proof. My weight fell from 145 to 128 lbs at 5'9", I literally thought I was going to die. The pain from each root canal cannot even be characterized in words. In fact the last 2, the dentist who prepped my teeth didn't even return my phone call...I called the endondist directly because of the pain. He fit me in AGAIN the next day. When the teeth are being prepped copius water must be used to avoid thermal injury...I did not feel water (like when the Endondist preformed his procedures) during the initial procedure. I am a physician and specialize in diagnosing medical problems.It was only during the last two of ten root canals when the Endodontis allowed me to view the procedure view camera live that I realized the speed of the diamond drills were not countered with enough water during the original procedure...and in fact I believe my teeth suffered a thermal injury. I have the notes I wrote...and the horrific after suffering that continues today: copious secretions in the mouth (last summer they were so thick I had to keep a tissue in my hand)..and others. This procedure is NOT worth it unless you have a true problem with your own teeth. My original smile was beautiful ...yellow and all. I feel incredible stupid for not asking more questions. However, when I do a procedure, I describe all the detail BEFORE it happens and the patients signs an "informed consent" sheet. Her informed consent did not include any of the above. Please do have this done unless you absolutely need too. I am currently in the process of having "posts" put in the teeth which needed root canals. When I asked the dentist why the root canals were happening she could offer NO reason...only that "she had never had a problem like this." I remember she looked down and motioned to her dental assistent that "she was standing in a pool of water on the floor!" Was that the water that was supposed to protect my teeth from thermal injury? I have 2 more posts to be placed. I told the dentist I am working with now, I had to gain weight and strength back before I embarked on 10 more procedures! Of course, this isn't the whole story...I could much more graphic. I need to get this out to those of you considering this procedure. The dentist "cut's down your teeth to apply the veneer!" DON"T do this unless there is a damn good reason!

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Replies (46)

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November 2, 2014
Thank you for sharing your experience with everyone here in the community!  Your experience is not usual, so it is not something that most people would ever consider a possibility before having veneers done.  There are lots of people who have less severe difficulties, of course, and I think those are what are generally covered, but it's important to know that this kind of injury can also occur.

I'm also surprised whitening wasn't offered, since it's such a relatively easy fix, unless you have tetracycline staining.  

How many veneers did you have placed, and who is paying for all of the remediation, and at what cost?  Thanks again.
November 3, 2014
That's just it! My teeth were beautiful...not perfect but they were mine! I did NOT have tetracycline staining. This should have been a LAST resort procedure for someone like me. I paid for the first two root canals, she paid for the next eight. A total of 16 teeth were done. Alot more water was used on the uppers which is why I believe they have their nerves. But my front two teeth needed route canals ....this effects how I eat everything. ...and I don't understand why I continue to have copious secretions which are at times thick...I have noticed this become particularly worse after eating anything salty. It effects me all day and night...it subsides after sleeping. Frankly, it is horrible. Sometimes I have to use a tissue when I interview my patients to wipe my mouth. Can you imagine? The posts are costing me $585 per tooth. A strain for which I wasn't prepared. I forgot to mention, my two from teeth have cracks already at the base (at the gum like - across both teeth). I've been told this may happen to all of them; which is why the posts are being placed. I am only 52, I hope to have teeth for many more years. You can see my problem. Again, I haven't shared everything.....but, this is by far the worst decision I have every made in my life...and I feel I was led into it. A whitening procedure should have been done first and then with full disclosure on how invasive this is, I could have discussed the use of veneers. If I knew my own teeth were going to be altered so drastically, I most certainly would have said no. PS, When I said I needed to use the bathroom, she placed something over my teeth and asked me NOT to look in the mirror. Yes I feel stupid. But someone else does not have to if they READ this!
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November 3, 2014
Honestly, I've had one crown done, and the teeth look really scary once they've been prepped.  I put a picture of my prepped tooth in my crown review, and only got that cause the doc stepped out for a minute to get something.  I'm guessing your doctor had no idea there was something wrong at that stage, and probably didn't even realize this could happen, or they would have been more careful.  I hope so, at any rate.  

But the important things at this point, are that you can save as many teeth as possible, and that others can get this information.  People do need to understand that veneers are invasive--that the teeth need to be prepped, and you can never take that back.  Some prepping is lighter, but even 'no prep' veneers like Lumineers alter the original teeth so going back is not really an option.

Regarding the posts--are they implants?  I've never heard of this intervention before.  Are they, like, titanium that is screwed into your jaw somehow?

Also, I've never heard of the secretion thing.  I mean, I've heard of salivating and stuff when there are foreign objects in the mouth or what the mouth perceives as foreign objects, but these secretions, are they coming from your teeth?  It sounds debilitating.
November 10, 2014
I just had my permanent veneers placed 4 days ago. I am still in so much pain that I have to take 800mg ibuprophen every 4 hours. The second it starts to wear off, the pain becomes unmanageable. It's 3am right now, and I'm awake waiting for the ibuprophen to kick in. The pain wakes me up every night. I'm nervous this pain isn't going to go away. Is this normal for 4 days out?
December 2, 2014
why would you need root canals just to get what sounds like veneers or bonding. That sounds like a lawsuit to me. Good luck, there is nothing worse that a toothache. They are always trying to make a buck no matter the cost to the patient. Unfortunate.
February 25, 2015
I believe she didn't use enough water to protest my real teath. It is a tragedy.
June 6, 2015
That should have read she didn't use enough water to protect my teeth which resulted in 10 root canals in one month. Essentially She burned my teeth while drilling with the high speed diamond head drill. I figured this out when I sought a second opinion and treatment for the root canals. I asked the Endodontist why he used so much water during his procedure. What a horrific realization. As they say a day late a dollar short... But so much pain going through the month the pulp was slowly dying in one tooth after the other... And ps the only teeth she worked on.
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February 20, 2015
I have been a dentist for 42 years and have done crowns and veneers for most of that time and I have never heard of that sort of thing. That must have been awful, I am so sorry for your results and your suffering. When you prepare the teeth, you often don't even need to go through the enamel and you don't get sensitivity. Shaking my head!
February 20, 2015
Thank you for reassuring me I am not crazy. This started on year ago and still today I am living a private hell.
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February 20, 2015
I sure would have quit doing cosmetic dentistry if that happened! Have you found someone you feel confident about to help you?
February 20, 2015
10 posts have been put in the teeth which needed root canals. The problem besides not being able to eat certain foods is that it feels my teeth were over prepped and the feeling this leaves me is terrible. Not to mention I now have a lisp. No one seems to have a comment about my daily hell. The bight has been fixed. ... It is complicated. I was told to go see yet another specialist for special imaging. Anyway thank you. I am working on alternative methods to calm my mind.
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February 20, 2015
Geesh, what a lesson! Where do you live, maybe I can refer you to someone I think might be able to help you. Lisping is often from being too much space between the lower and upper front teeth when that sibilant "s" is attempted. Some other tooth is probably in the way. You need an expert!
February 20, 2015
I live close to Haverford.
February 25, 2015
Please sue! I had been thinking about this as my teeth have no enamel left to whiten, but I've heard so many bad things, yours being the worst so far!
February 25, 2015
You are so right... I could never imagine such daily hell. You smile because you have to bout you struggle all day. She overprepped my teeth. As soon as I wake up I have about 1/2 peace. Then it goes down from there. This is why I posted. If you doctor doesn't tell you they are going to CUT your teeth down but instead place a paper thin material on YOUR teeth... RUN!!!!
February 25, 2015
She really hurt me. Now everyday I suffer. Mo to mention her arogence.
UPDATED FROM kdawgg
9 months post

More than the worst decision I ever made.

kdawgg
All the posts have been put in...Now my tongue is irritated because it the teeth are not completely smooth. My new dentist wants to see me every 3 months to be sure tarter does not build up. I have built my strength up but, my mouth irritates me while I am awake. I still have copious secretions although less than last summer. I cannot bite into anything hard. When my springer greets me at the door after work, he wants to like my face, but any pressure on the anterior surface hurts. I could say more but, frankly I feel depressed. All this was to enhance my life. Placing Veneers on my teeth turned out to be hell on earth. When the first Veneer was placed, I felt horrific pain...I think that is when that tooth cracked. Recall my front two teeth are cracked at the base. The doctor had the nerve to tell me "something like no pain no gain." I will not say exactly what she said because it is disgustingly rude. She was not interested in my feelings as a patient. As a physician, I can see that now. I gave her a 3 for bedside manner...she was nice and friendly when she started. It was when the problems started, I saw a different side....like NOT returning my phone call on one of the worst nights of my life. It turned out, I had the last two of 10 root canals boiling that night. I wanted to die that night and was afraid I wouldn't. Thank God for the Endodontist who did answer my phone call! Imagine calling your 85 year old mother and trying to explain if she doesn't hear from me tomorrow call someone! This was a horror story in real life. Somehow I survived it, now I am living with the side effects.

Replies (7)

February 3, 2015
Thank u for sharing Why choose this proceger..there is another one and no pain no drilling ..just stick.. It's lamuneer
February 3, 2015
I didn't "choose", which is why I posted. The way this was discribed was totally different than what she actually did!! I requested the form you fill out to warn you of the possible side effects that I signed......NOTHING IS ON IT...not even close which happened to me. If I had read about this I would have been informed. So now someone else has the opportunity to be informed just because they read My horrific experience. It is one year later....I smile, I pretend all is well, but every day is a battle. No body wants to hear you complain all the time. This site gave me the opportunity to say the truth without bending someones ear. Although I would never have made it without my Friend C...who literally took care of me when I was so weak! Again NO ONE EVER OFFERED ANYTHING BUT THIS AND THEN DIDN"T EXPLAIN WHAT SHE WAS GOING TO DO. She had changed my life forever....maybe I can save someone else. This is a hightly INVASIVE procedure NOT to be taken lightly. "a paper thin veneer over my own teeth" is [RS bleep]...she carved me up like a steak and then put the Veneer on...and I suffered 10 root canals in ONE month as a result of it.. On my first visit with her, I went for a cleaning, She said my teeth were perfect, no gum disease." Well, I knew that much. The before picture demonstrated my own teeth!
February 3, 2015

Dear K,

It's insane the horror that you have been through!!! Any time you need an outlet, I'm here for you. You can complain to me any time.

****@*****

February 4, 2015
Oh my god..the doctor is awful... I am sorry,,,for what happened with u... Never trust again any body..after u sure100% that they are telling the truth and every thing v clear..
February 5, 2015
Yes, I believed she as a professional would tell me everything. This was HER speciality! I know I tell my patients everything I know about a procedure! It took alot to come on this site and put her name out...I've seen my ratings and people can be mean. But, I know I am treating patients for their best interest ....some people are not ready to hear the message. I never had the opportunity to know what she was REALLY GOING TO DO!! It is terrible. I am so very sorry I ever met her. To the very kind person who left their email...I really appreciate your kindness. Please understand I have been traumatized and this site allows me to be less personal; and informative so others don't have to suffer. Thank you for your very kind offer to reach out.
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February 5, 2015

Please do not exchange personal information via comments.  Please use the PM system instead, so that your personal information does not become public.  Thank you!:)

January 27, 2017
I agree... I am going through my own nightmare. I wish both of us better dental and cosmetic health!
UPDATED FROM kdawgg
10 months post

You be the judge.....

kdawgg
I am still have horrific problems with the Veneers. Daily. I am going to post a BEFORE picture. Given the invasive nature of this procedure it was absolutely NOT called for...I simply wanted my teeth whitened. The doctor NEVER offered a whitening procedure!

Replies (33)

December 3, 2014
It's been a few weeks since I did it too, and I'm still having to take Advil every 5 hours. My teeth are sensitive, but it's the jaw pain that's the worst. I'm so frustrated! He keeps saying it's my bite, but I've been in 3 times to have it adjusted, and it's not getting better. I'll post my before and after too. I'm the same as you. Just wanted them whiter.
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December 3, 2014

Hi, hopemary.  I'm the community manager for dental, and I just wanted to let you know that the way we generally show people our pictures is by starting our own story, or review, as kdawgg has done.  You can click on this link to get started--it's just a simple form and it holds your hand through the process :).  Then once it's published, you can let kdawgg know and she can go look at your story there and see your pictures.

December 3, 2014
So Sorry you too are frustrated by "this easy" procedure per my dentist. Did they have you bite down on something to see if your teeth were even? The lousy dentist I went to did but she did it so fast, I was left with similar problems. The dentist I am going to now takes his time and had to buff some teeth. FYI..
December 3, 2014
Is the buffing helping? My dentist has been great about that. He has me bite on a paper and it marks where it's hitting. Then he buffs away. I"ve been in 3 times for bit adjustment. It's still not getting better, and that is what worries me. Did your bite adjustments take care of the pain? If so, I probably just need to go in again.
December 3, 2014
I can't figure out how to send you my pics. Your teeth looked great, but there's no going back. Is it any better than it used to be? Is it your jaw or teeth hurting? Are you on fb? I can send my pic through that. :)
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December 3, 2014

You're beautiful and your teeth were beautiful as well.

January 12, 2015
Thank you for your kindness.
December 27, 2014
Your teeth were gorgeous before!!!! I'm glad I found this post. My teeth are ok. I was thinking about getting veneers to improve my smile but not after reading this. Thanks for the info. I'm angry that your dentist took advantage of you!!!! I hope your situation with your discomfort and pain improves.
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January 12, 2015

Have you tried at-home whitening before?  I've had great results with it myself, and I even read a review of some White Strips Professional and they said it was fantastic.  Doesn't even require a doctor to do it!

January 12, 2015
I actually have not. Short story: I saw a young lady who was a cashier at a restaurant, her teeth were gorgeous and white. I asked how did she get her teeth so white and she said with whitening strips. She said her Mom worked for a dentist and she had used the premium white strips that you could only get at the dentist (this was 5 years ago, I'm sure by now, those premium strips can be bought over the counter). Any way, she mentioned that she had to stop using them because her teeth were getting sensitive. I asked, are you talking about when eating or drinking something cold? She said yes, but also when she just takes in a breath of fresh air. I'm sure that happened to her because maybe she over used the strips. I hear people actually get addicted to whitening their teeth. Never the less, because I would hate to have sensitive teeth, I stayed away from the strips. But, maybe if you didnt have any sensitivity problems, I may try the strips and just make sure I use them sensibly. Thanks for the input.
January 13, 2015
It is the damage she did due to the veneers that's is blisteringly horrible.. My teeth are now white...
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January 13, 2015

Oh no, I definitely got sensitive teeth!  It's just that it only lasts about a day at the worst.  The whitening itself, according to our doctors, isn't damaging.  But it definitely causes sensitivity.  You can avoid the worst of it by going very slowly, but when I accidentally left the whitening gel in overnight one day (instead of taking it off after an hour--I fell asleep), OMG.  I was definitely not able to drink anything comfortably the next day.  But the day after was fine.  If she uses the strips every day, she will be sensitive every day.  It really dries out your teeth.

January 13, 2015
A long time ago I tried whitening strips but, like you I didn't like the way I felt after. The damage done here is so much worse. Lord I can't even describe it to you....I pray you NEVER have to go through something like this!
January 14, 2015
I can't even imagine what you have been through. I look at your beautiful before smile and I can tell that you took really good care of your teeth. Teeth are something that we value tremendously. Imo, what you went through is compared to being brutally attacked. K, you were violated!!! There was no reason for that woman (I can't refer to her as a dentist or professional, a professional would not have done what she did) to suggest that you get veneers. Your teeth are something you want to protect and keep in good health, and to have someone cut your beautiful, healthy teeth down that way, just having that done alone, without all the complications you had, is just horrible. To add all of the complications, pain and suffering to the cutting down is a complete nightmare. My heart goes out to you because you can't get your healthy teeth back. I know I would have had a complete breakdown if I went through what you are going through. Stay strong through this.
January 14, 2015
Thank you, your email is getting to the heart the heart of the matter. If I hadn't had a friend help cook and shop for me I think I would have been hospitalized. It was traumatic. My entire point when given the opportunity to write on this site. This procedure is INVASIVE and can leave you terrible scarred behind the veneers. The doctor acted like it was a walk in the park procedure. Looking back I feel like a characature in a cartoon...she was the wolf in sheep clothing and I sitting in her chair was a big piece of meat. In other words, she was just plain greedy. I do not recommend her nor would I ever want anybody to suffer this much so needlessly. Thank you for your kind support...REALLY!
January 14, 2015
You're welcome my friend. : )
January 15, 2015
:)
January 11, 2015
You HAVE to sue. Find a lawyer---that dentist created trauma and jeapordized your health.
January 11, 2015
I agree with Veronica especially since you didn't need veneers to begin with. Your dentist took advantage of you out of greed and now you have had to suffer tremendously and may likely continue to suffer.
January 11, 2015
She did so much more than that...she has no Idea how my mouth feels TODAY...its terrible. I just want my yellow teeth back and it will never happen. I hadn't seen all the nice posts before today..I have been depressed. I know that is self indulgence...but, not being able to chew, having teeth that have no character, the discomfort in no particular order... a dentist told me to put vasoline on my teeth..it helps a little but not with chewing.
January 11, 2015
That's what I think now too...I was a sucker. I wanted them whiter...that was ALL!...and i do suffer daily. Its hard to explain...I have no nerves in 10 of my teeth now. It is a tragedy.
January 11, 2015
Yah. Mine still hurt too. I take Advil twice a day. I've had my bite adjusted 5 times. And the dentist is a friend of mine so I'm not going to sue. But I post to warn people that the dentists make this seem like it's no big deal... Like they just have to sand ur teeth a little and pop on the veneer. It's a HUGE deal and you will never be able to go back to your original teeth. I spent $13000 for a sore jaw and uber sensitive teeth.
January 12, 2015
I wasn't even told she was going to alter my teeth!!!! She said she was "going to put a paper thin material on MY teeth. Can you imagine??? What kind of person is this?
January 12, 2015
A horrible, greedy person!!! I would be enraged if this happened to me. You have every right to feel outraged!!! My heart goes out to you for all the physical and emotional pain that you have endured and are continueing to endure. I know if your dentist would have explained the procedure in full detail including all risk and complications involved, you likely would've decided it was a more invasive procedure than what you were willing to have done (cutting down and prepping), and you would've probably opted out of getting veneers and reiterated to her that you just want a little whitening, please. I hope that your dentist has discontinued to extort her patients and has stopped performing unnecessary procedures on them. I do hope that your situation improves. I truly wish you well.
January 12, 2015
I WOULD HAVE RAN out of the office...Everything you just said is so barbaric to a rational person; unless, they have a VERY good reason for this procedure. I am sure some people have been helped but, I should never have been selected as a patient because of the nature of my teeth. After the first time I met her she told me my teeth were Very healthy. The procedure was done for her wallet not my well being; and during the process she damaged me unlike I could never imagine. Now, understanding the prep process, I cannot understand why she could do something so invasive. I believe she has a disregard for my humanity. There have been days I have wanted to end it all. But, I am not that selfish. I will endure and try to build again. I will NEVER be the same, the scars are deep. One day at a time, I have a purpose in this life to help others as a physician and she CANNOT take that away from me. A medical student is rotating with me for a second month right now...she was rotating with me when I was going through the worst of this...she noticed I had advanced from drinking yogurt to placing solid food in the back of my mouth to chew. Spontaneously, she loudly said "Your eating!" and I looked at her and remembered she saw the worst of it...I had forgotten just how bad bad was!! I am still trying to gain the weight I lost. I am revealing this to you because you gave me the opportunity (thankfully) to warn others. DON'T get suckered it with [RS bleep] because you think you can trust your professional. Do your research. There is a video of her on one of our local news channels...and THEY make it sound like it is an easy procedure!!! It is most definitely NOT.
January 12, 2015
Katie, thank you for your support, It really means alot.
January 12, 2015
You sound like an AMAZING person and obviously you have a GREAT purpose in this world.....being a Physician, etc. Also, I get the sense that you were a strong, confident person who has achieved a lot and that you are feeling broken because of this traumatic experience in which you have every right to feel this way. I know you are suffering and I know that when someone is in great pain, they could easily get the sense that they would be better off just ending it all. Please, Mary, fight through this and hopefully you will get resolve soon!!! If your depression continues, anti-depression meds help tremendously. It's ok, if you need a little help. Many of us do when we are going through horrible ordeals and what you are going through is horrible to say the least. As difficult as this is, be strong and fight through. This world needs people like you.
January 12, 2015
You are insightful and I am grateful for your message. Kdawgg is my name on this sight , it was Mary V who did all the damage. Thank God for people like you to keep people like me hopeful. ;)
January 12, 2015
Sorry that I made an error with your name. Good Luck and keep us posted. : )
January 12, 2015
Katie..that would be the very least of my problems. Thank you so very much for your support. It really means a lot!! K