In April I was referred by another dentist to Dr. Larry W. Dunford, DDS to replace my upper bridge. Since I was referred by another dentist I assumed he was competent. I trusted his ability based on this and assumed he would proceed with the best course of action and in my best interests. Although Dr. Dunford reports that I had the bridge replaced due to decay that is not accurate. I had a problem with a tooth under the bridge and decided it was time to replace it.
The work was long and painful. After approx. 2-1/2 years my $20,000 dental bridge fell out. When the bridge came out a few of the teeth holding it in broke off and came out with it. I am now living with teeth broken off into my gums and have to keep glueing the bridge back in as I am not in a financial position to go to another dentist and at this point I don't trust anyone.
On my last visit, Dr. Dunford had what I can only classify as a very blase attitude towards my dilema and suggested that I come back and have a radiograph "in order to properly diagnose what remaining tooth structure there is to work with". I declined any further work from him as I obviously no longer trusted in him or his ability and wasn't going to give him any more money; I did'nt have it anyway.
My life has been tremendously altered by this. I am constantly depressed due to the discomfort and the fact that I have to hold the bridge in when I eat. I am having stomach problems as I cannot fully chew my food and I fear the medical problems that can also arise.
I not only feel that Dr. Dunford is incompetent but he is insensitive. He states in the report of my last visit "Pt was a bit argumentative in the beginning". He stated that I was informed of concerns with recurrent decay. If he felt this why did he suggest doing a bridge which in the end cost me approx. $20,000. He also said "Pt then got very quiet, started to cry and did not say very much afterwards". Considering I paid dearly for this work any normal person would be upset.
In Dr. Dunford's reports he states about possible further tooth decay. What I don't understand is that he is the supposed expert. If he felt this course of action was sketchy at best then why didn't he offer an alternative plan. He did not. If he felt that the quality of my teeth could not sustain the bridge and that it would eventually come out then he should have offered an alternative or explained to me that the bridge was not the best way to go. He did not.
I don't know what I can do from here. I have suffered since July. We no longer go out to dinner because I cannot chew without holding in my bridge. I am afraid to talk because at any given time my bridge falls out. I worry about all the things that can happen from having teeth broken off into your gums.
The best I can do right now is to suggest that no one use this dentist. I would not want anyone else to go through such a horrific experience.
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