Legal Question in Medical Malpractice in California

I went to a Dentist and paid $3,060 of selected treatment the very first day before anything was ever done (they gave me an estimate almost 6K for total treatment the Dentist said I need that my insurance does not cover). I went in for a checkup because of discomfort. He found a fractured tooth and extracted. In addition, he shaved three of my teeth halfway adjacent to the tooth that was extracted that he said needed to be done so he can cap it with a permanent bridge and a crown. He glued a temporary "fix" while waiting for the permanent bridge that he said will take up to 12 weeks. The temporary keeps falling out and they reglued twice without much success while waiting for the permanent bridge. I notified the Dentist that I am not satisfied with the treatment so far and requested a partial refund of my money already paid. I informed him that I am willing to pay what was already been done but declined to give me not even one cent back. I can not take cold drink because of dicomfort or chew food on my left side because he shaved it down. I needed the money so I can go to another Dentist to finish the treatment. Should I hire an attorney or try to collect the rest of my money to small claim court? How about the discomfort I am having and not being able to chew on my food? Help!


Asked on 6/05/10, 8:15 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Elizabeth Karnazes New York Offices of Elizabeth Karnazes

It does not sound like you have a legal claim. temporary fillings fall out all the time. If teh glue were more permanent, it would be too hard to replace them. Try just being patient a bit longer. If teh discomfort continues after the work is finished, that would be a differewnt issue.

Read more
Answered on 6/05/10, 4:40 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Medical Malpractice Law questions and answers in California