Dr. Noah's Dentistry Blog

Questions About Dentistry Answered

Archives for March 2018

Can I Charge My Assailant for My Dental Appointment?

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I was at a frat party and was assaulted by a guy from another frat. He knocked out one of my teeth. I’m ended up going to an emergency dentist but he couldn’t save my tooth and now I have to have an implant too. Can I charge the guy who caused the problem for these?

Adam

Dear Adam,

Woman with boxing glove hitting man in face

Who Pays for Emergency Dental Appointments When You’ve Been Hit?

First, I’m sorry you were in a fight. That must have put a real damper on the party. A dentist, even an emergency dentist, can only charge the person who received the services unless they’re a minor. I’m assuming because you were at a frat party you’ve reached the age of majority.

This doesn’t mean you can’t get your cost recouped. You have a couple of options there. First, you can see if he’s a young man of integrity. If he is, he’ll be willing to help cover your costs. I’d just talk to him about it. Maybe in the sober light of day, he’ll see things more reasonably.

If he doesn’t take responsibility, you can always take him to court. Normally, in a situation like that, it would be small claims court. However, if you need a dental implant that will go over the limit for small claims court and you would take it to the next level.

When to See an Emergency Dentist

You were smart to go to an emergency dentist when your tooth was knocked out. To have the best chance of saving a tooth, you need to be receiving treatment within 30 minutes of losing the tooth. Also, be careful not to touch the roots of the tooth. Only handle it by the crown. It sounds like you tried to do that. Maybe the damage was just too extensive to do anything.

So you know for future reference, there are other reasons to go in for an emergency dental appointment as well.

  • A Toothache

Usually, a toothache is a sign something is wrong. It can often mean an infection. If you see a pimple on your gums it means the infection has progressed enough where it will require a root canal treatment. Other times it can just mean you’ve got a cavity that is close to the pulp and causing pain. You’ll want to get in as soon as possible to ensure the least invasive treatment possible.

  • A Graying Tooth

If you have a tooth that is turning gray, it means the tooth is either dead or dying. It will become a harbor for bacteria. The sooner you go in and get a root canal treatment and dental crown, the better.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Noah.

Third Crown in Six Years from “Affordable Dentist”

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I’m at my wit’s end. I needed a dental crown because I broke a tooth. I didn’t have a lot of money at the time so I called around to call the most affordable dentist. I think it was a horrible decision. In the last six years, he’s replaced my “affordable crown” twice and it just broke a third time. At this rate, I could have gone to the most expensive dentist in the city and gotten a crown practically made of gold. Do I have a case for a refund?

Lana

porcelain crown being placed on prepared tooth

Yikes! I hate to hear you’ve been going through this. As you’ve unfortunately experienced, cheap is not always affordable. You’re talking about three crowns in just six years. Generally, a crown should last five years at a minimum. So, three crowns should be 15+ years. A well-done crown will last longer than five years, but I’m talking the minimum expectation.

Because of that, I think you’re well within your right to ask for a refund and then have this third crown re-done by a different dentist.

Ways to Have Affordable Dentistry with Quality

First, don’t just look for the dentist with the cheapest price. Some dentists have the cheapest price simply because they’re not that great and need low prices to draw patients in. Other times, they use low-quality materials in order to make up the profits they lose through their lower prices. Both of these “conveniences” end up hurting the patient.

Instead, look for dentists who do quality work but are willing to work with their patients financially. For instance, Dr. Noah does this three different ways.

  • Dental Payment Plans
  • Phased Treatment Plans
  • Alternate Treatment Plans

You can read Dr. Noah’s affordable dentist page to learn more.

Who Should Fix this Crown?

I know you’ll want another dentist to make your next crown, just don’t put it off too long. Even just a few days can cause your teeth to shift. I’d call around to some reputable dentists in your area and explain what’s going on. I’m sure more than one of them would be willing to work you in as an emergency dental appointment. Just be sure to check their reviews to see if they do quality work.

I’m assuming because you called around about crown prices you don’t have a regular dentist. I don’t know if that’s because of financial reasons or because of dental anxiety. Many people who’ve had a traumatic experience from a rough or insensitive dentist find it difficult to go back. You should be able to tell from their reviews whether or not people have had good experiences with them.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Noah.