Here’s a comment I received from someone who had visited a Clear Choice Dental Implant Center in St. Louis:
I was impressed after my first consultation. I got in on time, was treated in a friendly, respectful manner, and was pleasantly surprised that the cost was well below what another dentist had estimated. The whole office staff was willing to bend over backward to help me find the cash (which had to be paid in full up front). Over the next months I had several appointments-I have NO IDEA what they mean by “All in one day”. But subsequent appointments meant always waiting more than an hour to get in and no one around to answer my questions. I had the feeling getting my money was their only interest. On Tuesday of this week I had two implants put in. I received no post-op instructions. Two days later I knew that an infection was spreading through my head and neck. When I called, the dental assistant was dismissive, saying it all sounded normal. I asked for a prescription for an antibiotic and she said she had it in my chart that she gave it to my grandmother. (If I had a living grandmother she would be well over 100 years old.) I told the assistant I did not have anyone with me that could have gotten my Rx. An hour later, the dentist called and asked specific questions about my symptoms. He seemed concerned and said he would call for a Rx right then. I waited another hour before going to my pharmacy, but the Rx wasn’t ready. My condition worsened that afternoon and I called Clear Choice again. The assistant said in an impatient voice “What is it now, Rebecca?” I said “Would you please tell the doctor that a thick white tissue has formed over the screws and that they are no longer visible?” She said she would tell him. He did not return my call, and he does not return to the office until Tuesday. So here I sit with an extensive infection, wishing I never had to see these people again, but needing to finish the process. I am angry that my whole week was wasted with this unnecessary illness, angry that they are treating me in such a dismissive manner, and angry that I feel I have little choice about what to do next. Clear Choice was a very bad choice.
– Rebecca
Rebecca,
Thanks for your comments.
About David A. Hall
Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.
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