I’m having a problem with my full-mouth reconstruction. The temporaries seemed to fit fine, but when the permanent restorations were bonded on things started going south. I noticed not all my teeth were connecting properly. Some teeth hit the opposing teeth sooner and some never hit at all. It was like my bite had become treacherous, rocky terrain. My dentist tried grinding down some of those which seemed to be too “tall”, but that only made things worse. I finally gave up and went to get a second opinion to see if I should just get a full refund and go elsewhere. Yet, when I met with the second dentist, all he kept saying is “Dr —–” is a good dentist. He’ll take care of you properly. It seems like they know each other and he’s more interested in having his friend’s back than he is in my getting my teeth properly cared for. Is there anything I can do?

Marilyn

Dear Marilyn,

We’ll start with your second opinion because I am going to recommend you get another one and I don’t want the same thing happening to you. Dentists are peers. They often are friends as well. When you get a second opinion, you absolutely can NOT tell them who it was that did the original work. If they ask, simply say you want their untarnished opinion on the work without regard to who did it. This is the best way to get a true opinion.

What you are describing to me is serious. Occlusion, the way the teeth come together, is both complicated and important. Without it fitting properly you will have lifelong problems including TMJ Disorder. When you get your second (third) opinion I want you to see a dentist who has had significant TMJ training.

Getting training for this in dental school isn’t enough. It requires a significant amount of post-doctoral training. Three schools, in particular, are known for the training in occlusion and TMJ Disorder.

• Dawson Academy
• Pankey Institute
• Las Vegas Academy of Advanced Dental Studies

They should be able to help you get the care you need. I know this is a difficult experience for you.
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