Does your dentist say "trust me, I do this all the time!" or " It is no big deal!"?
PUBLIC ALERT
Dr. Kaplan and Dr. Tolley did not want my Teaching Website / Forum
available to the Public. They asked a judge to
shut down my website - particularly the section on the Florida Department of Health
and then withdrew their lawsuit 2 days before the hearing . Click Here for Legal Documents and their
claims.
LATEST LEGAL NEWS
May 20, 2006
Judge Edward Fine reversed his
decision on allowing sanctions against the lawfirm of McIntosh, Sawran et al and
Bonnie Navin for filing a frivilous lawsuit against myself. Further details to
follow.....
October 20, 2005
Judge Orders Dentists
(Dr. Richard Kaplan & Dr. Leonard Tolley to Pay My Legal Fees
of Approx. $23,000 for filing a SLAPP Suit to shut me up and remove my website -
The dentists are responsible 1/2 of the fees and the law firm of Mclntosh, Sawran,
Peltz, Cartaya & Petrucelli (Douglas McIntosh & Bonnie Navin) are to pay the other
half for filling a frivolous lawsuit against me.
(Click here for Palm Beach Post article)
August 4, 2005
WOW! DENTISTS WITHDRAW THEIR LAWSUIT TO HAVE MY WEBSITE REMOVED FROM THE PUBLIC
"Fraud is the intentional perversion of truth or a false
misrepresentation of a matter of fact" which induces
another person to "part with some valuable thing
belonging to him or her or to surrender a legal right."
"Were you truly deceived by the misrepresentations given by a person
and that you relied on the statements to your detriment (suffered harm)."
| There are Honest, Skilled and Ethical Dentists - Do your research |
I strongly recommend that you do treat with an honest and skillful dentist. Have your teeth cleaned at least 2 times per year and have a full mouth series of x-rays taken every 1-2 years. I do not want anyone reading what was done to myself by these dentists and assuming that this will happen to them. The whole purpose of my website is to teach you informed consent in dental treatments so that you do not end up in my position.
This website is my personal tragedy delivered to me by several dentists in West Palm Beach, Florida. I am ashamed and embarrassed to admit that I allowed these dentists to do this dental work in my mouth. I was not smart enough to see the reality of what their goals and intent were.
It certainly was not to promote healthy dental care or to "do no harm". In my opinion, my best interests never even entered into their "dental planning / recommendations and ultimate dental work they performed.
| Date | My Personal Dental Work |
Cost |
| 1997 - Dec 2002 | Braces, 5-unit bridge 2 root canals Surgical removal of 2 teeth 2 implants etc. |
Approx. $17,000 |
| October 9 '04 | Root canal done on tooth left over from 5-unit bridge I have been advised that the “filing down of the crown too low was the cause of the nerve dying” Too much trauma to the tooth | $ 980 |
| November 9 '04 | Filling in root canal | $ 220 |
| December 20 '04 | Upper invisiline orthodontic retainer made | $ 450 |
| January 13 '05 | Implant surgery to remove back implant placed by Richard Kaplan and bone grafting | $360 |
| January 26 '05 | Surgical site opened to explore and drain fluid build up. No Infection. (I am officially under construction.) | No charge |
| Aug '05 | Fixed / Removable Appliance | $1450 |
| Total Restoration cost to date | $20,550 |
Upon advice of my present dentist - Block Bone Graft Surgery to be delayed for 2 years. Waiting for technology to improve for cadaver and artificial bone
*** This total does not include consultations, models, x-rays, etc.
1. Take a look at the dentist’s teeth. Are they crooked, crowded,
chipped, etc.
FYI - Dr. Blake’s teeth are not “too pretty - they are extremely
crowded." Maybe I should have paid more attention to this.
2. No matter what type of specialty dentist you are treating with, I believe it is in your best interest to have a general dentist that will be responsible for your overall dental treatments (cleanings and fillings).
3. Referrals to specialties should come from dental assistants and not the dentists.
4. Any treatment plans involving restoration should be given to you in writing, not just the cost and payment plan. I would insist to see the specific details of the treatment (drawings and measurements). I would review the models of your teeth with the dentist and make sure you understand all the pro’s and con’s for the proposed treatment. Ask yourself does the treatment pros out weigh the risks?
5. Listen to your guts / instincts!
FYI - I knew when Dr. Kaplan’s office called to schedule the uncovering of the
front implant and place the abutments that there was a problem with the back
implant. In fact, a few weeks after implant surgery I called and told them that the back implant
/ surgical site was uncovered, Dr. Kaplan did not even call me in to look
at it, inadequate follow up care.
This is why I insisted that Dr. Blake x-ray these implants so I could see for myself that complete integration into bone had occurred. The inside of the back implant does not have bone growth. My instincts were right, I should have sought a second opinion with a Periodontist when the back implant / surgical site opened up.
6. Stop feeling that everything about your teeth needs to be “perfect."
We are bombarded daily with advertisements to have the “perfect smile." This is big business. No one is perfect and just because something can be done does not mean it should be done or that is in your best interest to treat.
If your teeth are healthy and functioning pain free, I would be very circumspect with respect to opinions that “you need to fix something in order to prevent future problems."
7. Get a least 3 opinions on major restorations. I would get these appointments “anonymously." I would not tell the dentist you are seeking the opinion from the dentists involved. This should level the playing field and prevent the “good ole’ boy” referrals.
I would also seek opinions out of the area and even drive to a different county. Dentistry is a big business and the competition is incredible in South Florida. Remember, we all like the lifestyle here, including our dental professionals.
Please be careful in the dentist you select to do this. Remember this is not a recognized or regulated specialty.
Once again, make sure that the restoration plan is in place and everyone understands what is happening. Insist on seeing this plan, down to the very last detail.
FYI- A prosthodontist should be the dentist directing the dentist (Periodontist or Oral Surgeon) that places the implants.
I was missing 1 lower molar. This tooth never developed /grew in and you could not see the space nor was I in pain. I never asked a dentist to "fix this space for me". I was induced by the dentists to fix this space.
I was 33 years old and I listened to and trusted Dr. Tolley (a general dentist) and Dr. Blake (Proshtodontist) and allowed them to to perform dental procedures that should not have been done. These two dentists convinced me that I would have "future jaw problems if I did not replace this tooth" that had never developed.
I did not give "informed consent" with the information they provided and the dental work was "not medically necessary vs. the risk involved". These dentists were not truthful in disclosing the risks of their proposed dental treatments.
I had to request my medical records from all the dentists involved (letters dated June 23, 2004) and asked them to answer specific questions and provide specific documents concerning their dental treatments. (please see actual correspondence on the links for each dentist's name).
Dr. Blake did not want to give me my records and none of the dentists involved in my dental care would answer my questions to date. I sent another letter by Certified Mail on August 4, 2004, to Dr. Blake (view under Dentist's name) more than 30 days after the first letter. I informed Dr. Blake that I would bring a reporter to their office if they did not turn over my dental records. Someone from his office called the next day and said "you will not be allowed on the property and we are not required to turn over your records in a specific time without a subpoena". In my opinion, there was nothing honest or ethical about this dental office, Palm Beach Prosthodontics, and I assured them that I would be paying them a visit and I would not be alone.
Dr. Blake's office called 3 days later and said "your records are ready and there is a charge of $70.00 for photocopies". In my opinion, $70.00 is excessive, but I do believe Dr. Blake and his office, Palm Beach Prosthodontics, need the money.
Note: Dr. Roy Blake left his practice at Palm Beach Prosthodontics after 20 years. He is setting up a new practice in Jupiter (200 Central Blvd. 561-745-5550). The new practice is called Jupiter Prosthodontics He was also was sharing space with Maria Cole (200 Butler St., West Palm Beach 561-296-3399).
I have given each dentist involved in my care the opportunity to post their comments and in particular answer my questions of my letter dated June 23, 2004. I assured them that I would print / post their responses in their entirety. Click on the Dentists Name in the Menu Bar.
My goal now is to prevent the public from having dental work done that is not medically necessary and done without their informed consent.
I want you to understand what "informed consent is and why you need to give it". It is not in anyone's best interest to rely upon a dentist saying "trust me, I do this all the time and it is no big deal. This is an investment in your future in order to prevent future "dental problems". Ask yourself, "Is this dental care medically necessary and is the dentist performing this work in my mouth competent and skilled, and not just motivated to perform dental procedures for their own monetary gain?"
Note: I never signed any "consent forms" outlining risks for dental work for Dr. Tolley, Dr. Blake or Dr. Mohaupt. They did not inform me that there was risk, in fact, there was significant risk. I am a living, breathing example of that risk and I will pay for this for the rest of my life.
My jaw does not take anesthesia well. Removing the back implant took approximately 20 shots of Novocain. I suffered terribly. This is what my future will entail.
The information contained in this website is based upon my dental records, money paid to dentists, x-rays of my mouth, and conversations and appointments with other dentists.
The back implant was removed (due to bone loss and not being placed deep enough into my jawbone and too far back), and area was grafted. I am pursuing implants, and I will have them placed correctly by someone skilled and well experienced for maximum support and longevity.
It was easier to eat the $2,000 that I paid Dr. Kaplan for the back implant than to throw good money after bad. No one understands why these implants were placed where they were.
I swore I would not have more surgeries and I am very afraid of losing sensation in my lower left jaw area.
Periodontist I sought an opinion from on June 9, 2005
The rest of my teeth and mouth are in great shape. I have no periodontal issues and my bone measurements (you should be below 3) are 1 and 2. Not bad for a woman that is 40 years old.
Restoration – I have 3 choices
Do nothing and live my life like this – not an option
Find a reputable prosthodontist and have him make a “fixed / removable appliance” that would attach to the implant I have left and place a bar around the back of my bottom teeth and hook it on the molars on the right side. Millions of people live like this. It is not a great option but probably my only one. When the implant fails (which it will), bone graft and try for another implant slightly larger and deeper than what I presently have. Make sure that the dentist placing the implant is experienced, competent and reputable.
Or
Restore the implant and bridge it to my 2 crowned teeth left over from Blake’s 5 unit bridge (this is not the best scenario – he told me that you should not bridge implants to natural teeth and my one tooth that Blake filed down too low has a root canal – does have brittle roots)
FYI –Natural teeth have ligaments and move
Implant teeth do not move
High risk of breakage of the teeth roots
I told him that these 2 crown teeth do not feel great to me and I do not want any type of appliance placed on top of them. Bad enough that Blake filed down 4 healthy teeth for his elaborate 5-unit bridge design.
OR
I asked him if I was a candidate for another implant to be done in a block bone graft in front of the implant I already have (remember I never had a tooth in this area).
He said “your jawbone is extremely narrow, in fact, worst that he has ever seen, and he feels that the risk is too high to try and get a block bone graft done here (either from my chin, jawbone or hip) for another implant (this would allow me a removable appliance just on implants)”.
He said “I have no idea why an oral surgeon would place implants where these were placed? First of all, you do not chew on the back of your teeth where this back implant was placed and it served no purpose (now removed). In his opinion, this was done strictly for the oral surgeon to make money. He told me “ this happens all the time in dentistry.”
Once again, in my opinion, Dr. Richard Kaplan did great job of generating fees for himself and was successful in butchering my jawbone at the same time. What a waste.
Who is responsible for placing these implants in my mouth? Dr. Roy Blake did you tell Dr. Richard Kaplan to place the implants here? There are no notes in my dental files that show who made this decision. Legally it was Dr. Roy Blake that was responsible for directing the oral surgeon, Dr. Richard Kaplan. By no means this does not excuse Dr. Richard Kaplan. Regardless, in my opinion, both of these “buddy dentists” made a fraudulent dental treatment in my mouth (greed, dishonest and incompetent), which I will pay for the rest of my life.
Dr. Richard Kaplan even had the nerve to suggest “bone grafting around the back implant, that served no purpose”.
I wonder if push comes to shove who will finger who in the decision to place these implants were they were screwed into my jawbone. I guess this would explain why documents are missing from my dental files and why the dentists refuse to answer my questions concerning the dental treatments they performed in my mouth.
Why would the Florida Department of Health not review or assess these actions by these dentists? In my opinion, the State’s “clinical expert” Dr. Ferris had already made up his report before he looked at me? I believe his examination / report was a favor to someone to overlook the obvious? Notwithstanding the fact that the Florida Department of Health does not recognize dental implants as a legitimate specialty.
I asked this Periodontist if there was anyone in the State of Florida that he could refer me to for this type of “risky bone grafting and dental implant surgery”. He said “no, if you are determined to continue on this course there is only one professional I know of that may have enough experience to evaluate you and actually be successful if it can be done and he is in Michigan. This particular dentist has done remarkable work in patients that have little to no jaw bone (lost due to cancer and accidents).”
Chin
This procedure requires cutting through the inside of
the bottom lip (he cannot cut along my gum line) and removing the bone from your
chin. I do not have enough tissue in my gum area to cover the surgical site.
Tissue may be used from underneath the tongue to create the flap. The surgical
site needs to be covered for at least four months. There will be a scar in front
of my lower teeth and
this should not bother me.
If you lose sensation because of nerve damage, your muscle tone you should not be affected. You will have 1-2" along the inside of my lower jaw and chin. The area may tingle and burn, but apparently You can get used to this? Also, the surgical sites may open up and need to be addressed with antibiotics, drainage, etc.
This block of bone would be held in place with small titanium screws.
It will take approx. 6 months to 1 year for these grafts to heal and integrate into your jawbone and the surgical sites will be kept covered with my tissue
Place 2 more implants and have all 3 implants functioning separately.
It will take approx. 6 months to 1 year for the implants to integrate into my jawbone.
Crown all 3 implants separately.
Keep yourself strong and healthy and hope that it works for a very long time.
Have frequent cleanings (every 3 months).
I have decided to not use bone from my face or hip. I will attempt either cadaver or artificial bone grafting.
The obvious is losing sensation in my lower left jaw and infection and failure of the bone graft and implants.
Cost?
Anesthesia $ 300
Block bone graft $2,200
Two implants $3,400
Three crowns
approx. $6,000
= Total $11,900
I will also need another small surgery to uncover the implants. I don't know how much it will cost.
How long with this restoration last? No one knows for sure. The best guesstimate is five to ten years.
I am not going to identify him unless he wants to be. I believe my friends are correct and no dentist will work in my mouth if they know I have published my dental tragedy. In my opinion, accountability seems to be tough for these dental professionals, and the Florida Department of Health is not able to oversee and discipline bad dentistry to protect the public.
He did not ask me who any of the dentists were. Just the specialties and sequence of events.
He has “never seen such poorly planned dental treatments.”
“This work should not have been done (braces, 5-unit bridge and implant restoration with respect to size, type and placement of implant.)”
He asked me if I had ever gone back to the orthodontist? I said no.
“The bridge failure is not my fault “you are not a grinder”. Your teeth show no signs of grinding and at your age it would show.”
He was surprised that no x-rays were taken of the bridged teeth roots after placement and subsequent root canals. I did not tell him how many times my bridge was adjusted, dental cleanings, etc.
I did tell him that the Endodontist, Dr. Mohaupt, had made a comment in my file re: Blake’s bridge? I said if this had been explained to myself, I would have this bridge “disassembled immediately”. I was still in temporary crowns and this disaster could have been stopped then. He asked me how the 5-unit bridge felt in my mouth. I said “it felt very heavy”.
The Prosthodontist wanted to know who made the decision to place these implants here? I told him I did not know. He said “the Prosthodontist has this responsibility.”
“Any type of bone grafting around the back implant is useless.”
“I cannot even think of taking your money to place a temporary crown on this back implant. It will fail. You may get 6 months or 1 year, but I doubt it.” I told him that I still have sensation around this implant. I can feel hot liquids drip down the inside of the implant into my jawbone.
He said “your top 2 upper left teeth have dropped down. Why was this splint made for your lower teeth? You needed an orthodontic appliance for the upper teeth to prevent them from falling out. This needs to be made immediately.”
He also adjusted my splint and put the occlusions on the inside of my teeth. Dr. Blake had them on the outside.
I am looking at approximately $70,000 to $100,000 over the next 40 years (depending on how my implants perform and loss of bone in my jaw).
I will never regain what was taken from me (natural healthy teeth).
I am looking for site sponsors.
I will set up a "not for profit corporation" and use the sponsor money to help victims of dental fraud repair their mouths.
No overhead (salaries) will be paid from these funds. My time will be strictly voluntary. The costs to operate my website are minimal. The hosting is $20/month and the programming is paid by the hour. The funds will be controlled and distributed by a CPA firm.
I WILL NOT PERSONALLY USE ANY FUNDS FROM SPONSORS TO REPAIR MY OWN DAMAGED MOUTH!
I want to establish a network of dentists that are honest and skilled that I can confidently recommend to these victims for dental work and would be willing to work with these victims with reduced fees.
Please support the Public Citizen ( www.citizen.org ) and the ACLU ( www.aclu.org ). These are the organizations that will protect our freedom of speech.
