Absolutely terrible…read more
I visited Elite Dental multiple times over a short period because of a dental emergency, and my experience with Dr. Shin was completely unacceptable.
During my first appointment, Dr. Shin took X-rays and told me everything looked normal, suggesting I might have a bite issue. I trusted that assessment, but my pain continued to worsen.
Just a few days later, I returned because the pain had become unbearable. Another set of X-rays was taken, and once again Dr. Shin told me there was no dental issue. By this point, my face and cheek were significantly swollen. When the hygienist examined my mouth, she visibly recoiled and immediately asked when I had last seen my primary care doctor. She then brought Dr. Shin in, who also appeared very concerned. Rather than recognizing what turned out to be a severe dental infection, I was told the swelling was not related to a dental issue and that I needed to see my primary care physician immediately. I was also referred to an oral surgeon.
The way this was handled left me believing that I might have something far more serious, even oral cancer. Instead of receiving reassurance or a clear explanation, I left terrified that I could have a very severe condition while still having no answers for the horrendous pain I had been experiencing for over a week.
After enduring days of excruciating pain, barely being able to eat or sleep, the oral surgeon advised me to see an endodontist before proceeding any further. The very next day, the endodontist performed a scan and immediately identified a severe tooth infection that required an emergency root canal. The infection that Dr. Shin repeatedly failed to diagnose was identified and treated immediately by the specialist.
It is incredibly frustrating that despite multiple appointments, repeated X-rays, worsening symptoms, and obvious facial swelling, my infection went undiagnosed while my condition continued to deteriorate. Being repeatedly told there was no dental issue delayed the treatment I desperately needed, prolonged my pain, and caused unnecessary emotional distress.
To make matters worse, more than a year later I am now receiving collection calls from a law office over an outstanding $85 bill for the second set of X-rays that Dr. Shin ordered. Those X-rays did not lead to a diagnosis or appropriate treatment and ultimately failed to identify the severe tooth infection that another provider diagnosed immediately. Being pursued for payment for x-rays that, in my experience, provided no benefit to my care only adds insult to injury.
Based on my experience, I cannot recommend Dr. Shin or Elite Dental. I expected competent care, an accurate assessment of my symptoms, and timely treatment. Instead, I endured unnecessary pain, fear, delays in receiving the care I needed, and now collection calls over charges related to a visit that failed to address the actual problem.
Save yourself the time and the trouble and go next door to First Dental Center.
