He extracted 4 healthy teeth -- now I have lifelong damage, sleep apnea, and disfigurement…read more
I'm writing this through tears because my life has been permanently altered by the choices Dr. Chris Riolo made. What was supposed to be cosmetic orthodontics for mild crowding turned into a devastating medical trauma. I now suffer from severe sleep apnea, facial collapse, chronic fatigue, and daily pain -- all because Dr. Riolo insisted on extracting four of my healthy teeth and retracting my arches.
When I first visited his office, I was told I was a "great candidate" for braces but would need to remove four premolars to "make room." I was shocked -- I had no major bite issues, just slightly crooked front teeth. I asked if there were alternatives, but Dr. Riolo brushed off my concerns and said extractions were the "gold standard" and wouldn't affect anything long-term. He acted so confident and dismissive that I felt pressured into agreeing.
From there, everything spiraled. My face started narrowing, my smile looked pinched, and I began waking up multiple times a night gasping for air. I couldn't breathe through my nose anymore when lying down. I told Dr. Riolo I felt something was wrong -- he said I was "just adjusting" and to give it time.
Eventually, I saw a sleep specialist and was diagnosed with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, which I had never had before. My airway volume had collapsed due to the tooth extractions and maxillary retraction. A second orthodontist and an oral surgeon both told me that the damage is likely irreversible without major surgical intervention. One even called it "a textbook case of over-retraction in a non-extraction candidate."
I also suffer from jaw joint dysfunction, tension headaches, and depression stemming from my altered appearance. I now avoid mirrors. My face looks hollow and aged -- like someone sucked the life out of it.
What infuriates me most is the complete lack of accountability. When I brought this up to Dr. Riolo, he refused to take responsibility. He said my symptoms were "unrelated" or "psychosomatic." I was treated like a nuisance, not a patient whose health he destroyed.
I have spent tens of thousands of dollars on consultations, imaging, and treatment to attempt to undo this. Some of the damage -- like my changed facial structure and airway loss -- may never be corrected.
Please -- if you're reading this and he recommends extractions, RUN. Get second and third opinions. I wish someone had warned me. I'm only in my 20s and now live like someone decades older, constantly tired, snoring with a CPAP machine, afraid to smile, and unable to sleep properly.
I trusted Dr. Riolo with my health. That was the worst mistake I have ever made.
