I had an area in my mouth where a baby tooth was still in use crammed together with two other…read moreteeth. My regular dentist (doesn't do the procedure) suggested I have the baby tooth removed, along with the crowded decayed tooth next to it, then my Orthodontist could move the other tooth to the correct position and space that could be filled with a dental implant. After much research I came up with Dr. Keeley, who sounded promising, both on price, reputation and location. I made an appointment for an Initial consultation. At the appointment I told Dr. Keeley that I needed a dental implant for 1 tooth. I had an initial exam; he documented the problem area and agreed that I was a good candidate for an implant. I left with a written quote for services at a cost of $2405.00. I went in, had two teeth extracted and made my appointment with my Orthodontist, to have a different tooth moved to its proper location. Six months go by moving the tooth. I saw Dr. Keeley at least one time during that period, and he said things looked good. When my Orthodontist gave his approval, I attempted to schedule an appointment with Angie at Dr. Keeley's office. I was told that in order to complete the procedure, she would need to make financial arrangements for the implant surgery. Shocked at that, I reminded her that my account was paid in full, and that I had a written quote, and that she could "just schedule the appointment". She refused to do that, and said the Doctor would have to call me. He did later that afternoon. After a heated conservation that was overheard by many of my co-workers, he agreed that his estimating practices weren't what they should be, and that I should have received an Itemized quote that actually included the service I went in for. After much conservation, we agreed to make the appointment, have the implant installed, and after that, if I felt that the service was worth it, then I could pay more, my choice. The dollar range we discussed was between $0.00 and $1000.00 more. After that conservation, I called the office again, and made an appointment. Prior to arriving, the Doctors office called and cancelled the appointment. I called back, and they refused to honor the agreement that the Doctor himself came up with. I informed them that I would be "clawing" back my payments through VISA, disputing the charges and filing an official complaint with my District Attorney's office (did it),The Ca Board of Dentists (did it) YELP, Google, and anything else I can find that will take a complaint. They were uncaring. To put things in perspective, I could have had the entire procedure accomplished in the Bay area, 55 miles from my home, in a place I drive past 3 days a week, for $1995.00, according to the written itemized quote I received form that organization. I have already paid $2405.00 to Dr. Keeley's office, and now Dr. Keeley wants an additional $2500.00 to complete the dental implant.
This office relies on their poor documentation practices to hook a client and continue to wring money out of them. My first warning should have been the customer in the office, who was very upset. He probably was a victim of their "process" also.
If I took my car in for service, I expect to get an itemized estimate for services to be performed. If there is additional work required, then I get a call before the work is performed. How come there is no requirement for an itemized quote when you get a dental implant? They cost much more than a car repair. Also, as far as I am concerned, my quote did not EXCLUDE a dental implant. That's what I went in for, and no matter how much garbage you toss in the air, I still don't have an implant, I had a quote to have one put in, and I paid $2405.00 for services that are incomplete, and not likely to be completed by this Dentist. Now, I will have to pay a different dentist another $2000.00, to finish the work that this one started. Avoid this office and the bait and switch tactics they use.
