The Silberman Dental Group

I am responding to your letter dated August 4, 2016 in reference to ID # [redacted], I was unaware that a problem existed with this patient and I appreciate that Revdex.com acts as an unbiased intermediary between parties.I saw this patient on June 10, 2016 when we placed a crown on an upper left molar. She...

stated in her “Customer's Statement of the Problem" that she called my office on July 15, 2016 and explained the problem she was having to one of the 4 receptionists. My policy is that I always see patients who are having a problem with recent treatment, or who call with pain for another reason, within 24 hours. I contacted this patient immediately upon receipt of your letter from the Revdex.com.I personally spoke to the patient and appointed her the following day at a time that was convenient for her, I assured her that I would be meeting with my staff prior to her arrival to investigate why she wasn't given an appointment in accordance with my 24 hour policy. I told her that I wanted to see her as soon as possible. She declined my first two offers of the next day at 9:30am and 11:00am because she said those times were too early for her, She agreed to come in at noon. She brought with her a copy of an x-ray that was taken by another dentist on July 14th, The x-ray showed a dark area at the point of contact between the crown and the tooth. Upon clinical examination it was determined that this was not a “cavity”, but rather an area of radiographic burnout. That is the technical term for an area that appears dark on the x-ray and can be misinterpreted as decay. It is caused by the difference in density of two abutting substances. In this case it is the difference between the density of the porcelain crown against the natural tooth structure. A clinical evaluation is necessary to determine if a space actually exists, or if this is a radiographic anomaly. In this case, it was the latter. When I saw the patient today, she stated that she is having minimal sensitivity to hot or cold drinks, She says that her concern is a “space that she feels" with her tongue, The contact between the teeth is excellent and there is no indication of a food trap. However, I want to make my patient 100% comfortable. A redesign of the crown can be easily accomplished by computer. I agreed to make another crown with a more rounded contour to fill any void that she feels with her tongue. I told her I would be happy to do that for her at no charge, She has scheduled an appointment for the end of this month.As a former instructor at the [redacted] [redacted] Dental School in the Department of Oral Diagnosis, I pride myself on being accurate in my diagnosis and treatment of patients, and not “over-diagnosing” nor “over-treating” patients, I am confident that we will be able to take care of this patient's dental needs to her satisfaction. When I spoke with my staff to find out why this patient wasn't scheduled when she called, I was told that the patient said, “It’s not as bad now as it was originally.” They did not understand that there was some urgency to appoint the patient. We discussed the necessity of asking each patient more questions when they call to be certain the patient is seen immediately if necessary. Each team member and I are regretful of any problems our patient experienced.Though I appreciate Revdex.com being a help to my patient, there are several ways that my patients can reach me in a situation like this. My email address is on my website and on my business card for direct written contact with me. Or if a patient wants to speak to me personally, they simply ask the receptionist to have me call them back. If my office is closed, the outgoing message provides for the option to connect to my personal cell phone. I do my best to make myself available to my patients.Thank you,Paul B. S[redacted], D.D.S

I recently received an email that my complaint has been closed.  I had not replied sooner because my appointment with Dr. Silberman had not happened."I had a visit with him on Aug. 26.  During that visit the problem was satisfactorily resolved.”I believe this should be added to complete my complaint?[redacted]