Warning Dentist--Dr. Bill Fisher

[tigger_kitty]

Ohhh, incompetent. He xrayed and examined my teeth. Then the hygenist scraped away and low and behold one of my crowns is chipped at the gumline and I'll be darned if they don't blame it on decay. NO WAY!! Had my dentist where I moved from check and my x-rays showed nothing. I confronted Sumter Landing Dental (Dr. Fisher)...but, they were unwilling to do anything. SO......I'm in search of another dentist

HE IS A COSTLY MISTAKE!!!

[Trish Crocker]

I'm not defending this dentist...there are some unscrupulous people...but there can be decay under a crown that an x-ray will not pick up. A lot of crowns have metal bases under porcelein or ceramic and the x-ray cannot penetrate this. If there is an opening at the base of the crown (possibly from decay) bacteria can get in and cause the tooth under the crown to decay and not be discernible with an x-ray.Although crowns are absolutely wonderful, they don't always last forever. If there is decay under the crown, you want to address it while the tooth is still viable. If you don't, you will end up needing an implant. Please see another dentist! If you get a dentist with an intra oral camera, he (she) can show you exactly what they are seeing. You may find that the dentist that diagnosed this problem was, in fact, doing a good job and that the hygienist found a problem before it caused you a lot of money. It's cheaper to replace the crown after cleaning up the decay than it is to wait until the tooth is destroyed and have to put in an implant or bridge.

[ilovetv]

Ohhh, incompetent. He xrayed and examined my teeth. Then the hygenist scraped away and low and behold one of my crowns is chipped at the gumline and I'll be darned if they don't blame it on decay. NO WAY!! Had my dentist where I moved from check and my x-rays showed nothing. I confronted Sumter Landing Dental (Dr. Fisher)...but, they were unwilling to do anything. SO......I'm in search of another dentist

HE IS A COSTLY MISTAKE!!!

I would get another consult from a 3rd dentist. The one you had could be wrong and not admitting it now, too....he could be defensive b/c the dentist here found something the he had missed and should have treated before this.

[Trish Crocker]

I'm not defending this dentist...there are some unscrupulous people...but there can be decay under a crown that an x-ray will not pick up. A lot of crowns have metal bases under porcelein or ceramic and the x-ray cannot penetrate this. If there is an opening at the base of the crown (possibly from decay) bacteria can get in and cause the tooth under the crown to decay and not be discernible with an x-ray.Although crowns are absolutely wonderful, they don't always last forever. If there is decay under the crown, you want to address it while the tooth is still viable. If you don't, you will end up needing an implant. Please see another dentist! If you get a dentist with an intra oral camera, he (she) can show you exactly what they are seeing. You may find that the dentist that diagnosed this problem was, in fact, doing a good job and that the hygienist found a problem before it caused you a lot of money. It's cheaper to replace the crown after cleaning up the decay than it is to wait until the tooth is destroyed and have to put in an implant or bridge.

Just wanted to add one other thought...If there is tarter or calculus built up around the base of the crown, by removing it like the hygienist was doing, this would make the decay apparent...something the doctor would not see with a visual examination. If the doctor is indeed underhanded, he should be exposed. I just hate to see a professional's reputation destroyed without defense.

[swimdawg]

I'm not defending this dentist...there are some unscrupulous people...but there can be decay under a crown that an x-ray will not pick up. A lot of crowns have metal bases under porcelein or ceramic and the x-ray cannot penetrate this. If there is an opening at the base of the crown (possibly from decay) bacteria can get in and cause the tooth under the crown to decay and not be discernible with an x-ray.Although crowns are absolutely wonderful, they don't always last forever. If there is decay under the crown, you want to address it while the tooth is still viable. If you don't, you will end up needing an implant. Please see another dentist! If you get a dentist with an intra oral camera, he (she) can show you exactly what they are seeing. You may find that the dentist that diagnosed this problem was, in fact, doing a good job and that the hygienist found a problem before it caused you a lot of money. It's cheaper to replace the crown after cleaning up the decay than it is to wait until the tooth is destroyed and have to put in an implant or bridge.

Trish is right on target. I actually had a similar problem with a very old crown. Good advice, Trish.

[Trish Crocker]

Thanks Swimdawg.:)

[tigger_kitty]

The crown is all ceramic. You all can think what you want. I'm a good judge of character and doctors and dentists. The crown was NOT chipped before cleaning and he sure didn't see anything!! Then he looks back at the xray and says he sees it!!!! (on my complaining trip in)!!!! Something is not right in this picture. If you want to use him FINE!!

[Trish Crocker]

The crown is all ceramic. You all can think what you want. I'm a good judge of character and doctors and dentists. The crown was NOT chipped before cleaning and he sure didn't see anything!! Then he looks back at the xray and says he sees it!!!! (on my complaining trip in)!!!! Something is not right in this picture. If you want to use him FINE!!

Wow....I don't even know him....I don't live in Florida. Since my husband is a dentist and I assist him, I was just trying to give you some hopefully helpful information. Obviously, you are educated in all of the medical and dental knowledge that you need and I'm sorry if it offended you. Had I known that you were an expert I would have never offered my opinion. Good luck.

[ladydoc]

Wow....I don't even know him....I don't live in Florida. Since my husband is a dentist and I assist him, I was just trying to give you some hopefully helpful information. Obviously, you are educated in all of the medical and dental knowledge that you need and I'm sorry if it offended you. Had I known that you were an expert I would have never offered my opinion. Good luck.

Well said!

[JenAjd]

I could float a new country with all the $$$$ done to my mouth over my lifetime. I knew once here I'd need a new dentist and it came none too soon as in my prelim app't showed I had significant decay under 2 crowns. Another factor we have as we age is we get "long of tooth" and decay can get up under these crowns despite all the care a dentist and we might give them. Also another factor is "dry mouth" which sets another form of bacteria in our mouths that contribute to this. I'd say give the guy the benefit of the doubt and move on...if you don't care to remain with him. In my case, my decay led to removal of these "teeth" and implants!!! I was grateful to my new dentist for the care I got.

[jazzy48]

Don't know you Trish, but I like you! You're a class act!

[Trish Crocker]

Thank you jazzy48...I appreciate that.

[graciegirl]

I could float a new country with all the $$$$ done to my mouth over my lifetime. I knew once here I'd need a new dentist and it came none too soon as in my prelim app't showed I had significant decay under 2 crowns. Another factor we have as we age is we get "long of tooth" and decay can get up under these crowns despite all the care a dentist and we might give them. Also another factor is "dry mouth" which sets another form of bacteria in our mouths that contribute to this. I'd say give the guy the benefit of the doubt and move on...if you don't care to remain with him. In my case, my decay led to removal of these "teeth" and implants!!! I was grateful to my new dentist for the care I got.

I second what you say Jen. About three years ago my teeth just began to have issues and I had to have two crowned and two crowns replaced and three root canals done on already repaired teeth. Also, my teeth began having caries and decay like never before and my oral hygiene had not changed. I thought for awhile that it was the lemonade I was drinking a lot of. I have great trust in the dentist I have gone to for thirty years so it was my teeth, not the dentist. Now two of my friends are going through the very same issues. I believe it is an aging problem. And quite possibly one that has not been well documented like the serotonin drop that causes so much anxiety and obsessive behavior.

"Long in the tooth" is right, our gums recede and the bacteria that live in our mouth changes too. A recent study shows that we can "catch" bacteria that causes decay. Isn't that fun???

I am not disputing that you are correct Tigger. I am just saying that this kind of decay at the base of a crown does escalate as we age and practically overnight too.

Getting older isn't for sissies, but it beats the alternative.

[captg]

:cus: Dr. Fisher & Lucy both practiced as associates @ Star Dental. The sales job started with[ you need deep cleaning. This is done by the quadrant 1/4th of the mouth cleaned each visit.] If you do not have an Electric Tooth Brush, we have a large selection here at reasonable prices. [ you should come for 3 month appts. this helps keep your teeth cleaner.]
Then the Dr. does his exam. makes notes of many procedures you should have done, mostly pre caries procedures and if you have a filling, you need a crown. The whole list then is turned over to the CLOSER, in this case a non Dentist named Sam. He then commences to try to sell you the whole plan which is printed out with costs of procedures and your cost and what your Dental plan covers which is not quite correct .
With the exception of Sam, the other 2 parts of the team are now in practice.Judge for yourself.
And Trish, before you start on me, about not knowing what I am talking about, I spent many years in the Dental business. I sold Dental equipment, supplies, and designed Dental offices. I also sold and implemented accounting plans and trained staff in how to succeed. Since I have moved here, 3 Dentists have lost their Licenses in this area. :spoken:

[Trish Crocker]

:cus: Dr. Fisher & Lucy both practiced as associates @ Star Dental. The sales job started with[ you need deep cleaning. This is done by the quadrant 1/4th of the mouth cleaned each visit.] If you do not have an Electric Tooth Brush, we have a large selection here at reasonable prices. [ you should come for 3 month appts. this helps keep your teeth cleaner.]
Then the Dr. does his exam. makes notes of many procedures you should have done, mostly pre caries procedures and if you have a filling, you need a crown. The whole list then is turned over to the CLOSER, in this case a non Dentist named Sam. He then commences to try to sell you the whole plan which is printed out with costs of procedures and your cost and what your Dental plan covers which is not quite correct .
With the exception of Sam, the other 2 parts of the team are now in practice.Judge for yourself.
And Trish, before you start on me, about not knowing what I am talking about, I spent many years in the Dental business. I sold Dental equipment, supplies, and designed Dental offices. I also sold and implemented accounting plans and trained staff in how to succeed. Since I have moved here, 3 Dentists have lost their Licenses in this area. :spoken:
Before I start on you???????? Wow.:shocked:

[Trish Crocker]

Ok...gloves are off...I am NOT starting on anyone. The dentist in question MAY be a complete idiot...I have no way of knowing. The procedure mentioned for deep cleaning is root scaling and planing...an unfortunate but many, many times necessary procedure to maintain healthy periodontal health..without this, there is bone loss which results in tooth loss. I've seen patients that cannot even wear their denture because they have NO bone left...this was preventable!! As far a needing a crown when a filling will do....composite fillings (tooth colored) are a form of plastic...therefore, there is expansion and contraction..this leads to leakage when a filling is too large which in turn leads to decay. The IDEAL answer is to put on a crown. The "closer" that had possibly incorrect information in regards to YOUR insurance has no way of knowing exactly what your insurance will approve until there is a pre-determination. Finally, this closer is giving you a complete breakdown of what these things will cost so YOU can make an informed decision regarding YOUR health. You claim to have sold dental supplies...then you, of all people should know how much these things cost. By the way, we also highly recommend electric toothbrushes, which we sell in our office....cheaper than Costco!!! We do not make a profit on them...we sell them and our services because we care about our patients...even if they don't care about themselves. My husband, just like most dentists, works for, earns and deserves every dime he makes. NOW:spoken:

End of discussion

[courtyard]

The best way I found to have good periodontal health is to always soak your toothbrush in Hydrogen Peroxide. There are many germs on your toothbrush that you can easily transfer to your gums. Haven't had any gum surgeries for 15 years!

[ilovetv]

Ok...gloves are off...........

....You claim to have sold dental supplies...then you, of all people should know how much these things cost. By the way, we also highly recommend electric toothbrushes, which we sell in our office....cheaper than Costco!!! We do not make a profit on them...we sell them and our services because we care about our patients...even if they don't care about themselves. My husband, just like most dentists, works for, earns and deserves every dime he makes.

End of discussion

BRAVO!! Well-said.....especially that he "works for, earns and deserves every dime he makes". I get tired of hearing people treat doctors and dentists like they're "only in it for the money" when in reality, most of them go into and stay in their profession because they love what they do and want to help people!!! And they go into debt up to their eyeballs to pay for the long years of education and training and then starting a practice.

[JenAjd]

I should add...I have many dental implants!! Cost...don't ask!! The alternative would be dentures that may or may not fit. My hygenist told me that I should use a "electric brush" and also a water pic. Now I did brush alot AND flossed..but after using these she said my gums look a world of difference better. Yes there are unscrupulous dentists (and doctors and mechanics etc) but before negating one...you need to have more proof..just my humble opinion.

[swimdawg]

Ok...gloves are off...I am NOT starting on anyone. The dentist in question MAY be a complete idiot...I have no way of knowing. The procedure mentioned for deep cleaning is root scaling and planing...an unfortunate but many, many times necessary procedure to maintain healthy periodontal health..without this, there is bone loss which results in tooth loss. I've seen patients that cannot even wear their denture because they have NO bone left...this was preventable!! As far a needing a crown when a filling will do....composite fillings (tooth colored) are a form of plastic...therefore, there is expansion and contraction..this leads to leakage when a filling is too large which in turn leads to decay. The IDEAL answer is to put on a crown. The "closer" that had possibly incorrect information in regards to YOUR insurance has no way of knowing exactly what your insurance will approve until there is a pre-determination. Finally, this closer is giving you a complete breakdown of what these things will cost so YOU can make an informed decision regarding YOUR health. You claim to have sold dental supplies...then you, of all people should know how much these things cost. By the way, we also highly recommend electric toothbrushes, which we sell in our office....cheaper than Costco!!! We do not make a profit on them...we sell them and our services because we care about our patients...even if they don't care about themselves. My husband, just like most dentists, works for, earns and deserves every dime he makes. NOW:spoken:

End of discussion

Having worked in the medical field for MANY years, :agree:
YES!!! :highfive:

Hey Trish.....count me in on your team any day of the week. :boxing2:

[Trish Crocker]

:)Thank you to everyone that understood what I was trying to say.

[tigger_kitty]

RIGHT ON Captg!! If these people had encountered this they would understand. Believe me....I had the same dentist for 22 years and I know good from bad! I should have done more research. Didn't know that about Star Dental....but the "SELL" is the same!!! I contacted my old dentist and he said I didn't need what this guy had recommended.
:cus: :spoken:

[Texan]

We have an absolutely fabulous Dentist right here in The Villages. Dr. Maria Loung at Serenity Dentil Spa at Spanish Springs. 352-350-1933 Connie will set you up. Just can't say enough good things about the Dr. and her office.

[tigger_kitty]

Thanks Texan....great! I also had recommendations about Baylee Dental and Dr. Cheryl Pisano.....

[captg]

;) You are wekcome Tigger Kitty. I hope between us we save others some grief.
It is sad the way some people prey on the elderly, no matter what profession or business they are in. Just talk to the Atty. Generals office or if you are a member of AARP, read the info on scams. :yuck:

[herbaru]

;) You are wekcome Tigger Kitty. I hope between us we save others some grief.
It is sad the way some people prey on the elderly, no matter what profession or business they are in. Just talk to the Atty. Generals office or if you are a member of AARP, read the info on scams. :yuck:

It's not just elderly. My 22 year old daughter has had a general dentist tell her she needs 4 treatments of deep scaling and cleanings every 3-4 months. This same dentist referred her to a periodontist for a possible gum graft. When she asked the periodontist if she had any of the "deep" pockets he said heck no. I have some dental background from years ago so no I am not saying all dentists are bad guys, just some. Like an earlier poster said there are dishonest people in all professions.

Trish was just trying to give some knowledgeable advice!

[Villager Since April 2009]

Did you try Dr. Pisano? What do you know about her?

[jojo]

I am hesitant to do a negative post with a professional based on just my own experience. However, two other persons I know had a similar incident. I went to Dr. Fisher because of a change in insurance. Dr. Fisher told me after less than a 5-minute exam that I needed fillings at the base of a crown on 3 adjacent molars and that all crowns had to be replaced. I knew I needed one filling but questioned the other two. I went back to my previous dentist with the x-rays for which I had to pay $45 just for a photocopy. She examined my teeth and the x-rays and said I only need the one tooth done. As noted two other persons with whom I spoke had similar experiences. My previous dentist does not take insurance but peace of mind is worth it.

[bluedog103]

My wife had a similar bad experience with a dentist in Summerfield. She had and exam with her NY dentist just before we came to TV last year. Nothing new going on, just a cleaning, exam and have a nice trip. Less than a month later, shortly after arriving in TV she chipped a tooth. After checking for a dentist in her insurance plan she chose the place in Summerfield.
They tried to sell her a whole shopping list of procedures including three crowns, all totaling several thousand dollars. She declined of course and immediately called her NY dentist. He checked her records and said it didn't sound right to him.
Since the chipped tooth wasn't really bothering her she waited until we returned north in the spring to have it repaired. That was the whole deal, repair the chipped tooth.
We both decided then that our primary dental care would remain in NY.

[NotGolfer]

O.k.---I'm stepping into the fray here by saying I too have alot of money invested in my mouth and have seen 2 dentists here in T.V. The first was good, maybe even great but my insurance changed and I went to Dr. Fisher. I had the x-ray and teeth cleaning first (I have ALOT of dental implants) and Lucy told me I was doing a great job as my mouth looked good as far as my cleaning went and the condition of my gums. I also saw Dr. Fisher and he did his exam as well. I did not have a strong sell from either of them and was told to come back in 6 months. This would have been maybe 2 months ago or so. I can't say what everyone else has going on with their mouths but I will agree with one or two other posters here that our mouths do change as we grow older. Some of it is our aging process, some can be due to the medications we're taking---but we can develop dry-mouth and this ensues alot of other issues due to the different bacteria that grows in our mouths, hence the decaying. Yes, if you're not satisfied, get a 2nd opinion. Enough said!!! I could go on here but don't want to make others think I'm negating them or attacking them neither.

[villager]

Wow, tigger_kitty. I guess you are more a tiger. I thought your reply was a bit harsh. If you are allowed to voice your opinion, aren't others allowed to do the same?

[dog friendly]

I went to Dr. Fisher, found him and his staff to be excellent. Same situation before cleaning, the back due to the age of the crown had deteriorated. Sure enough I had decay at the top of the crown. I had a really foul odor in my mouth for sereral days before the back of the crown came off, I did have decay and infection. Dr. Fisher is now our new Florida dentist. Location of office, staff, Dentist, I found to be great. Just another opinion, to each his own.

[Edgewater2]

I read this forum often and very much appreciate all the information, but I don't usually post. I did post recently, however, about a business that I was impressed with and wanted to recommend, but my post was deleted. This post may also get bumped off, I guess because no one knows me, but I felt the need to share my recent experience with Dr. Fisher.

I went to him for the first time because of a change in insurance. He told me I had a cavity under a crown. Since I had x-rays done with my previous dentist six months before, I thought I'd go back to him for a second opinion. He took an x-ray and reported no problem with the crown and no cavity under the crown. I won't be going back to Dr. Fisher.

Thanks for reading my post.

[Mimivillager]

My hubby went to Dr Fisher last week with PCP ins.
Hygienist had water all over him for the cleaning. (we are not used to this)
He was told that Dr Fisher did the implants and he would be seen by the other dr. That dr came in the room with his back to hubby and did not introduce himself or talk to him. He looked at the xrays and said the girl will tell you what you need.
She came in and said he needed 5 crowns. One turned out to be cosmetic only when he questioned it. One was for a crown he had done 2 yrs ago by Dr Spivey and it was not sealed so decay had gotten under it. He has since been in the newspaper for lawsuits.

My hubby takes care of his teeth and goes to the dentist every 6 months. He really liked Dr Morgan in Tavares who used to take our ins. PCP dropped him.

We are so tired of changing drs because PCP drops them.

DH is going to get a second opinion in Pa.

In the meantime he broke a tooth last week (after the appt) and will go to Palm ridge dental on Wed at the advice of you wonderful people here on TOTV to get that one fixed.

[graciegirl]

I go to Palm Ridge Dental and think that they are excellent.

I have found from our families personal experience and the experience of others I know well in The Villages, a lot of not ethical dentistry in this area. Be careful, please.

I have never encountered this in my past.

I wonder why they are here?

[justjim]

Graciegirl I still go back to Illinois for my dental work (same very competent dentist for the last 20 years) so I don't have a dog in this dentist hunt. Good advise about being careful out there----ask friends and neighbors for advise regarding people in the medical profession. And get more than one opinion.