ComplaintsforSheldon & Furtado, PLLC

• Initial Complaint

  09/23/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unresolved

  More info

  Please see detailed attached summarization of events and issues

  Business response

  10/03/2024

  Dear Better Business Bureau,
  
  
  We are writing in response to the complaint filed by Ms. ******* ****** regarding her treatment at our dental office, Solid Bite, located at ****************************************. We take this matter seriously and would like to provide a detailed account from our perspective, along with supporting documentation.
  
  
  **Patients Treatment and Timeline:**
  
  
  Ms. ****** was first seen by Dr. *** Sheldon, who conducted an initial exam over a year prior to her primary treatment. When she returned, Dr. ********************** performed a full examination and developed her treatment plan, which included extractions, bone grafting, and an implant. During her new patient exam with Dr. **********************, she informed us of existing numbness and pain throughout her body, which she stated were related to a pending disability case. This information is noted in her file.
  
  
  Ms. ****** signed the necessary consent forms for the procedure on December 15, 2022, which clearly outlined the potential risks, including the possibility of numbness, as is standard for such treatments. At her pre-op on November 27, 2023, we reiterated the surgical risks, including the possibility of numbness, while she was not sedated, contrary to her claims that she was under sedation at the time.Her surgery was performed by Dr. ********************** on November 29, 2023, followed by routine post-operative check-ups. 
  
  
  In addition, the fillings mentioned in Ms. ******* complaint were initially diagnosed on May 25, 2022. We identified certain areas as questionable and very deep, advising that they should be addressed as soon as possible. However, Ms. ****** did not proceed with the necessary treatment until April 19, 2024, nearly two years later. This delay may have contributed to the complications she later reported.
  
  
  **Communication and Availability:**
  
  
  Ms. ****** has alleged that we were unavailable to her during the holidays. However, she contacted our office on December 25, 2023, and we returned her call as soon as we reopened on December 27, 2023. During the call, our staff reminded her that she had been provided with detailed pre- and post-operative instructions, which included Dr. **********************s personal cell phone number for emergencies. Ms. ****** acknowledged that she had discarded the instructions. Additionally, she was informed that she could have reached us via email or through NexHealth, where we promptly receive patient messages.
  
  
  When we spoke with her on December 27, 2023, we offered her an appointment that same day, which she declined. Further appointments were offered throughout the following weeks, but she also declined those. Ms. ****** missed or canceled multiple appointments until she finally returned for an evaluation on February 5, 2024. During that appointment, Dr. ********************** confirmed there was no infection, and that her condition appeared normal and was healing as expected. On the same date, Dr. ********************** sent a letter addressing her non-compliance with treatment recommendations.
  
  
  **Financial Arrangements and Policy:**
  
  
  Ms. ****** also expressed concerns about the cost of her restorative treatment. We provided clear explanations regarding financial arrangements, including a prepayment discount for cash, check, or credit card payments. In addition, we offered two financing options through third-party companies. On a phone call on March 22, 2023, we reiterated our office policy, which clearly states that we are not in-network with any insurance providers, but we submit claims on behalf of our patients to their respective insurance companies. Ms. ****** was informed of this policy well in advance.
  
  
  **Conclusion:**
  
  
  We believe we have provided Ms. ****** with professional care throughout her treatment and have addressed her concerns promptly and appropriately. We regret that she is dissatisfied with the outcome, but all procedures were performed ethically and in accordance with industry standards.
  
  
  Please find attached supporting documentation, including the facts from our perspective and the letter sent to Ms. ****** regarding her non-compliance.
  
  
  We remain committed to resolving this matter fairly and are available for further clarification or discussion.
  
  
  Sincerely,  
  
  Dr. ****** ********************** and Dr. ******* Sheldon
  Solid Bite *************  
  **********************************************  
  
  

  Customer response

  10/14/2024

   
  Complaint: 22325543
  
  I am rejecting this response because: they took $11,327 of my money, provided me with inadequate care... they were FULLY AWARE I was, and still am, having issues with this implant and crown. Rather than being medical professionals and addressing the issues, they quickly put a hideous and oversized crown over an existing problematic implant, neglecting to even attempt to identify or correct the ongoing issue, and then tried to discharge me as an attempt to get out of the future problems they are WELL AWARE will follow, after their pathetic attempt at my medical treatment/dental implant. I AM STILL HAVING SHARDS OF BROKEN TEETH BREAKING THE SURFACE OF MY GUMS ALMOST ONE YEAR AFTER SURGERY!!!  I continually have a horrible taste of rot and decay in my mouth, no matter how many times I brush and mouthwash every day. SOMETHING IS WRONG and they MUST BE HELD ACOUNTABLE!!!!!!

  These people take the money and run!! They do NOT CARE what happens to me as a patient or even a human being...or about any of my pain, suffering, future expenses, surgeries, etc etc I may have to face, as a direct result of their incompetence as 'oral surgeons and dental professionals'.  NO DOCTOR OR DENTIST WANTS TO GET INVOLVED AND TRY TO FIX ANOTHER DOCTORS 'SCREW ******* NOR DO THEY WANT TO GET MIXED UP IN A MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAWSUITE SO IT WILL BE DIFFICULT TO EVEN FIND SOMEONE WHO WILL BE WILLING TO FIX THIS MESS THEY HAVE MADE OF MY MOUTH... something that IHAVE BEEN DEALING WITH EVERY SINGLE DAY FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW. And made them aware EVERY SINGLE VISIT. And every time they brushed it off with excuses!!!

  I have also made formal complaints to the ****************************, as they need to be investigated... I surely am not the first ****** to fall victim to their scams but I will make this public so others will be able to come forward!

   

   

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* ******

  Customer response

  10/14/2024

  The photos attached show both shards coming out of my gums during treatment, and after treatment was completed. The last one just came out a week ago.
  I fear there are more shards that are coming out under the implants/crown. The other two photos are current photos of my implant. CLEARLY there are unresolved issues from inadequate medical treatment! 

  Customer response

  10/23/2024

  October 23, 2024
  
  
  To whom this may concern,
  
  
  This is a follow up to my formal complaint and request for investigation of Solid Bite dental office of September 23, 2024
  
  
   Re: **************************** - ******* ********************, case 202441725
  
  
   Re: Florida Department of Health - ****** **********************, case **********
  
  
  Re: Better Business Bureau - Solid Bite/******************** & **********************, 
  account/tracking # ******
  
  
  I was able to get an emergency dental appointment today with a specialist (October 23, 2024) to get new x-rays, an exam/evaluation, and a fresh, unbiased, professional opinion as to cause of the constant pain and issues I am having with the implant placed by Dr. ********************** in November 2023. This has been a consistent and chronic problem since the implant surgery took place. They have been made aware countless times of the problems, yet discharged me from their office less than ONE WEEK after placing the crown, knowing Im still having pain, issues, and refused further treatment or a refund. 
  I was told today that 2 of the fillings done by Dr. ******* ******************** on April 19, 2024 still show old decay not removed when filled. I mentioned this in my original complaint. My next appointment was with Doctor **********************. I told him of the problems with the fillingsthey were still so sharp and painful and I felt something was wrong. I requested another x-ray. Dr. ********************** would not comment on the x-rays but told me I needed to speak with Dr. ******************** regarding the fillings. At that time, I had a feeling there was a problem but he just did not want to tell me. My feeling was precisely correct! Neither dentist made me aware that I still had is existing decay. In other words, they tried to take my money and cover it up. 
  My wisdom tooth, number 16, still has old decay which shows in the new x-ray, taken today. 
  Tooth number ************************************ need of work, they recommend it be crowned, as that tooth is so horribly damaged, it will not hold up for long. 
  Lastly, tooth number 3 also has decay left behind when filled by Dr. ******* **********************. I was told that the tooth is also very badly damaged and now needs to be crowned as well. 
  Please see supporting documentation and X-rays. 
  As far as the implant is concerned, they agree that the implant is extremely large and does not fit my mouth properly at all. The back corners are extremely square and are causing extreme pain and discomfort. It needs to be replaced with a smaller one, that actually fits properly in my mouth. They also told me that nerves were cut during the surgery, causing all of the numbness and a lot of the pain and problems that I have been dealing with this past year after surgery.
  
  
  After my ****************** covers their portion, I am still responsible for another $6285.
  Solid Bite took 1/3 of my disability settlement, $11,327 to do all of the work that they said was necessary to make my mouth healthy and to get everything done properly. Clearly that was not the case. It is ironic because they did nothing but badmouth every other dentist in the area, yet they have been the most shady business practice I have ever been to in my life. They tried to hide and cover up decay that they knew still existed in my mouth after I paid for services I did not receive. Further, they have tried to run away and discharge me as a patient, knowing Im still having issues with the implant and that the crown was extremely large and did not fit in my mouth properly. These people are NOT medical professionals they are crooks out to steal peoples money. That is my opinion. Doctor ******************** agreed with me in our last conversation in July 2024 that the benefits definitely have not outweighed all of the problems I have been through and he promised to go through the chart and give me a refund accordingly. That conversation was in the presence of technician, *****. Then suddenly things changed after he spoke with Dr. ********************** and office manager, ********, and I was discharged from their office and left to fend for myself. 
  If they have done this to me, you can be sure they have done it to others. 
  I surely hope that you hold them accountable for their actions this time. 
   The facts are there and the documents support it.
  Please let me know if you need anything further.
  
  
  Thank you,
   ******* Wasden 
  ************
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Customer response

  11/06/2024

  Did you receive the newest evidence from Bright Day Dental, dated 10/23/24, showing that all of the teeth worked on by Solid Bite, need to be redone, as they left decay behind when they filled the teeth and have destroyed what is left of the teeth to the point that they now need crowns?

  Has the newest information been added to this case? 

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩