The Tooth Inc

MISDIAGNOSED I had problems with my 2nd molar on bottom right of mouth. It had bothered me off and on for years. My American dentist never saw anything on x-rays so never investigated. He retired and I decided to cross the border and see if I could get it taken care of due to fear of high costs here in USA. I explained my history to the Dr. Chavez and he came up with his diagnosis which was that the problem was the 1st molar and not the second molar. He said that the pain was referred pain. He said the 2nd molar was fine. But, he recommended getting the 2nd molar fixed as well because it was messing up my bite. He spent a lot of time trying to convince me that the pain I was having in 2nd molar was actually caused by 1st molar. He showed me many x-rays of both my teeth and other patients. His cost would be $4200 for extractions and implants. After coming home and thinking about it, my gut told me to get a second opinion back here in USA. I could just not buy into his theory that the problem was the 1st molar since I had no pain in that tooth at all. So, I found a new dentist back home and she did some tests and said she suspected a vertical root fracture and said the tooth would need to be pulled. She told me there was no issues with the 1st molar. She referred me to an oral surgeon. But, I first went to an Endodontist to see if the tooth could be saved. Endodontist told me the tooth couldn't be saved and would need to be pulled. The endodontist also told me there was nothing wrong with my 1st molar. So, I went to the oral surgeon and had the 2nd molar pulled. No more problems. Pain is gone. So, there were no problems with the 1st molar as Dr. Chavez had claimed. I decided to not get an implant since it was the back molar and my total cost was $800. So, I actually saved $3400 here at home in USA. I also had a bone graft, so I can add an implant later if I chose. The lesson learned here is that be very careful with any dentist who gives you a questionable diagnosis and not just across the border. Trust your gut and if something doesn't sound right, always get a second opinion. The problem here was that fractures in a tooth don't show up on x-rays in general, so you need to make sure you go to someone with the experience to make a proper diagnosis. Clearly, this did not happen at this office. I'm giving 2 stars because the wife of the dentist who runs the office is very nice and professional.

The dentist took his time with me, as I needed two crowns replaced. The 4 hours in the dental chair was excruciating for me, but I was happy to be having the work done. Unfortunately the temporary crowns were the worst I have ever experienced. With in a couple of days they fell off, because they were huge and fit like shoes two sizes too big. The dentist reassured me the permanent crowns would fit correctly. They did fit somewhat better but they were so wide I continually bit my cheek. With in the first month one of the crowns came loose. The dentist was on vacation at the time but had me go in to have it fixed by the student dentist working there. I thought she did a fair job. But the crowns never seemed to fit correctly. In fact the crown that fell off first was put on backwards. Fast forward to June 2019 when the other crown came loose. I decided to go to a dentist in Tucson as the experience hadn’t been a good one. The dentist confirmed the back crown was on backwards (not the one that came loose this time). I had nightmares reliving the experience, especially since it was a complete redo. Comparing the experiences, the office in Nogales was so dark that I continually wondered if that was part of the problem. The inexperience of the people that worked on me another. Crowns should last many years, not one, and they shouldn’t fit like your father’s shoes. Having crown work done is expensive, and twice as expensive in the states. The quality of work is worth the cost in this case.

Excellent place and first quality services widely recommended!

I visited Dr. Chavez for the very first time, and I must admit he is the most attentive, caring and wonderful dentist and over all medical professional that I have encountered. I was initially nervous, yet Dr. Chavez made sure to ease my nerves and make me comfortable. Not only did he perform his procedure seamlessly, he was constantly and proactively checking to make sure I wasn't feeling any sort of pain or discomfort. His office, reception area and procedure area included were spotless and incredibly well maintained. Not only was Dr. Chavez absolutely wonderful, his assistant was incredibly helpful, approachable, and beyond sweet. She quickly assisted with anything I could possibly need or want. Overall I had a magnificent experience and already can't wait to visit Dr. Chavez and his lovely assistant again.