Cheneweth, Shelly

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My first visit to Dr. Shelly Cheneweth DDS has been the most enjoyable and satisfying dental cleaning and examination experience. I was greeted by the receptionist right away as I walked in the door. The dental hygienist welcomed me and brought me inside. She dipped my hands in paraffin wax, placed a warm pillow over my neck and shoulder, and asked if I had any concern about my teeth. She then turned on the massager on chair and applied Chap Stick on my lips before she started cleaning. Dr. Cheneweth was so personable and professional. She performed a thorough exam and explained my dental health status and addressed my concerns. This office incorporates friendliness, thoroughness, comfort and technology that enhanced the experience.

I went in for a cleaning and was encouraged to get a bridge for a missing tooth. It was made with a toxic material that I ad a reaction to. It was very painful and red and swollen under the bridge. She attempted several times to file it down, without success. Meanwhile, I was experiencing discomfort and asked that the bridge be removed and she refused. After about a months time, she consented to hammer it out. When it was removed it revealed an infection on the gums where the bridge had been, festering all that time. When I returned for another fitting for a new bridge, that area was still extremely sensitive, and it wasn't possible to prepare it without an anesthetic. The first time I had an injection in that area, I nearly passed out, and the second time it was so painful, I was reduced to tears. At one point during that visit, I got up to spit in the sink and she pushed me back into the chair. I refused another injection and prepared to leave. I was given a paper to sign that stated that I could have my money returned if I promised not to sue her. Not imagining any future untoward effects, I signed. I left with a temporary bridge. I was about to embark on some travel at that time. When I returned home, the temporary fell out. I went to another dentist (two, actually, for a second opinion) only to discover that the rear anchor tooth had broken off completely. The front anchor tooth had been whittled down too far and at an improper angle. The dentist I wne to to fitted it with a crown and stated that there was a just a fair prognosis that it would hold onto such a small stump. So now I have two gaps in my mouth whereas I began with one; I can't chew on that side, also it is very sensitive to heat or cold or any sort of pressure on the crown. I called two attorneys who said I didn't qualify for a malpractice suit, I was wasn't injured enough! However, they did advised that I appeal to her direction to cover at least some of the subsequent costs. I will now have to see a surgeon to have what remains of the back tooth removed and if the crown doesn't hold, I will then have three gaps on that side of my mouth. She refused to take any responsibility, never apologized and likend it to asking for compensasion that one might requestion after getting an infection after a procedure, which is treatable; my permanant disfiguration is not. Ironically the outgoing phone massage at her office states something about "creating beautiful smiles'. For me it was more like my smile had been taken away and I was turned into an ugly, toothless hag! Also her 'chair side manner' left something to be desired; she spoke with her assistant about her kids, her plans for after work and school, etc. I come from a family of dentists who have mostly passed away or live far or have retired. They were professionals, proud of their work and involved with their patients. Not so with this person. I do not recommend seeing this dentist.