Contemporary Dentistry

Reviews 3

CH

Christina Maley Higley

After having been patients at this practice for a few years and thousands of dollars later, my husband and I decided it was time to find a new dentist. If you are a patient or are considering this practice be aware of a few things: 1. Their prices are significantly higher than other reputable dentists located in Brighton and Pittsford. We are talking $50-100 per basic fillings, and hundreds of dollars for root canals, crowns, etc. They do not care to even consider price schedules from insurance companies – they name their own inflated prices and are not in network with any insurance company. 2. There is nothing holistic about the way they treat patients. They use the same sedatives as any other dentist in the area and charge more for the “spa like” environment. If anything, we have now learned from getting second and third opinions they over treat their patients. 3. Their treatment plan seems to constantly change as well as pricing. As a family that is on a budget, we were very specific in that we could not endure “surprise” charges without our consent. Every visit where work was done, there was a change in the amount we would owe at the end (when my husband was too numb to talk to them) than what we were told to anticipate (and we are talking about basic fillings…no special work done or medical emergencies). 4. You will wait and wait and wait. Their appointments never run on time and you could spend half a day there for cleanings, basic fillings, etc. Yet, if you run behind, I have heard from other unsatisfied former patients they will turn you away, charge you for the appointment, and then require deposit for next visit. Their time is valuable, but not the patients. 5. They have a real issue calling and needing to reschedule constantly. When they go to reschedule you, its not a week difference, it can be sometimes up to two months! So in the meantime, you sit with a decaying tooth or problem on hold waiting to be fixed. 6. They do not do basic extractions or the simplest procedures most dentists do. They instead have another dentist come in on Fridays to do the procedure. Not only do you get charged a “consultation fee” for Dr. Messer to tell you the work is needed, you will then get another “consultation fee” for the dentist on Friday. We are talking $90 consultation fees per dentist NOT covered by insurance companies. 7. Office Manager Harrold is Dr. Messer’s husband. When we had bill issues, they were real quick to credit us the difference we didn’t agree upon or drop the charges when we would put them in between a rock and hard place being we made them put what we would owe in writing before they did the work. How does an office stay in business doing this if those charges were truly owed and they can just deduct them numerous times? Also, they offer a fairly significant discount if you pay by cash or check…again, how inflated are the prices to be able to do so? 8. Lastly, upon switching to a new dental group within walking distance (and also very reputable and well known in Rochester)….we were surprised to find out one of the fillings my husband still supposedly needed done, was definitely not needed. Perfectly healthy tooth on the xray provided by Contemporary Dentistry to this group! Secondly, a tooth they claimed they couldn’t fill all the way and would need $3,000!! in work, guess what? New dentist was able to fill – no need for grinding of the bone, implant, and all the ridiculous recommendations made. Bottom line – compare and look around at other options if looking for a new dentist. If they recommend work – ALWAYS get a second opinion! I am not the only review or past patient I have come across who avoided major amounts of expensive work by simply going elsewhere. We feel so lucky we chose to leave when we did and save my husband unnecessary work with an honest dentist who charges fair prices for work that NEEDS to be done.

BE

Beth McNeill

The caring staff at Contemporary Dentistry are always friendly and welcoming. I am very happy that I have found this practice in recent years and now my daughters also are seen there. Staff are caring, considerate, kind and professional. My cleaning was very thorough and steps were all explained in the process. After reading a rather detailed and unfavorable review on here (which people are entitled to do; post their experiences), I just wanted to add this regarding costs of procedures and the feeling a few may have had about feeling that work was recommended that wasnt really needed. My first visit to this office was over 3 years ago to see Dr. Messer. It was my CHOICE to stop in for a consultation on having amalgam fillings removed due to the mercury in them. I know my mouth is full of these amalgam fillings and I wanted a consult on the proper removal (and cost) of taking them out and having them replaced. Although Dr. Messer did explain how they safely remove the old fillings, they did NOT push removing my 5+ amalgam fillings. They gave me a consultation with quote and let me decide. Dr. Messers bigger concern was for something that showed up on x-ray involving my jaw. I had no idea this was even a potential issue and went to see a specialist about it. She and her practice could have certainly "sold" me more on the removal of the amalgam fillings (which is why I went there in the first place), but no such sales pitch took place. I, too, have had the unfortunate experience at some dentists offices in the past where it feels like a sales pitch the minute you sit down in the chair. However, I did not feel this way here. When I came back to the practice to become a regular patient for routine cleanings and exams, I was treated courteously and with the utmost respect for any concerns or questions I have had. Quite honestly, Im tired of needing to have my teeth drilled and work done. Dr. Messer and her team have given me alternative options for caring for my teeth and mouth to help prevent further cavities and respect my thoughts/opinions on the types of medicines or alternative medicines I use or could use. Im sorry for those that had a negative experience here. That has not been the case for my family or me.

MA

Max Herman

Overall experience is Fair. But not good enough for the money they charge. I got multiple procedures with them. And here is good and bad: Good: Rooms are nicely equipped with TV, some are even have two - one on a wall, and second is on the ceiling. Nice! Stuff is mostly responsive and welcoming. Cleaning and fillings went ok. Not so good: 4 month later I still feel pain, when flossing, in one of the tooth that received filling. Proposed solution on complex problem (bad crown) was expensive, unclear to me, and risky. I hold on that, for some reason doctor wanted to do it first..., and got second opinion from my sister in law, who is dentist (owns dental clinic in Canada). Second solution was not risky, clear and less expensive. Scheduling is really complex sometime they have all week open, sometimes opening is months away. Bad: I have an insurance, and wanted to know how much will my copay will be. Even thou C.D. took their time to submit a request to insurance, Ive never got a clear answer on my question. Worst: When scheduling my last procedure, I was assured by the doctor that it "maintenance" and will be fully covered by insurance. I got same assurance during procedure. When I was leaving, I wanted to pay any outstanding balance (thats what I always do). Ive been told that there are no outstanding balance, and todays procedure was maintenance, and will be covered by the insurance. TWO MONTH later I received a BILL for my last procedure(!). I called, and they explained to me that it really wasnt maintenance, and I should pay for it. Which I did, but that make me feel like I was scammed. :(