Dilonardo Michael DDS

"I have a full mouth of dental work (crowns, bridges, fillings + recent implants) and can be called as a litmus test for prosthodontists and periodontists. Almost three decades ago, in CA, I had been a patient of an outstanding prosthodontist, professor of a dental school in LA. He did a beautiful work for me and for two decades, I “didn’t know the road to dentists”, except for cleaning. We had to move to NY several years ago and the day when I developed toothache under the bridge, was the day when all my troubles (including injuries) with numerous dentists began. Dr. Dilonardo was the last in this list, because his treatment was the last drop to my already overflowing cup of NY/NJ “Dental Misery” and we decided to buy a ticket and fly to LA to see our prosthodontist to fix all what was done to me here – glad we did and now I am in good hands. Here is my experience with Dr. Dilonardo: I set up the appointment for a broad consultation (to redo all the bad work done here in NY), bite adjustment, and filling. When I arrived, instead of meeting with Dr. Dilonardo first, I was placed in the hands of the hygienist, who did ex-rays and a cleaning (for which I didnt ask - business as usual), but unfortunately didn’t oppose this unwanted treatment. The cleaning was poorly done. Next, Dr. Dilonardo listened to my concerns, but didn't respond to me – no evaluation and discussion of my options – that was the main reason I came – I was looking for a serious consultation. He quickly placed the filling, and the bite adjustment was postponed to the next visit, the bill was for consultation, cleaning, ex-rays and the filling for $935 and it was paid. I assumed that the Dr. didn't have the time to engage in a thorough consultation at that time and thought that he will check me thoroughly and discuss my case during the following appointment when my bite will be adjusted. During the 2nd appointment, Dr. Dilonardo tried to adjust my bite, but it was not successful and it is A Red Flag for the prosthodontist. Once again, no consultation was provided - Dr. Dilonardo merely told me to see a periodontist and get the consultation from him! Several days later, the tooth in which Dr. Dilonardo made the filling began acting up - the pain was growing and at that time, I realized that Dr. Dilonardo can not be the doctor of choice for me. At that moment we decided to fly to LA, and emailed to LA office all ex-rays taken in Dr. Dilonardo’s office. 1. Ex-Rays - Upon arrival to LA, my doctor explained that the ex-rays which were sent from Dilonardo office can not reveal the situation with my teeth and he asked for my permission to take new ex-rays to see what is going on. So we had to pay twice for it. This is very unethical - taking x-rays by hygienist, which cannot be read and used for an evaluation – again business as usual. 2. Filling - LA Doctor explained to me what can be wrong with the way the filling was done by Dr. Dilonardo, and offered to redo it. He was unpleasantly surprised to see the amount of air-bubbles Dr. Dilonardo left in that filling and these air bubbles caused me so much pain. So this trouble was eliminated after the new filling was placed and my doctor spent much more time on this filling – to do the work by the book, Drs have to spend more time with us. 3. Consultation – I received a full consultation from LA doctor – he checked, evaluated and came up with two options, from which we had to choose one. We had a long conversation. Dr Dilonardo charged me for the consultation, which I didn’t receive from him. 4. Cleaning – both LA doctors – prosthodontist and periodontist remarked that my teeth didn’t look professionally cleaned. 5. Bite – LA prosthodontist fixed my bite. IMPORTANT TIP - look for prosthodontist who places crowns/bridges using screws only, not cement at all! Few prosthodontists know how to do it. It is important, because you will save your money paid for restorations if one day they need to be removed to have an access to your implants!"

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