This is a common problem. I’m not in Brooklyn and don’t share the same dentists. 9 years ago my dentist did a temporary repair to a front corner tooth. He told me that within 6 months I’d need, a post, pin and crown fro $6000. The temporary repair is still holding up. I can’t say the same for the dentist; his funeral was last week (aged 60).
In 1980 I needed a root canal, post and crown on a tooth all the way back in my mouth. I told the dentist (another city, another man) to put in a stainless steel crown as no one could see it when I opened my mouth. No need for porcelain or gold.
The next day brushing my teeth I see a gold reflection in the mirror. I had not yet rec’d the bill (the good old days when you didn’t pay before leaving the office.
The bill came at the end of the month and I was billed for a gold crown. I called the dentist to complain that I was specific that I wanted a stainless steel crown, not gold, and was not paying for it. He could replace it or eat the cost difference. He told me to tear up the bill and find a new dentist.
I filed a complaint with the CT licensing authorities. They got the records from the dental lab. I was billed for a gold crown that was actually gold colored base metal. The Dentist lost his license to practice in CT.
I no longer worry about my dentist, it’s my sister’s 2nd son. I don’t pay for dentistry, he doesn’t pay for legal work. 100% family discount.