Do I Have Right to Know What Kind of Dental Materials Dentist Used

[user4010]

My question involves medical malpractice in the state of: V A
Do I have right to know what kind of dental materials dentist used? I believe it's part of my medical record.So far the dentist has not been forthcoming in providing a model, material (components) or manufacturer of the implant, crown and cement used. Dental office refused to release name of dental lab and told me law prohibits releasing that info to me. I read news about someone used "paper clips instead of stainless steel posts in root canals in an effort to save money." My tongue is itchy on crown side.

[Who'sThatGuy]

It's 12 hours later. Is your tongue still itching?

I'm not sure why the dentist wouldn't disclose the origin of the crown and the cement used, but I can tell you that your not having an reaction to ether product used. If it were a reaction or if you were allergic to ether material, your tongue, face or throat would swell.

[free9man]

Perhaps its psychosomatic, caused by you stressing out about the article you read.

[LawResearcherMissy]

My tongue is itchy on crown side.

Um...that's not cause for a malpractice claim. It's not even cause to freak out about the materials used in your crown. Presumably, you've been to this dentist a few times and are aware that he's not shady?

What did you eat prior to your tongue feeling itchy on that side? You probably just irritated your tongue. It happens. Relax.

[Mr. Knowitall]

In terms of getting your records,

You should submit a written request to the dentist which is dated and signed. The request should describe the records you want. You can mail, fax or deliver the request. The dentist is required to respond within 15 days to do one of the following:

1. provide copies of the records;
2. inform the requester if the information does not exist or cannot be found;
3. inform the requester of the provider who now maintains the records; or
4. deny the records for specific reasons set out in Section F of the statutes.

Section 32.1-127.1:03 of the Code of Virginia which governs patient health records is available on our Laws and Regulations page by selecting “Laws Governing All Health Professions, and “Patient Health Records”.

I read news about someone used "paper clips instead of stainless steel posts in root canals in an effort to save money."

Even if it were likely that your dentist did such a thing, he's not going to indicate, "Out of stainless steel posts; used a paperclip instead" in the record.

My tongue is itchy on crown side.

Unless the post is protruding from your tooth, whatever your dentist may have done under the crown would not have any relation to your sensation.

Crowns are pretty basic - usually gold or porcelain. What type of crown did you select?