The brand-new porcelain covers on your front teeth are peeling like old paint.


WHAT SHOULD HAPPEN: Whether you're dissatisfied with the results of a cosmetic dental procedure or the surging ache from a root canal just won't go away, the American Dental Association recommends that you first call your dentist, whose obligation is to fix the problem. Let your dentist know immediately, so that the problem can be fixed before complications, such as infection, set in. "Many people put it off for months," says Kimberly Harms, a dentist in Farmington, Minnesota. And don't be shy about complaining: Some experts estimate that more than 30 percent of the $35 billion spent on cosmetic dentistry each year goes to repairing other dentists' shoddy work.
IF YOU'RE GETTING THE RUNAROUND: You can turn to third-party mediation if your dentist cannot (or will not) remedy the situation. Many local dental societies have established a dispute-resolution system called peer review that assesses the quality of care, examines clinical records, and consults privately with the patient and the doctor. Peer-review statistics show that around half the rulings come down in favor of the patient. For more information about peer reviews in your area, go to www.ada.org, or contact your state dental association.