Koustis Thomas DDS

My vehicle was hit by a semi-​truck that ran a red light. The accident caused me oral muscle problems, broken fillings, some cracked teeth, and some considerable pain, at first. I made an appointment with Dr. Koustis – one of several appointments – for evaluation and treatment. My regular dentist had passed away the year before, so I wasn’t familiar with his work, but he was conveniently located, and since this was an auto accident, my insurance would not pay for treatment, so I needed to cover the costs until my case was settled with the responsible party, and Dr. Koustis, after examining me, agreed to replace the broken fillings and treat the TMJ he diagnosed me with, to get me pain free, for $ 1000, as this was all I had in savings, at the time. He also developed a «Future» treatment plan that included root canals (due to vertical cracks) and crowns. I did question the TMJ, asking if the pain in my TM joint wasn’t due to muscle strain from the accident. He said I absolutely had TMJ, caused by the accident, and the only way the pain would be relieved would be to order a special custom device to realign my jaw. I was paying for what was done as he completed the work, but that thing about the TMJ was bothering me. I’m an RN and somewhat familiar with how things work, but I’m no dentist. So, I thought I’d discuss this with my father-​in-​law; a pediatric dentist and a former professor at Case Western Reserve school of Dentistry, in the Cleveland area. He was a little skeptical, too, and suggested I go seek a second opinion. He set me up with a colleague of his who gave me a thorough examination. Although, he concluded, I eventually would need a few root canals, he said the pain in my jaw was muscle strain and not TMJ. He said it was his feeling Koustis was trying to gouge me, with the promise of a future accident settlement, also stating, «…no one suddenly develops TMJ after an accident. If you would have had TMJ, you would have had symptoms prior to the accident.» He told me he would handle my care from then on, and I could pay him what I owed him when I get my settlement. His treatment plan was also at least $ 2000 less than Koustis’. When I called the office, Koustis’ office and explained I wouldn’t need any more services, and why, the office manager said I had to pay the balance of the treatment plan. I balked, stating Koustis was paid in full for the work he had done (X-​Rays and a few fillings) and had not ordered any appliances for me. She said it didn’t matter, since I agreed in writing to the plan. I told her I wasn’t paying and she started yelling at me, stating I was a dead-​beat. I hung up the phone. The next thing I knew, I was served a small claim suite, for the balance of the undone work. I immediately filed a counter suite for the X-​Rays I paid him for that his office refused to give to me (they said they were his property, even though they were my records). I had the other dentist (FIL’s friend) testify on my behalf. Koustis’ jaw just about dropped off when he saw I had another dentist there for testimony. Needless to say, he lost the suite and I got my X-​rays. I did a check on Willoughby Municipal Court’s web-​site and see he files suite against many clients. Seeing as he makes you pay up front, I can only think he is suing for undone work, as in my case. He is a lying crook, in my opinion.