The reviews service has begun adding warnings to the pages of businesses that may be "issuing questionable legal threats against reviewers." 
 
 After suffering through tooth pain for some time, Mary Rohs decided to see a dentist. Rohs, a New York resident, scheduled an appointment at Advanced NYC Endodontics with Dr. Nima Dayani on July 16, 2015, to treat the pain. More than a year later, the fallout from that routine appointment — a negative Yelp review by Rohs, and a lawsuit by Dayani claiming the review was defamatory — continues. And today, Yelp itself got involved, placing a new "consumer alert" on Dr. Dayani's Yelp page, warning that his business may be "issuing questionable legal threats against reviewers." 
 
 "Consumers have the right to share their opinions about their experiences with businesses," Yelp said in a blog post announcing the new alerts. "But there will always be a small handful of businesses who mistakenly think it’s a good idea to threaten consumers who exercise their free speech rights." Court records say Rohs showed up to Dayani's office around 11 a.m., filled out intake forms, and was shown into an exam room about 20 minutes later, where she had additional X-rays taken of her mouth. According to Dayani's timeline of her visit, Rohs spent about two hours at the office. He argues that he was treating other patients while Rohs sat in the exam room, but he made sure to discuss her dental history in length and take additional X-rays to check out her complaints about cold sensitivity. "By the end of her visit, she had two concurrent definitive diagnoses," said Dayani in an affidavit. "They were discussed with her and a plan of treatment was formulated." But in a Yelp review dated July 27, 2015, Rohs described a frustrating experience. She complained about the "absurdly long wait" at the end of which she said Dayani couldn't come to some clear diagnosis. 
 
 
 
 "Of the total TWO HOURS FIFTEEN MINUTES I was there, I think I was speaking to Dr. Dayani for about 30 minutes of that whole time," she wrote. "The rest was spent in his chair, without being offered a water or a magazine." 
 
 To make matters worse, she adds, "he couldn't help determine what was bothering me. I left with a mouth full of pain and a recommendation to see my dentist for a possible cavity." Dayani, who says he gets plenty of positive and negative feedback on Yelp and is comfortable with both, says the claims by Rohs weren't simply a negative review. He alleges her comments amount to defamation, and he sued Rohs two days after the review was posted. It's an accusation the dentist has levied against at least four previous patients who have written negative reviews about his practice, according to a BuzzFeed News review of court records. Dayani said false negative reviews like Rohs' have harmed his practice over time. He said he laid off one part-time staff member because of a drop in business. 
 
 "[Rohs] accsued me of malpractice by saying I didn’t diagnose her," he said. "When you are publicly accusing someone of malpractice, you are damaging their reputation." Rohs declined to comment to BuzzFeed News because the lawsuit is ongoing. 
 
 It's likely that Rohs, like millions of Yelp users, had no idea that a negative review could land her in court. But as online reviews become more critical to companies looking for new business, people have become increasingly vulnerable to such lawsuits, which can chill free speech, consumer advocates told BuzzFeed News. 
 
 "When you as a consumer share your honest opinion in some type of public way on Yelp or otherwise, it can mean negative reviews," Yelp's vice president of public policy, Luther Lowe, told BuzzFeed News. "Businesses, rather than responding diplomatically or using feedback to improve operations, go out and hire a lawyer waging that the consumer who wrote this review is more likely to pull the review off than hire a defense attorney and defend themselves. By merely threatening, it doesn’t take going to court to bully the person in order for that business to censor the user." The consumer alert Yelp put on Dayani's page Monday is the third time the company has placed such a warning, Yelp spokesperson Hannah Cheesman told BuzzFeed News. The company placed its first legal alert on a Texas pet sitting business called Prestigious Pets in May. The pet sitting company sued a customer for violating the company's nondisparagement, or "gag," clause when she posted a negative review about the company's care for her fish. Superior Moving & Storage in Florida was hit with a a legal alert on its page in June after it sued one of its previous customers for defamation. Both cases are ongoing. Lowe said that businesses sometimes include so-called gag clauses into their terms of service contracts. When the contract is signed, the consumer gives up their ability to publicly criticize the company. Other companies include contract clauses that prohibit consumers from saying anything publicly at all about the company, while others, like Dr. Dayani, may allege defamation and libel in court based on the negative review. 
 
 
 
 Yelp's rollout of the consumer alerts comes as Congress considers two bills designed to protect consumers from being sued for posting negative reviews online. California and Maryland are currently the only two states that prohibit the inclusion of gag clauses in contracts. The "Right to Yelp Bill,” also called the Consumer Review Fairness Act, would ban gag clauses from business contracts, while the SPEAK FREE Act would allow consumers slapped with a lawsuit over an online review to dismiss the claims early on in court. But as the two bills, which have received bipartisan support, make their way through Congress, individual consumers are left to fend for themselves, with few legal precedents for such cases. "We don’t have a lot of cases to point to so we don't know how judges view them," said Paul Levy, an attorney with Public Citizen and defense counsel in the Prestigious Pets case, told BuzzFeed News. "The question becomes did the person who signed the contract understand what they were giving away and did they understand they were giving away free speech? The second point is that it’s so unfair that it’s not able to be enforced." In two such cases, the suing companies never appeared in court to back up their claims. A Utah couple sued KlearGear in 2012, claiming they did not owe a debt for violating its terms of service by writing a negative review, but the company never appeared in court and couple received a default judgement including over $300,000 in damages. In 2014, a Wisconsin woman filed a lawsuit against Accessory Outlet after they demanded she pay $250 for violating its terms of sale. The company never appeared in court to defend its claims. In one case, a dentist, who faced a class-action lawsuit by former patients who signed a gag clause to receive care, moved abroad before she could defend her breach of contract claims in court in 2012. "The harms generally aren’t harms that are enforced in court," Scott Michelman, a senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union who has previously defended consumers in four gag-clause cases, told BuzzFeed News. "Instead they are the harms of the consumers that are bullied by corporations in taking down critical reviews and also the harms of consumers who are chilled by these clauses from expressing their opinions." Yelp has found itself at the center of a similar lawsuit in California where a personal injury law firm sued a former client after she posted three reviews criticizing the company. Hassell Law Group accused Ava Bird of defamation after she refused to remove "factual inaccuracies and defamatory remarks" from Yelp reviews she posted in January, February and April 2013. A lower court sided with the law firm in 2014 and required Bird to take down the comments. When she refused, the court held Yelp responsible for removing the comments. In June, an appeals court agreed that Yelp must remove the comments, but the company has yet to comply, arguing it is a third party in the case. 
 
 Dayani has sued at least four previous patients over online reviews, according to a BuzzFeed review of New York County Civil court records through 2012. He sued a patient in 2012 for defamation and $75,000 in damages for writing a negative review on Yelp. The man removed the review after he was slapped with the lawsuit. Neither the patient nor Dayani appeared in court and the case was dismissed. In June 2013, Dayani sued another patient claiming $50,000 in damages after he posted a review on Yelp complaining that the dentist had overcharged him for a root canal. The patient and Dayani settled the claim in August 2013. Dayani sued a Yelp reviewer in November 2012 who he said used a fake name to post a negative review about her experience where she called him "rude, callous, abhorrent." Dayani claimed the review amounted to $25,000 in damages. The defendant, "Jane Doe," never responded to his complaint. In June 2015, Dayani sued a woman who wrote a Google review claiming that he suggested she should undergo two root canals during a visit. She said she sought out a second opinion from another dentist who gave her a cavity filling and replaced a crown, which treated her tooth pain. "I am so happy that I didn't get treated in this place," she wrote. "If I did, I would have paid more than three thousand dollars for the treatment that I didn't need at all." Dayani is seeking a total of $100,000 from the woman for damages, according to court records. 
 
 The Manhattan endodontist, who has been licensed to practice dentistry in New York since 1999, does have a number of good reviews online from people who have described him as "thorough and knowledgeable." 
 
 "After doing a lot of research I chose Dr. Dayani," said one Yelp reviewer called Eva H. "I couldn't be happier. He is gentle, thorough, and highly professional. His staff is excellent. He is the best and I felt as relaxed as I will ever be at a dental appointment." Dayani insists that he only goes after online reviewers who post false information. He offered BuzzFeed News the opportunity to visit his office and review records related to the cases where he has sued patients to prove their allegations are false. BuzzFeed News declined. He said he has adjusted his practice and opened a larger office after reading a number of negative reviews, including an emergency patient who complained in a one-star Google review about a long wait time at his office. However, the review does not appear to be online anymore. When asked if he believes the lawsuits escalate a situation that could be resolved through other means than litigation, he insisted that he believes in free speech but draws the line at falsehoods. "When somebody writes lies about you with intent to deliver a damage to you and livelihood, that is defamatory," he said. "I’m not Halliburton. A lie can do tremendous damage and can come at the expense of doctors and staff." 
 
 
 
 "If there are people out there doing it out of spite and not willing to correct a known lie, let an impartial judge decide," he added. "I'm encouraging anyone to write a comment they think is correct and justifiable." Dayani and Rohs are scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 30. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Leticia Miranda is a consumer affairs reporter for BuzzFeed News and is based in New York. Contact Leticia Miranda at leticia.miranda@buzzfeed.com. Got a confidential tip? Submit it here. 
 
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 I just got back from seeing this Doctor. Staff was more than friendly, the office was very modern and the Doc was very proficient. The charges seems normal and reasonable to me. I will go back happily to see this Doctor. 
 
 5 years after writing my original glowing review for Dr. Dayani, I found myself in need of his services yet again. My primary dentist was keeping an eye on an old root canal that he knew would one day need to be redone. Sure enough, my latest check up came with the news that the time was upon us. If I didn't act soon, I would risk some serious pain and discomfort. I pulled up my review to refresh myself on Dayani, and was surprised to see that Yelp threw a disclaimer at me saying that he was engaging in first amendment violating practices. This was a shock, because I remembered having nothing but an amazing experience with the multitude of root canals I needed retreated.* Not letting that deter me, I booked my appointment and went int to get the work done. Now on the other side of the retreatment, I can say that my 5 star glowing review still stands. Dr. Dayani is incredible. Never did I feel any pain, nor anything more than mild annoyance at having all manners of dental tools shoved inside a tooth. From arrival to finish, everything was detailed to me (procedure, costs, etc) and I received follow up calls the next day to check in on how I was feeling. I never once felt pressured into giving any sort of positive review, as the Yelp disclaimer seems to suggest. I know I have one more tooth that is being looked at, and if the time comes to get it re-done, I will come back to Dayani for the work, without a doubt. *You're probably saying, "multitude of re-treatments? He's probably scamming ya!" No. I was going to a *terrible* dentist before that had no idea what she was doing. I felt the excruciating pain of the failed canals, and had one that required immediate surgery because of an infection that led to massive swelling in my gum. All the work that Dayani re-did is because of the horrific work done by someone who should've had her dental license stripped. 
 
 I am on vacation in New York City with my family and found myself having pain after midnight. Doctor called me first thing in the morning got me in and got me taken care of within 2 hours. He was reassuring and positive very professional. I have anxiety and I never once was worried when I was in the office. I would give him my highest recommendation on any day and I am just sad that he is not in my hometown. Please choose him for any of your endodontic needs 
 
 This doctor is overpriced and lies about what he'll charge. I wish I could give him negative stars. Go somewhere else. And he'll sue you if you don't pay. Trust me. Go somewhere else. 
 
 Excellent doctor, great staff, lovely office that's conveniently located. 
 
 Dr Dayani is truly amazing. This was my first ever root canal and him and his team really made me feel comfortable. I would have never expected to have such a tranquility in a dental office. Great experience. 
 
 Any one working and in a rush don't come here it's no rush and I guess if you have all day and you don't mind being in the city please stop in for a slow dental day I was referred here by a great doctor/dentist but I work in the health care section as well and we do try to help out providers not here guys it's a nice office not timely or taking my concerns into consideration. Won't be coming back 
 
 I've been to Dr. Dayanis office 5-6 times this year! I had a tooth infection emergency which was taken care of within a few visits, and required follow up x-rays to ensure the tooth was healing. After each visit I received a call from his office, making sure everything was ok! Dr. Dayani and his staff worked quickly, and with care to ensure my complete comfortability throughout each exam. The only note I would have is that (like most doctor and dental appointments) each time I have gone, I have had to wait longer than desired. 
 
 When it became clear I needed a root canal to put an end to the pervasive pain I was experiencing, my dentist highly recommended Dr. Dayani. From there the whole process was seamless. His office was accommodating with my appointment time, Dr. Dayani and his assistant made me feel calm and comfortable during the procedure, and best of all, after the root canal I was 100% pain free. The next day his office gave me a phone call to check in on me which I really appreciated. Dr. Dayani is a highly professional and gentle doctor and I couldn't recommend him more highly for such a sensitive procedure. 
 
 What a great office! First you are welcomed by amazing professional staff. Everyone is extremely friendly and patient. Dr Dayani is very knowledgeable, professional and honest. After X-rays and examination, Dr Dayani explained everything in detail and I ended up not redoing my root canal because it looked like chances to save my tooth were too small. Many other dentists would have still done the procedure and charged me for it, but Dr Dayani was very honest, even though that meant that he basically lost at hour of his time on me. This will definitely be the only office I'll go for my root canal questions in the future. Thank you! 
 
 My wife and I are from California and a few weeks ago, my dentist had suggested that I get a root canal. I had no symptoms so of course I was in no rush. Fast forward to a week ago, my wife and I were beginning our European honeymoon trip and we decided to stay in New York City for a few days. My tooth began to ache and pain escalated quickly. I began to panic because I was on my way to Europe and couldn't imagine going weeks with this pain. I decided to call Dr Dayani. He and his staff were first class from the beginning. I explained my situation to them and they never hesitated to help me. I told them that I would be leaving in a few days and Dr. Dayani saw me that very day. When it was all said and done, Dr. Dayani had done an amazing job at fixing me right up. The root canal procedure was executed perfectly and I was rid of my pain. I am extremely grateful to Dr. Dayani and his staff. They truly are first class! 
 
 My dentist said I would eventually need an endodontist. Since my pain was in the whole side of the jaw, my dentist advised me to wait until I could isolate which tooth was the problem. Being a coward when it comes to dental procedures, I took the advice, not realizing that this wasn't a good plan. I researched online and read amazing reviews for Dr. Dayani. My tooth pain suddenly got worse while I was on vacation, so I emailed late Tuesday night and was answered the same night! Does Dr. Dayani sleep? He said they would make room to see me in the morning. Sure enough, when I called the office, they explained that if I didn't mind a wait, I could be seen. I arrived to find beautifully designed offices and a courteous, responsive staff. I didn't have to wait too long. Vladamir the assistant was very sweet and made me comfortable while he took Xrays and put them up onto a monitor. Dr. Dayani greeted me, reviewed the Xrays and explained what he was planning to do, the impact on my teeth, the costs involved, taking my questions patiently and my concerns respectfully. As he began the root canal, he was so very gentle, all the while explaining what he was doing. His way of doing this meant there was no pain for me! He is so calm that even the bad news was easy to take. The news was basically that a root canal wouldn't hold for long, he wasn't going to proceed with it, and that I'd need that tooth removed and replaced. I appreciate the honesty and ethics, as some dentists may have done it then gone ahead and charged me for an additional procedure when the root canal failed. Not to worry, Dr. Dayani solved my problem, along with his associate Dr. Miles. I was scheduled for the next day and I was seen on time. Farah the assistant, a sweet, personable young lady, made me comfortable and prepped me for the procedure. Dr. Miles is also very easy going, and was very reassuring with his plan of action. Another dentist in the past had removed a wisdom tooth for me and caused neck bruises like I had been strangled, and a week's worth of miserable pain. Not Dr. Miles - he said there would be pain, explained its progression, and provided medication right away to keep it at bay. Elizabeth the office manager made sure my prescriptions were waiting at my local pharmacy when I got off the train. Dr. Miles was exactly right on the timeline of my healing - there was a short bout of pain, then quickly subsided to a manageable level for a few days. I'm feeling much better now. Dr. Dayani even called me to check on how I was doing! I echo what others have said about Dr. Dayani and his expert, professional, yet compassionate approach to dentistry. I trust Dr. Dayani and Dr. Miles, and highly recommend this practice. Truly a great resource for when you need an endodontist and/or oral surgeon. 
 
 I was really nervous to get my root canal, and I have to say that I almost enjoyed it. Doctor Dayani did an amazing job, and I'm so thankful I found his clinic. In additional, just as important, the staff who works there are extremely nice and helpful. Thank you so much! 
 
 I am blown away by Dr. Dayani. I have never in my 68 years encountered such professionalism. I like his methodical approach in dealing with my issue. I am one who wants each step to be explained to me. He does this before the process,during the process and after with such a calmness that is so helpful to me . The procedure was painless. Simply put, Dr. Dayani really cares about your teeth and simply put , he really cares about you. the patient. He is truly gifted on all levels. In addition, his dental assistant even adds more to a very good experience. 
 
 I am really scared to post this review as I don't want this doctor to sue me. I would say that in my opinion it was the worst experience with a doctor I ever had. I also went twice for the same problem, and my tooth still hurts. The experience during the treatment in my opinion was very painful. I do not recommend this doctor. 
 
 There are several reasons why Dr. Dayani has earned his reputation as the best endodontist in New York. He's honest, he listens, he's very concerned that you won't be in pain when he works on you, and his office is equipped with the most modern equipment. He's worked on my teeth several times and he also makes himself available for emergencies -- so when you have a throbbing tooth in need of a root canal, he can relieve it. His staff is great, too, and they always call to follow up and make sure you're feeling well after the procedure. 
 
 This is the worse place ever. I wish I could give home 0 stars. Rude Did not make it to the appointment on time Dismissive Overcharges for service 
 
 I was referred to Dr. Dayani by a family friend's dentist. The consult and root canal procedure were scheduled back to back, and I was happy with how the procedure went. He's a great doctor and he did an awesome job at keeping me pain-free the whole time. My tooth had been in extreme pain from cold liquids for a few months, and I was glad to go to him to get things straightened out. My only complaint was that the procedure was very expensive. I am a recent college graduate working and living in NYC, and my family's dental plan that I'm on only covers about half the cost. So I wish the office had told me up front what the cost was going to be like so I could have maybe worked out a lower cost or payment plan option. 
 
 This is a review for my mother who had a root canal done by Dr. Dayani. She informed me that Dr. Dayani was an excellent Endodontist and was extremely attentive, well informed, and highly skilled. He was very calming and was even able to save her dental cap (which my mother thought would not be possible). He also gave her all the time she needed to ask questions. The office was very clean, very modern, and had a helpful staff. Dr. Dayani and his staff come highly recommended!
– Yelp has just issued its third ever consumer alert, this one about a dentist in Manhattan who has sued five patients since 2012 for posting negative reviews, reports BuzFeed. Nima Dayani has asked for anywhere between $50,000 and $100,000 in damages, so Yelp is warning consumers that Dayani's business is "issuing questionable legal threats against reviewers" and that reviewers "have a First Amendment right to express their opinions on Yelp." Dayani appears to have backed off the lawsuits where patients agreed to remove their negative reviews. In one pending court case, a woman accused him in her review of being unable to diagnose her problem after a two-hour-plus visit. Dayani says that's untrue and that such claims aren't just negative but defamatory. "I got hurt. You will get hurt," he claims the woman told him by phone, because she had been scolded for being gone so long by her boss, reports the New York Daily News. Yelp issued its first alert in May after a Texas pet sitting company sued a customer who violated its "gag" clause, which prevented her from speaking ill of the business; a Florida moving and storage company was issued the second alert in June after it sued a customer for defamation. Buzzfeed reports that both cases are ongoing, and notes that the alerts are being rolled out while Congress considers two bills that could protect consumers from being sued for online reviews. (That pet sitter says its business is now a "shell of its former success" and is seeking $1 million in damages.)