A fake dentist is accused of cleaning teeth and filling cavities in the bathroom of his Southern California apartment.

Investigators in Moorpark, Calif., arrested William Escobar, 40, after a month-long investigation that began when one of his patients filed a complaint over swollen gums, Los Angeles TV station KABC reported.

The man had come in for a tooth extraction, but it was never performed because he didn't have enough money.

Still, Escobar threatened the man and said he owed him for the procedure, police told Los Angeles TV station KNBC.

When authorities raided Escobar's apartment, they found a dental chair, dental tools, anesthetic drugs, false teeth and other orthodonture items, according to police.

Escobar apparently had many clients, including teenagers receiving orthodontic care at the apartment.

He has been charged with operating a dentistry practice without a license, furnishing of dangerous drugs and possession of needles, the Los Angeles Times reported.