Bruising from dental work...

[AuntieMe3]

Have you ever had facial bruising from basic dental work?

I went to a new dentist the week before Christmas, ended up needing a root canal(which I've had two before so knew what to expect) and they had to remove some gum(with a laser) from the back of my mouth where I have a wisdom tooth that needs to be removed. I'm trying to figure out if this was a truly bad experience with this new dentist or if I'm just being a bit sensitive and dramatic about it.

I started typing the whole ordeal but it was a little long so I'll just leave it at...it was kinda traumatizing for me and I've already decided I will only be going back for the crown they already molded and ordered for me but will be finding ANOTHER new dentist for any future work that needs to be done.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Have you ever had facial bruising from basic dental work?

I went to a new dentist the week before Christmas, ended up needing a root canal(which I've had two before so knew what to expect) and they had to remove some gum(with a laser) from the back of my mouth where I have a wisdom tooth that needs to be removed. I'm trying to figure out if this was a truly bad experience with this new dentist or if I'm just being a bit sensitive and dramatic about it.

I started typing the whole ordeal but it was a little long so I'll just leave it at...it was kinda traumatizing for me and I've already decided I will only be going back for the crown they already molded and ordered for me but will be finding ANOTHER new dentist for any future work that needs to be done.

I wouldn't call a root canal, or gum surgery (that's what it is) "basic" dental work.

Yes, I would expect some bruising from either procedure.

That said, if you're uncomfortable with the dentist, you have 2 choices -
1) talk to the dentist. It's possible he/she is unaware of the issue.
2) find a new dentist.

I'm entirely sympathetic with you and dental work issues. I have to find a new dentist and I'm really dreading it.

 

[Meriweather]

I agree, not basic and I would expect some bruising

 

[sonnyjane]

Jumping on the train that it sounds like what you received was a far more involved procedure. Granted it was 20 years ago, but when I had my wisdom teeth out, I looked like I'd been in a bar fight. That said, I've had some crappy dentists that just felt "off" and so I chose not to go back, so if you don't like them, go elsewhere, just don't base it on the bruises alone.

 

[emmybee]

Same. Bruising from removal of wisdom teeth. Sometimes I get bruised from blood draws. It happens, and bruises fade.

 

[Nora03]

I got a large bruise on my face/jaw once when my dentist said he hit a nerve with the needle. I had that dentist for years, but he has since retired and my new young dentist is much better, gentler, and my teeth are getting much better treatment. She’s a gem and I wish I had switched years ago.

 

[wgeo]

If you're not comfortable with your dentist, then for sure go with your gut and find a new dentist. However, I will say that I tend to bruise easily and have ended up with bruises from dental work in the past.

 

[AuntieMe3]

Thanks for the replies. I guess I say basic because it wasn't dental surgery where I was knocked out...although I really wish I would've been. LoL Also I have had two prior root canals over the years and neither were painful after the numbing went away and I never had bruising or swelling. The whole experience was not great even before they started and I should've went with my gut to just say no and find somewhere else to go. The dentist came highly recommended from a family friend who raved about how awesome he was. Maybe he was having an off day but I will most definitely be finding a new dentist.

My former dentist is great but doesn't take our new insurance, which is the reason I had to find a new one. It really sucks.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

My former dentist is great but doesn't take our new insurance, which is the reason I had to find a new one. It really sucks.

That's my problem, also.

 

[willowsnn3]

I have always bruised after a dental visit no matter what the procedure.
As far as dentists, the first time I had a wisdom tooth pulled it was pure hell, never went back there. Next one I had done (two this time), I barely knew what was happening it was so smooth. So if I were you I would probably change dentists.

 

[Lilsia]

It is hard to find a good dentist because you don't know until after the fact. I have had a few root canals and just had a filling and a crown put in. I have never had an bruising. Maybe it was from the gum removal, that sounds more of a traumatic procedure then just a tooth issue. Did the dentist mention that there might be some bruising with it? If there was a chance then it should of been mentioned in the after care instructions. Did you all and ask them if it was normal?

 

[MomOfDisneyPrincess]

Everyone is different, but I have had three crowns, two wisdom teeth removed as an adult and one root canal/onlay that later became an implant, but only after a bone graft. I was not knocked out for any of these procedures, even though the bone graft and wisdom teeth removal were done by a dental surgeon. That said, I never experienced facial bruising during any of those procedures.

If you had a bad experience, then you had a bad experience and you should do what makes you most comfortable. Going to the dentist is unpleasant enough, you definitely don't want to add questioning his skills and abilities to your list of anxieties.

 

[AuntieMe3]

Maybe it was from the gum removal, that sounds more of a traumatic procedure then just a tooth issue. Did the dentist mention that there might be some bruising with it? If there was a chance then it should of been mentioned in the after care instructions. Did you all and ask them if it was normal?

Maybe but honestly, the gum removal seemed to be the easier of the two. LOL I was numbed and it was done with a laser so not even any bleeding.

As for after care instructions, there were none. The dentist said "ok, done" and walked out of the room. The assistant handed me my prescriptions and said "go to the front and they'll help you check out" and disappeared. They didnt even move the light or little table with tools on it out of my way. I had to move them myself to get out of the chair.

At the front I was so frazzled and upset I didnt even think to ask about after care instructions until I got home. After I dropped off my prescription (for an antibiotic and motrin regular strength I could just get OTC), the pharmacy called to tell me the instructions weren't clear enough so they were trying to get ahold of someone at the office to clarify before they could fill it. The next day (Sat morning) I called and left a message with their service asking about pain and major swelling, the bruise I hadn't even noticed yet. The service told us the office was open for appts only that day but someone would get in touch with me....if not that day then Monday. My husband drove over when the pharmacy had still not heard back and the doors were locked even though you could see people in there. We got a call from the pharmacy about an hour later but never heard anything from anyone at the office until Monday. By that time, my pain was just about gone, the swelling was going down and I had already made up my mind about not going back so I didn't call them back.

So it was a really bad experience all around beside the bruise...

 

[AuntieMe3]

And I just want to say thanks for letting me vent this all out....lol

 

[focusondisney]

Maybe but honestly, the gum removal seemed to be the easier of the two. LOL I was numbed and it was done with a laser so not even any bleeding.

As for after care instructions, there were none. The dentist said "ok, done" and walked out of the room. The assistant handed me my prescriptions and said "go to the front and they'll help you check out" and disappeared. They didnt even move the light or little table with tools on it out of my way. I had to move them myself to get out of the chair.

At the front I was so frazzled and upset I didnt even think to ask about after care instructions until I got home. After I dropped off my prescription (for an antibiotic and motrin regular strength I could just get OTC), the pharmacy called to tell me the instructions weren't clear enough so they were trying to get ahold of someone at the office to clarify before they could fill it. The next day (Sat morning) I called and left a message with their service asking about pain and major swelling, the bruise I hadn't even noticed yet. The service told us the office was open for appts only that day but someone would get in touch with me....if not that day then Monday. My husband drove over when the pharmacy had still not heard back and the doors were locked even though you could see people in there. We got a call from the pharmacy about an hour later but never heard anything from anyone at the office until Monday. By that time, my pain was just about gone, the swelling was going down and I had already made up my mind about not going back so I didn't call them back.

So it was a really bad experience all around beside the bruise...

That sounds horrible. What kind of staff doesn’t even move the equipment out of your way?? I have had so much dental work done.... extractions, almost all my molars have had root canals, caps, replace caps & an implant, all of it awake & with novacaine. Either the dentist, oral surgeon, endodontist or the assistant always makes sure I sit for a minute & feel OK before I get up. Terribly unprofessional to just walk away & not even see if you are OK.

I have been with my dentist for over 30 years. He is my age, early 60s. We know it will be coming in a few years but we dread the day he will retire. He does’t participate in our insurance either. But I go to him anyway. My insurance covers about half the cost of our care & I just pay the rest. We didn’t even have dental insurance when we started with him. It is worth every cent to stay with someone we trust. Is that an option for you with your previous dentist?

I will say, even with how careful & gentle my dentist & endodontist are, I still have had bruising & swelling with several procedures. I apparently have a small jaw/ mouth & when they have to pull the cheek or hold the jaw open for a long time, it just causes swelling. Drilling & even the retractors have caused bruising. So that part wouldn’t concern me. No instruction & unclear prescription orders.... not good.

Good luck with your search for the new dentist.

 

[toofache]

I have always had some bruising and swelling after any type of surgery. I'm trying to understand why this would be any different. What's the question here again?

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Maybe but honestly, the gum removal seemed to be the easier of the two. LOL I was numbed and it was done with a laser so not even any bleeding.

As for after care instructions, there were none. The dentist said "ok, done" and walked out of the room. The assistant handed me my prescriptions and said "go to the front and they'll help you check out" and disappeared. They didnt even move the light or little table with tools on it out of my way. I had to move them myself to get out of the chair.

At the front I was so frazzled and upset I didnt even think to ask about after care instructions until I got home. After I dropped off my prescription (for an antibiotic and motrin regular strength I could just get OTC), the pharmacy called to tell me the instructions weren't clear enough so they were trying to get ahold of someone at the office to clarify before they could fill it. The next day (Sat morning) I called and left a message with their service asking about pain and major swelling, the bruise I hadn't even noticed yet. The service told us the office was open for appts only that day but someone would get in touch with me....if not that day then Monday. My husband drove over when the pharmacy had still not heard back and the doors were locked even though you could see people in there. We got a call from the pharmacy about an hour later but never heard anything from anyone at the office until Monday. By that time, my pain was just about gone, the swelling was going down and I had already made up my mind about not going back so I didn't call them back.

So it was a really bad experience all around beside the bruise...

My jaw is hanging!

This was a general dentist and not an endodontist?

 

[AuntieMe3]

Is that an option for you with your previous dentist?

That's what DH suggested so I'll look into it. Its just that dental with insurance so expensive, not sure I want to pay that much out of pocket. LOL I'm kinda cheap...lol

My jaw is hanging!

This was a general dentist and not an endodontist?

A regular dentist

 

[sonnyjane]

Maybe but honestly, the gum removal seemed to be the easier of the two. LOL I was numbed and it was done with a laser so not even any bleeding.

As for after care instructions, there were none. The dentist said "ok, done" and walked out of the room. The assistant handed me my prescriptions and said "go to the front and they'll help you check out" and disappeared. They didnt even move the light or little table with tools on it out of my way. I had to move them myself to get out of the chair.

At the front I was so frazzled and upset I didnt even think to ask about after care instructions until I got home. After I dropped off my prescription (for an antibiotic and motrin regular strength I could just get OTC), the pharmacy called to tell me the instructions weren't clear enough so they were trying to get ahold of someone at the office to clarify before they could fill it. The next day (Sat morning) I called and left a message with their service asking about pain and major swelling, the bruise I hadn't even noticed yet. The service told us the office was open for appts only that day but someone would get in touch with me....if not that day then Monday. My husband drove over when the pharmacy had still not heard back and the doors were locked even though you could see people in there. We got a call from the pharmacy about an hour later but never heard anything from anyone at the office until Monday. By that time, my pain was just about gone, the swelling was going down and I had already made up my mind about not going back so I didn't call them back.

So it was a really bad experience all around beside the bruise...

Ugh yeah that's a bad experience and I don't blame you for wanting to see someone else. I had a dentist in San Diego that I stopped seeing immediately after I went in for a procedure, had him drop a moving instrument in my mouth while laughing with his assistant about how drunk he got the night before, and then after the procedure when the assistant saw me crying in pain, she exclaimed that "oops! I was supposed to numb you first!" NOPE NOPE NOPE. Never went back after that and wrote a letter, not that it meant anything.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I'll look into it. Its just that dental with insurance so expensive, not sure I want to pay that much out of pocket. LOL I'm kinda cheap...lol

We've found that a dentist will sometimes discount his work if you're willing to pay cash (that includes a check). Occasionally wind up paying only as much as the cost that we'd pay with insurance.