Have You Ever Walked Out of a Dentist Appointment?

[Pea-n-Me]

I actually feel bad for my pediatric dentist. After witnessing several parental behavior in the waiting room, I can understand why they want to ban all parents. Just recently I had to sit a few feet away from two very anxious parents. Apparently Dad had to take time off from work so both he and Mom can take turn holding Precious's hand during the procedure. Mom promised to be there at all time and so was Dad. Precious, who definitely was NOT a toddler, would be getting a new toy for being brave. When the assistant came out to get the child, she was bombarded with questions since Dad wasn't there for the consultation. It turned out that the "horrifying" procedure Precious was forced to get was a ........sealant. LOL.

I don't think you need to feel bad for them. They are professionals who chose this area of practice and should know how to handle issues like these. (There were a lot of suggestions for them in the article I posted earlier.) You haven't seen anything until you see parents whose child is very ill or has been hurt. Fortunately people who deal with those cases usually have a lot of compassion. If you don't have your own children yet it's amazing how your perspective changes when you do.

 

[indimom]

OP, what you initially described (off feeling, not really pain, but just not right) ticked a box for me.... I was going to ask if you already had a filling in that tooth... and then read your follow-up post that stated you did.

I had a similar experience, a tooth that just didn't feel right, not super sensitive, not really pain, yet noticeable. I went to my dentist twice, they did x-rays, everything seemed fine. Months later, a large piece of the tooth broke off... Apparently, I had a new cavity UNDER the old filling... and apparently they can't see through old fillings on x-ray, so it couldn't be visualized. The cavity started through the side of the tooth between two molars so it couldn't be seen that way either.

I was lucky I only lost a small piece on the side of the tooth adjacent to the other molar so was able to still JUST get a filling to repair it.


As for the crown issue: I'm currently in the process of getting my first. I think it was a good idea until after your trip. My dentist warned me that the temporary crown (I'm currently wearing) is put in with a lighter glue and sometimes they can detach. I tried to be careful, avoided anything like popcorn kernels, etc. But the temporary already fell off once. and the area was instantly sensitive after the crown came off. I called and they got me back in to replace it super quick.... but if you are on a cruise you aren't going to be able to do that... and it would suck to be on vacation with a super sensitive tooth.

As for the dentist's behavior... I'd be looking for a new dentist.

 

[wgeo]

OP for what it's worth I used to work in a dental insurance company. His obsession with your insurance is a large flag. Also way back then at least, crowns were supposed to be pre-authorized. They didn't have to, but if they weren't the auditors took a very long look at the xrays to make sure that it was necessary. I think you were right to leave and get another opinion.

Not applicable to your case, but we had 3 groups of dentists (although this info was well hidden and not public by any means). The top tier never got reviewed, everything they sent was automatically approved because they were trusted. The middle group was treated normally, a quick review of xrays sent. The lowest group was required to send in extra documentation and multiple xrays with everything because they were deemed so untrustworthy as dentists. These dentists almost always ended up getting dropped as a provider of the plan sooner or later.

 

[Disney Ella]

Re: pediatric dentists. Some are super strict about not letting parents back. My parents took me to one such place when I was a kid. I don't know how old I was, but quite young. I'm guessing 5 or so. I remember being scared and crying, and the dentist clamping his hand over my mouth and yelling SHUT UP at me. I made sure, when I had my son, to choose a place that allows (and welcomes) parents in the treatment area.

I took my kids to a pediatric dentist when they were three because I thought a pediatric dentist would be better with kids. They gave me a hard time about going to the treatment area with the kids but finally allowed it since it was their first appointment.

The treatment area was open, and I could see all the other kids in the dental chairs. The boy next to us kept crying for his mom while they were trying to anesthetize him. I was shocked when the dentist said, "Just knock it off, Jeremy! You're fine," in a very mean voice. We never went back. I found a general dentist who was great with kids and let me stay with them.

 

[jacki123]

I was once asked to leave a practice because I refused to agree to my daughter getting braces because, in his words, some day she may have issues with her canine teeth being too low. Ummm, NO! We disagreed for a bit then I was told since I didn't follow his advice I needed to find a different dentist. No problem. She is now 35 and has great teeth with no issues.

 

[Pink Partridge]

I actually feel bad for my pediatric dentist. After witnessing several parental behavior in the waiting room, I can understand why they want to ban all parents. Just recently I had to sit a few feet away from two very anxious parents. Apparently Dad had to take time off from work so both he and Mom can take turn holding Precious's hand during the procedure. Mom promised to be there at all time and so was Dad. Precious, who definitely was NOT a toddler, would be getting a new toy for being brave. When the assistant came out to get the child, she was bombarded with questions since Dad wasn't there for the consultation. It turned out that the "horrifying" procedure Precious was forced to get was a ........sealant. LOL.

You have no idea what went on in that child's life. Maybe they were autistic. Maybe another special need? Or maybe they were just plain terrified of the dentist.

There are some people that have panic attacks just at the thought of a dentist is putting his or her fingers in their mouth. Sealants would be a horrible experience for anyone that is afraid of the dentist.

When I was a child, my dentist called me a crybaby and laughed as I cried harder. Imagine the fear of a drill in your mouth as someone is being mean to you?

I would never go to a dentist that didn't allow me back with my child. You could call my kid whatever names you want. Precious, Snowflake, Crybaby. I don't care. I don't trust dentists.

 

[skyblue17]

OP, what you initially described (off feeling, not really pain, but just not right) ticked a box for me.... I was going to ask if you already had a filling in that tooth... and then read your follow-up post that stated you did.

I had a similar experience, a tooth that just didn't feel right, not super sensitive, not really pain, yet noticeable. I went to my dentist twice, they did x-rays, everything seemed fine. Months later, a large piece of the tooth broke off... Apparently, I had a new cavity UNDER the old filling... and apparently they can't see through old fillings on x-ray, so it couldn't be visualized. The cavity started through the side of the tooth between two molars so it couldn't be seen that way either.

I was lucky I only lost a small piece on the side of the tooth adjacent to the other molar so was able to still JUST get a filling to repair it.


As for the crown issue: I'm currently in the process of getting my first. I think it was a good idea until after your trip. My dentist warned me that the temporary crown (I'm currently wearing) is put in with a lighter glue and sometimes they can detach. I tried to be careful, avoided anything like popcorn kernels, etc. But the temporary already fell off once. and the area was instantly sensitive after the crown came off. I called and they got me back in to replace it super quick.... but if you are on a cruise you aren't going to be able to do that... and it would suck to be on vacation with a super sensitive tooth.

As for the dentist's behavior... I'd be looking for a new dentist.

Thank you for this! I am not ruling out that something like this is possible. And I obviously want to avoid having any of the tooth break off, if possible! I would definitely prefer to have the tooth re-filled over getting a crown on it, if possible.

And your crown experience makes me feel validated about my choice. That was exactly what I was afraid of! The crown falling off, me not being able to fix it and then an uncomfortable mouth when I'm supposed to be enjoying jerk chicken and frozen drinks, haha. I really wish he had thoroughly explained the procedure before jumping in, and allowed me to consider what that meant as far as my timeline. As it was, he only told me parts of the procedure because I started asking questions. But, it's probably for the best it went this way, because now I won't go back to him.

You have no idea what went on in that child's life. Maybe they were autistic. Maybe another special need? Or maybe they were just plain terrified of the dentist.

There are some people that have panic attacks just at the thought of a dentist is putting his or her fingers in their mouth. Sealants would be a horrible experience for anyone that is afraid of the dentist.

I remember needing "happy gas" for my sealant because there's so much going on in the back of the mouth and I would have gagged and been super uncomfortable without it. It's not a painful experience, but not necessarily an easy one for a kid who doesn't really know what to expect.

---

I just remembered also that this dentist numbed my ENTIRE FACE when I had multiple cavities (one on the top in one corner, one on the bottom in the other). I didn't think much of it at the time as I had never had more than one cavity filled at once but a few people I mentioned it to (including my hygienist aunt) were really surprised he'd do that!

 

[cabanafrau]

Indimom's experience above is a bit similar to the circumstances with my dental adventure I described on page one. Mine involved a tooth that had been filled when I was a child, so my current dentist had not performed the original work on the tooth and couldn't see the area where my new problem ultimately was coming from because of the old filling until ultimately removing the old filling.

While the information given upthread may be perfectly valid about when a root canal is or is not necessary, it definitely did not fit my circumstance. According to that checklist I did not need a root canal. Initially my dentist was unsure and wanted me evaluated before he did anything invasive. The endodontist was not satisfied after evaluating me that I needed a root canal and didn't want to guess, so he sent me back to my dentist. At that point my dentist felt the only avenue to uncovering my problem and solving it was to go forward with an invasive option. At that point the issue was revealed, and the definite need for a root canal first was proven. With my problem being on an upper tooth the very first line of treatment my dentist chose was Sudafed in case any sinus issue was intermittently pressing on a nerve and making my tooth hurt for something that wasn't actually a dental problem.

Both my dentist and endodontist were trying not to do anything invasive, or expensive, unless they felt it was necessary. Both had the same suspicions about what my issue was, but decided to doublecheck everything first before they went with invasive treatment.

 

[lovesmurfs]

OP, you were completely within your rights, and good for you!

Only once we rejected a dentist's recommendation. We had a pediatric dentist -- DS had hit his front teeth and we just wanted them checked out. They were fine. The dentist wanted to cap two baby teeth because they were "probably going to die." I told him that if they started changing color, I would contact him.

Never happened, and saved us about $1,500 for the 2 crowns. Sorry, I'm not responsible for your next boat payment.

 

[paisleys]

Wow, that sounds super shady! I'm so glad you didn't go through with this. I'm not certain when dentistry became a sales field. I had the same dentist from the time I had teeth until I loved to FL. I'd go for my cleanings and get a cavity filled here and there when I was younger and then really just needed semiannual cleanings. Move to FL and was shocked. One dentist had an assistant who acted more like she was getting commissions on every crown! (Their Yelp reviews even mention the tenacity of this woman!). I was told I needed FOUR crowns and a bunch of new fillings--and good news we can start them today! It was a good thing I declined and said I needed to check with my insurer (thankfully, they later declined most of the proposed work), I got a second opinion--one crown. The next time the lady called me I hung up on her. The other dentist was great..until they weren't. We started having balances every time we went and couldn't understand why? I started really checking and found they were charging me for procedures I wasn't even having--some kind of fancy panoramic x ray when I was just got a basic cleaning. I told them they had better remove it all or I was reporting them (which I still did). I have a wonderful dentist that I trust now. I hope people say no and seek second opinions like you did, crowns are no joke! They shave your tooth down and put a fake one over it. I still have (in my mouth the three (intact) teeth those people wanted to shave down 17 years ago!!!!

 

[Imzadi]

Yes, something similar happened to me too. I've known forever that my wisdom teeth are impacted, (grown in totally sideways, at a 90 degree angle under my gums.) I was always told I would probably need to have them taken out. I'd be lucky if I made it to my 30's and they didn't cause a problem. (My mom didn't have hers taken out till then.)

Ten years ago, my teeth shifted and started crowding a lot. I used to have braces and perfectly straightened teeth. I read that people who have had braces might later have a problem with teeth shifting, so it might actually be an orthodontic problem instead. But I also thought it could be my wisdom teeth finally moving, so I saw an oral surgeon about it.

He was surprised that my wisdom teeth had lasted that long. While he didn't see any immediate, emergency situation, especially as I'm in no pain & they don't bother me at all other than the thought of the crowding, the x-rays indicated there may be a cyst in front of one tooth and possible abscessing in the other. He said I may have a potential problem in my 50's. He wanted to take the bottom ones out NOW as a preventative action.

The top ones, which was my bigger concern in regards to my teeth crowding, he wasn't even touching. So, the extractions wouldn't fix the crowding at all.

I felt his preventative diagnosis was all well & good - if I had the money. While insurance would pay quite a bit, a hefty sum would come out of my pocket.

I was also quite a bit cynical, especially as it was during the downturn in the economy. He was highly, highly recommended to me by my regular dentist. But, his waiting room was empty and they were practically able to fit me in for an appointment at any time, for the consultation and the extractions.

Of course, the extractions would be beneficial to me. But I wondered if this expensive, preventative operation - when there's no real immediate problem, may be more about helping to pay the dentist's rent.

I decided NOT to get my wisdom teeth out. Instead, I went to a cosmetic/aesthetic orthodontist. He put on laminates over my front crowded teeth, so they are perfectly in alignment again. Plus, he said the extra thickness would help stop the shifting. AND he gave me an Invisalign retainer, just in case they do start shifting.

I never regretted my decision. It's been 10 years. My teeth stopped crowding. And I never did have a problem with my wisdom teeth, so far.

I think your dentist wanted to use your insurance to line his pocket. SURE, the procedure is beneficial. But necessary and had to be done at that time? Probably not.

As for him charging you the full amount for a crown, I don't think he can. All you have to do is take a photo/x-rays(?) of your teeth for verification that no new crown was ever put in. He may charge you for the time for the lousy imprints, but not a crown.

 

[skyblue17]

Indimom's experience above is a bit similar to the circumstances with my dental adventure I described on page one. Mine involved a tooth that had been filled when I was a child, so my current dentist had not performed the original work on the tooth and couldn't see the area where my new problem ultimately was coming from because of the old filling until ultimately removing the old filling.

While the information given upthread may be perfectly valid about when a root canal is or is not necessary, it definitely did not fit my circumstance. According to that checklist I did not need a root canal. Initially my dentist was unsure and wanted me evaluated before he did anything invasive. The endodontist was not satisfied after evaluating me that I needed a root canal and didn't want to guess, so he sent me back to my dentist. At that point my dentist felt the only avenue to uncovering my problem and solving it was to go forward with an invasive option. At that point the issue was revealed, and the definite need for a root canal first was proven. With my problem being on an upper tooth the very first line of treatment my dentist chose was Sudafed in case any sinus issue was intermittently pressing on a nerve and making my tooth hurt for something that wasn't actually a dental problem.

Both my dentist and endodontist were trying not to do anything invasive, or expensive, unless they felt it was necessary. Both had the same suspicions about what my issue was, but decided to doublecheck everything first before they went with invasive treatment.

Noted! I am not going to decide if I need a root canal or not, I am planning on calling this new dentist in a few weeks and go for a consultation. I'm debating how much I want to tell him about my experience, though, and if I should just mention the same symptoms and see where he arrives on his own. But I am certainly hoping to have an experience more like yours, where we are not jumping into something invasive with no notice!

 

[PollyannaMom]

Have You Ever Walked Out of a Dentist Appointment?

No, I thankfully haven't had to, but I absolutely think you did the right thing!!
A - He should be far more concerned with making sure you are comfortable,
B - There's probably a reason he's hurting for patients, and
C - Trust your gut!

 

[Sleepy425]

I worked for a dentist that was like this. Someone would come in with pain, and he would do a crown immediately. So many of them would talk about the sinus issues, but he would NEVER say "you know what, it's probably related to the sinus issues, take some Sudafed and call me in a few days." Instead he would start the crown the crown, tell them the tooth may be sensitive for a few days, and of course they never linked that the sinus issues going away were what was really giving them relief. I hated working for him. I wish patients would have walked out like you did.

 

[skyblue17]

This thread has really been helpful and makes me feel better about my choice.

Luckily, my tooth hasn't really felt weird since. I had a quick pinge of sensitivity when eating ice cream the other night but it went away in a flash. It makes me think that it's still a problem point of some kind but hopefully all holds out a little longer so I can get it assessed with a clean slate!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

A few things you can do for sensitivity, @skyblue17, as I was told by my hygienist and dentist.

1) Use Sensodyne toothpaste. It has something in it that kind of desensitizes the sensitivity. (You can also get it in more concentrated form at the dentist's, but I don't know what it's called.)

2) In the dental floss section you can buy those little green things that look like long, thin screws, and clean out in between your teeth daily up where the gums and teeth meet. Sometimes there can be a tiny little particle stuck in there that causes problems, and those might help get it out.

3) If you're using whitening agents, stop, as they can cause sensitivity.

4) Colgate puts out a rinse that you can use a couple of times daily that helps with minor sensitivity and cankers, mouth sores, etc. It's called Colgate Peroxyl, and it works. I always keep some on hand now.

I hope you can work it out!

 

[skyblue17]

Bumping this because I have an appointment with a new dentist today!

Unfortunately, I have a bit of a sinus infection that is probably affecting how my mouth feels. I didn't regret not having anything done before my trip, there was one day while I was away that I was getting a little stressed, as my mouth felt really weird (still not pain) and I was worried it would get worse before I got home. I think that was also sinus related though, as I had gotten a LOT of water in my face due to vacation activities. It was mostly gum irritation and a tightness around my teeth, which easily could have been a reaction to the ton of salt water that ended up in my mouth while snorkeling? So who knows.

The actual problem area has felt better overall so I'm curious to see what this dentist says.

 

[BLAZEY]

Re: pediatric dentists. Some are super strict about not letting parents back. My parents took me to one such place when I was a kid. I don't know how old I was, but quite young. I'm guessing 5 or so. I remember being scared and crying, and the dentist clamping his hand over my mouth and yelling SHUT UP at me. I made sure, when I had my son, to choose a place that allows (and welcomes) parents in the treatment area.

My daughter's paediatric dentist has chairs and benches for parents to be with their child while having the cleaning and check up. The only place you can't go is in the x-ray room, but you can watch from around the corner. He says some kids need mum and dad, others do better without, and goes with whatever works best for that patient.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Have I ever walked out of a dental appointment? Sure.

 

[skyblue17]

So, new dentist looked in my mouth and basically said he doesn't see anything wrong. He couldn't take an x-ray because their software was down but I am going back for a cleaning in a week. Now that I'm seeing him again so soon, I'm going to go back to being less cautious in my mouth and see if anything changes but it basically sounds like any irritation is due to my gums being a bit enflamed. So I guess we'll see. He did NOT push me into getting a thousand dollar procedure though, so at least there is progress.