Dentists

[brooklyn77]

I hate dentists ! The last one I nearly punched because he caused me so much pain by trying to fit a temporary filling to a hole that had a nerve exposed....I hate dentists anyway but he gave me pain like I have never felt before. I need to find a good dentist one that will listen to concerns and listen to your needs, apart from word of mouth how in the world do I find a dentist like this..where do i start...cos I need a lot of work doing to my teeth before some of them fall out and my gums fall out..but I too scared to go back to some idiot of a dentsist..help !!

[Taz70]

We had a similar experience with my son. The dentist was a young male who obviously had no experience with kids. In the end the dentist referred him to the local dental hospital who were absolutely brilliant with him. They made him feel totally relaxed and trusted them completely.

Also, my friend is totally petrified of dentists and she goes to the dental hospital, which works better for her. Perhaps that is an option?

[brooklyn77]

Thanks for that. I will try it, but is the Dental Hospital usually based at a normal hospital and is it more expensive etc...

Do you not have to be reffered to them by your own dentist? If not how did you go about getting in to one?

Thanks

[stevie21]

So your teeth are like a witchdoctor's necklace and you blame the dentist for the pain?

[brooklyn77]

I see your point and I know its my fault somewhere down the line...but considering the pain he caused trying to relieve the toothache..I would rather of had the toothache. He must of known pushing against a nerve was going to totally kill !! Or at least he should have warned me. Thats what I mean about dentists not considering patients needs. They just 'do it' even though teeth can be so painful.

[stevie21]

He'll have (pet hate of mine - use HAVE, not OF) assumed that the anaesthetic he'd given would ensure that you felt no pain. I'm pretty sure that you can still find dentists who give general anaesthetic and knock you out although it's a lot more inconvenient for them. If that would suit you better then look into that. (Good luck!!)

If it's the roots giving you loads of pain then you can either have root canal treatment (apparently at least �70 per tooth) or just have the tooth out.

[Taz70]

I don't particularly like dentists and I was offered a root canal, but decided to just have the tooth out (lot less time and pain) and as it was on the side of the mouth, doesn't really show anyway.

As for getting into the dental hospital, it is possible that you have to be referred, but I'm not sure. I know my friend is scared to death of injections and she has to be put out to have anything done, so she goes to the dental hospital. I don't think many dentists actually put you out anymore.

Our dental hospital is purely that, and not a normal hospital. They teach students there etc. Presumably it's the same everywhere. I suppose its a specialised treatment, same as eye hospitals.

[rasberry]

Hi sorry to hear your fear of dentists....Ive worked in dental practices for many years and have had numerous patients that have overcome thier fears. have a look for a practice that offers a free consultation in your area.. I find this works the patients come to meet me (head dental nurse) and we talk about their problems and what they wish to acheive. There are NO instruments involved (lol) and they get to know me and the surgery, before there appointment and I get to know them so that I can make them feel at ease, throughout there treatment. Remember your in charge all the time and you decide what you wish to have done and when, we can only advise.
You can also have a mild sedative for any major visits you require, this will help relax you.

Good luck x

[brooklyn77]

Thanks for all your advice everyone. Stevie21 - He did not give me any pain killers before applying the temp filling.

[MrXLA]

Oh dear those dammn dentists, they cause YOUR dental decay and then deliberately cause you pain trying to fix it.
Fact: IT IS YOUR FAULT you have this pain and unfortunatley when things get as bad as you describe it can be difficult for analgesic techniques a dentist uses to be effective due to all the infection present.
This can be avoided by not allowing things to get that bad in the first place.
It is however possible in most cases to deliver pain free dental care and I suggest you simply seek another oppinion if your not happy.
Just as a note dentists are people too, and if you threatened one in the manner you describe above I wouldn't be surprised if you found yourself on your arse and needing more than just a filling to sort you out.
Dentists are no longer able to provide general anaesthetics (thank god!) due to the rather serious risk of death associated with it oustside a hospital. Sedation practices however do exist. Just a note to brooklyn77 I've never met an idiot dentist simply beause you have to be very intelligent to do the cousre and there is tremendous competition for places.