If you have any kind of dental anxiety, please visit any other practice in town. This practice is not equipped to handle those with anxiety...Originally, I booked here because they had a lot of availability, could get me and my daughter seen quickly, and the staff was prompt and friendly on the phone. I knew that I had a cracked molar that needed fixing. I had a positive first appointment with a very nice hygienist! I was told that I would need a crown placed on the cracked molar and an additional cavity filled. I wanted it to get taken care of ASAP, so I was happy they were able to see me quickly. I confirmed that the crown appointment I would have the same hygienist, as she made me feel comfortable. Upon arriving for the crown appointment, it was a different hygienist. I was nervous, but tried to make the best of this knowing that schedules can often change at the last minute - I was a bit disappointed the practice didn't make me aware of this before, having known my anxiety and me specifically asking to make sure the original hygienist was booked.
I was very nervous for the crown appointment, but tried staying relaxed, brought headphones, and opted for the nitrous. I was set up on the nitrous, and I was given the numbing shots by the dentist. He left the room for a few minutes and came back in. He asked if my lip was tingling, and I replied, "NO". I am very sensitive to anesthesia, so I know the sensation well. He put another shot in and proceeded. Initially, I didn't feel anything, but then I felt a very sharp ZING, almost like getting burnt by a curling iron (but, ya know, on my tooth). So I quickly raised my hand, as instructed. He did not stop. I tried raising my hand further and struggled to talk with the guard/pillow in my mouth.
The dentist abruptly stood up as he noticed that I was struggling, and said "we definitely can NOT do this today with her. Call her husband". And stormed out of the room. I was shocked that this was his behavior and he never even asked if I was okay or addressed me. After trying to explain my pain and fear to the hygienist, she just told me to calm down and stop talking because the nitrous wouldn't work. They called my husband (without me knowing)- who had to bring our toddler and baby. I asked if we could just complete the procedure because I was already upset and didn't want to have to come back. He explained that the anxiety I was facing was my own fault and was preventing the Novocain from working. I was a little in shock and very upset. I just asked that he finish because I didn't want half of my tooth gone and then still have to return. He obliged and finished.
I later found out, they never called my husband (who had brought our two children to come get me), so they sat in the parking lot for 30+ minutes. My husband finally called them and they said I would "be done shortly", so my husband decided to drive around...45 minutes later, I was finished and called him. If you have small children, you understand the inconvenience and annoyance to load and unload kids and keep them stationary in the car.
Following the procedure, I was given little information about my tooth, I didn't know if I could eat right away or not and how much pain to be expected. The following day my mouth was very sore, and I called to cancel my cleaning and cavity that had yet to be filled for 6 months from now. They poked and prodded at why I wouldn't be returning, and I explained that I had an awful experience with the dentist and would prefer to see someone else. I asked to be refunded for the cavity that was not completed. They assured me that after dental insurance claims were filed, someone would call me so we could settle the overpayment.
After a week of pain and sensitivity, I called our old dentist in town (that is hard to book..probably because he's really good at his job and very popular). So he found time to fit me in and saw that my crown was placed too high. He shaved it down and let me know because of the sensitivity I am having that this tooth will need a root canal - only weeks after having this crown it still needs additional work! read more