It is current 9:26AM and I just finished my follow up with one of the dentists at Icon Dental. I'll give you a little back story. Friday, 9/24/21 I went in for a re-filling. Everything was fine tbh. It was quick, the dentist was fine. The dental assistants there were great. (The assistants are always awesome and necessary. If it wasn't for them the dentists would have ineffective communication and education [because I dont think they realize they have very strong accents]).
It wasn't until the local anesthetic wore off that I realized the fillings they had done were very "overfilled?" To the point where I could not close my mouth. By that I mean my bite wouldn't close fully. Because of it, I was having problems chewing my food to where it was giving me some indigestion. I then had to make like a slanted bite which was causing jaw pain and yesterday morning I even woke up with a headache from it. I had made an appt for Tuesday morning, thankfully they were able to get me in. That's definitely one of the positives (availability).
I came in today. I was talking to the dental assistant to understand the process. I asked if they had used that film the patient is supposed to bite down on because I don't remember doing that. I asked so that the dentist could hear me. He told me "Don't talk about what you dont know." I asked "what?" He said "don't talk about what you dont know, that is standard procedure." -------To my understanding, of course that's standard procedure which was why I was asking if it was done.
1. I've never had that large of a bite gap after fillings were done in the past
2. He's human and could very well forgotten to do it
3. I paid out of pocket for my fillings and I am more than obligated to ask if the process was done correctly from start to finish. I ALSO HAD TO TAKE TIME OFF OF WORK, SPEND GAS, FOR SOMETHING THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED DURING MY FIRST VISIT because no they are not open on weekends and it was bothering me to that extent.
4. He told me not to talk about it... I'm not sure if there is a culture barrier here and I dont want to assume. He was very obviously offended by my question. However, a confident dentist would not have reacted insecurely instead he should have told me "Yes I absolutely did" and continued with some education.
5. He told me to listen to him and to do what he says in a very rude tone like I was stupid however, I COULDNT UNDERSTAND HIS STRONG ACCENT PLUS HE HAD A MASK ON.
SOMEONE PLEASE TELL THESE DENTISTS WITH STRONG ACCENTS THAT THE REASON WE CONSISTENTLY LOOK AT THE DENTAL ASSISTANTS IS BECAUSE WE CANNOT UNDERSTAND YOU. I AM NOT THE PROBLEM. I DONT HAVE PROBLEMS HEARING OR FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS. Also, what kind of people notice this pattern and ignore it. I would bet money that their other patients also look to the dental assistance for clarity every time they speak. Why wouldn't you take it upon yourself to fix the problem?? How are you so self righteous thinking you're not? Blows my mind..
I am also first generation American. I don't look down on anyone with an accent if anything I think it's amazing that they can speak more than one language. I just don't appreciate the condescending tone because it's not my fault I cant understand you. Also, keep in mind I don't know what kind of patients you are used to seeing but I will never hesitate to ask questions ESPECIALLY ABOUT A PROCEDURE I PAID FOR.
Lastly, last visit one of the dentist sold me Philips Electric toothbrushes for $70 each told me they were normally sold for $110. It was my own fault for not doing research earlier but I found them online for $50. I paid an extra $20 for 3 toothbrushes SMH. He also keeps pushing saying YOU NEED TO GET CUSTOM FIT NIGHTGUARD. I know very little about dentistry but from the dentists I've had in the past they've told me the store bought customizable ones would get a majority of the job done. He is relentless about me buying a custom fit, they're $500. I'll pass. I feel that they were money hungry. They know the pros and cons of custom vs store bought and are okay with their customers spending that kind of money instead. That doesn't sit right with me. Imagine if I were someone who didn't know any better but because of the doctor's relentlessness I actually bought it. I am not happy with the dentists at ICON DENTAL. read more