UPDATE - New Patient Review: Dr. Deutch's office was able to get me in again quickly (before I lost my momentum!) for the cleaning and other needed procedures.
My next appointment was for three, (yes 3!) fillings. This is where I might schedule one "to see how it goes"...then cancel future appointments and disappear for a year - then search for a new dentist because I feel I can't go back since I didn't follow through with the plan. Did I mention I have extreme anxiety? So far, I have not found a dentist who really has the compassion to deal with this. They may say they do in their ads...they may have nitrous available, they may prescribe a nerve pill prior to the appointment...but there's more to it than that, and the bedside/chairside manner and long waiting room times don't make up for it. A little medicine doesn't just erase high anxiety. It takes more than that - and Dr Deutch and her staff "get it."
We scheduled all 3 fillings on the same day. Dr. and staff very compassionate, proactive and understanding. I really appreciate the kindness and compassion they showed me. Also, I love dealing with perfectionists - especially when it comes to dental/medical procedures. As for the procedure, they started me off with nitrous until I felt calmer. It didn't seem to have a great effect (my anxiety was through the roof) but I did feel like my heart rate slowed down and wasn't beating out of my chest like I was having a heart attack. They use a denta-vibe device that makes it so you don't even you're getting the numbing injection. With this out of the way, I was in for a smooth ride. I used my personal iPod and headphones to distract myself - but they have a TV and headset for you, as well. They gave me dark glasses so I could relax without bright lights shining in my face. They even gave me a cozy blanket. During the procedure, Dr Deutch would pause and ask me if I needed a break. (Nope - let's do this!) Before I knew it, I was on my way home. I have never been to a dentist's office that gave this kind of care!
Now, for the crown - my fourth visit in about a month's time! (We are now in record-setting territory!) I did not have a panic attack on the way in and I felt relatively calm during the procedure. I even felt chatty in the chair pre-injection! Dr. Deutch's dental assistant is top notch and got me all settled in and relaxed. Again, everything went as smoothly as clockwork. I think some of my anxiety stems from past experiences where it seems like every time I need a procedure, dental or medical, once things get going, a deeper problem is discovered, or the dentist/doctor starts having trouble with something and things end up taking longer than expected, being more complicated than expected, and hurting way more than I was told to expect. Everything has gone smoothly with all 3 fillings and this crown. (I still need to have the permanent crown seated in two weeks.) Maybe this is due to blind luck...maybe it is due to skilled dentistry and professional, caring compassionate staff. Either way, I will continue to go back because...I feel like even if I get really anxious again, this dentist and her staff will not judge, will care and will treat me with respect and dignity - and I can go back without being embarrassed.
And...my teeth are going to look and feel SOOOO good once we are all done! read more