I'll start by saying the tech assigned to my case was very kind, helpful and encouraging, and coached me through some of the more tryin aspects of the procedure. The staff at the front desk was also very kind.
But still, horrible experience all around, mostly thanks to Dr. Hartman. I received no info , instructions, office policies prior to day of appointment. As I'm sitting in the chair I'm informed they prescribe nothing form pain management. Then Dr. Hartman informed me the novacaine would help me not feel pain during extraction, but I would feel pressure and hear sound like bones cracking. I though he must be joking because who would just throw that out like that while you're sitting in their chair having no idea what to expect (again it wasn't explained previously) and never having done this before. Then he shoots me with novacaine, and after ten minutes I'm still not numb. Doc seems to think this can't be possible. But he gives me a couple more shots and we wait again. Still not numb. Doc suggests perhaps I just feeling things that aren't there BECAUSE I AM ANXIOUS!!!! (Which I wasn't at all until talking to this guy!) and begrudgingly shoots me up again, once straight to the roof of the mouth with no warning as though it where out of spite. He was clearly impatient to get going. At this point I'm still unsure but he tells me that's all they can do and I don't even know what to think, but I go with it. Extraction uncomfortable but not painful, and I did hear bones cracking (ear plugs would've been nice!) Called back after leaving because I took the 100mg Tylenol and 600mg ibuprofen and I was still in pain. I'm concerned about it being worse tomorrow. I'm concerned about not being able to sleep at night. I think it's truly sad when patient comfort and the treatment of pain takes second place to doctors' desires to keep themselves out of trouble with their governing board. And I have to wonder if they were previously in trouble for something related to overprescribing and have lost their license to do so. No matter the case, patients should be informed of this up front so they can make appropriate choices. And they should be informed during the procedure of what is being done to them so they don't have to worry about what's happening to them and if the silent doctor staring into their mouth is just gonna yank a tooth out before you are ready, or before you are or they are certain that the numbing agents are functioning appropriately. A procedure I was entirely unconcerned about turned into one that upset the rest of my day and made me profoundly stressed and uncomfortable in the moment. That's not good doctor patient rapport, and a clear failure on the part of the medical professional to properly inform and counsel their patient, and to provide compassionate care that does no harm to the patient. Do not recommend. Will never return. Will tell anyone who asks that this is the LAST place you want to go. read more