I needed to get a semi-emergent tooth extraction, and my dentist couldn't fit me in on such late notice, so I went to a referral of a referral. I got a bad feeling from the moment I walked in. The receptionists were not friendly, the place smelled funny, and from the look of other clientele, it was apparent that this was a very low-price-low-quality establishment. But my tooth was hurting so badly, I chanced it and went forward with the procedure. After a 45 minute wait, here is what happened:
First, they took me to the consultation room, where Dr. Hill confirmed with me what medicines I was on, and tapped on the tooth to make sure it was the right one. I began to ask several questions about the procedure, and was told "my assistant will handle that after the procedure." Then, before answering any questions, they demanded that I pay beforehand. Another red flag. They also charged me a $55 "consultation fee" which they neglected to mention when I called about pricing. Apparently, the doctor checking which tooth he is going to pull counts as a "consultation." Also, important to point out that I heard the doctor and a receptionist discussing what tooth they were going to pull on another patient. She had written "13" instead of "20". So she scribbled it out and wrote the right one. Ummmm, that's a little scary!
When I was taken back to the room, the doctor came in, and gave me several shots in a row. While they were 100% effective at numbing me (which is a huge consideration, I know), I think he gave me about 6 shots in 15 seconds. Literally just stabbing them into my gums. Nothing like I've ever experienced in my years of having dental work done. I was obviously very nervous about having a tooth pulled (almost hyperventilating) and he barely offered any assurances other than a quick "I'm the one that has to worry - not you." Gee, thanks. It took him 5 or 10 minutes to remove the tooth. Then I never saw him again. He said his assistant would answer all my questions, despite my request to talk to him.
I should have been concerned when I was having a dental assistant answering questions about recovery from a major procedure. She knew nothing! I asked what I needed to do to prevent dry socket, and she said I didn't need to worry about it. I said "Well, I've heard I shouldn't suck on a straw. Anything else?" and she said 'Oh, don't worry. You can suck on a straw." WHAT?!? That's tooth extraction 101. No, you can't.
I hated the practice so much that I refused to even go back for my checkup. I felt like a herded cattle being rushed through so they could charge as many "consultation fees" as they could. They could not care less about their patients. STAY AWAY. read more
