Let me be clear: never in my life have I been afraid of the dentist. I have been having massive dental work done since I was a child, went through multiple extractions and dental surgeries, plus orthodontics, the works.
Prior to seeing this dentist I had an amazing dentist; it had been about ten years since my last visit due to lack of insurance. However the dentist I saw had massive co-pays and did not take Medi-cal, so I found Woodcrest Dental off the Denti-cal site and made an appointment.
First impressions were terrible. The office seems all but abandoned, and the smell of stale, stagnant water permeates the entire space. Despite being the only patient in the office, I still waited about 20 minutes.
After the initial xrays the dentist wanted a tooth cleaning. I told him my prior dentist had just cleaned them not one week before. He had the hygienist do it anyway. Then I was instructed to set up an appointment for fillings. I expected this, as I have many cavities.
What I did NOT expect was his behaviour when it came to the next appointment. He filled seven teeth in one sitting, and despite me saying that the process hurt, did not supply more anaesthetic. As a person with severe anxiety, being thrown into an unexpected situation without the ability to take my medication is awful.
The next appointment was even worse. I specifically asked the receptionist to make sure that I only had one or two fillings done due to my anxiety, and the fact that the dentist does not practice sedation dentistry. I was reassured this information had been passed along and everything would proceed as expected.
That was a big fat misdirection. Both top and bottom on the left side of my mouth received anaesthetic. I have never experienced this before but my eye wouldn't stay open and I could feel the numbness spread to my throat. The dentist began work on FOUR fillings. When I stopped him and told him about my anxiety he dismissed it and continued work. I tried my best to keep my anxiety under control.
But then some of the anaesthetic began to wear off. I stopped the dentist and told him that the drilling was hurting me. I'll never forget that exchange:
"It hurts?"
"Yes"
"This hurts?" (He drills a bit more)
"Yes!"
"Do you want more anaesthetic?"
"Yes!"
"That will take too long, it's okay"
And he resumed work. By this point I'm squirming and crying. He continues working while asking me if it hurt and was I crying because it hurt. I kept saying yes, and he kept telling me I was fine.
By the end of the ordeal I was in a full blown panic attack. I havent been back since, just the thought of going to this man sends my anxiety into overdrive.
If you are looking for a brusque, no-nonsense dentist that will do his work as quickly as possible, then Woodcest dental may be the place for you.
But if you have any nervousness about dentistry, or need a dentist who will be understanding of you, I'd find somewhere else. read more
