I have never loved going to the dentist but I’ve never had one of those horror story experiences until this week. I was having a cavity filled and decided to get some nitrous oxide which they told me would relax me. It didn’t really do much for me so I don’t think it is worth the extra money. However, I am writing because during the procedure the dentist slipped and cut the underside of my tongue. Not only did I feel it, but I heard both of them gasp when it happened. When I approached him about it, he said patients bite themselves all the time during procedures. I sort of feel like he owes me an apology and maybe a partial refund, but he’s not even being honest about what happened. What do you recommend I do?
Meredith
Dear Meredith,
While you can ask for both, I wouldn’t hold my breath if I were you. It sounds like he has already moved into a defensive posture. I don’t think you are going to get very far with him. In some cases, you can get your money back with a lawsuit, but in this case, I don’t believe you will get very far. That type of case is difficult to determine objectively without significant evidence. The best you will probably be able to do is write a bad review and get a new dentist.
When you do get a new dentist, I would like you to get a sedation dentist. There are a few little hints in what you wrote that make me think that will be a huge benefit for you.
- You have never loved going to the dentist. Sometimes this is code for “dentists make me nervous, which is more common than you would think.
- Anxiety burns off numbing medication. When you get anxious in the dental chair, especially after a bad experience, your body kicks into overdrive. This burns off the numbing medicine making it difficult to get and keep you numb during your procedures.
- The nitrous oxide seemed to be ineffective on you. This is usually a sign of someone who needs a stronger sedation option. Your best option is to find someone who offers oral conscious sedation.
This option will completely relax you, provide an anxiety-free and pain-free dental appointment. I think you’ll be much happier at the dentist the next time you need a procedure.
This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.
