Bad Dentist Experience

Updated on January 18, 2010
K.H. asks from Albuquerque, NM
3 answers

I began taking my now 4 year old to the dentist approx when she turned 3... for a regular check up, as well as to get used to the dentist so that she wouldn't have a fear of the entire situation.
Yesterday she had an appointment because I think she has the beginning of a cavity. She has no pain, but I can see a teenie tiny "hole" on the surface of her tooth.

Anyhow, she sat on the chair and he looked in her mouth and said that he thought that she'd begin to have "the same problem on the other side of her mouth". So, he ordered his tech to begin x-rays and starting saying which teeth.

I said, "I don't want her to have any x-rays" and he said, "Ok, I'll work on that one tooth without X-rays but in order to see what's going on with any other teeth, I'll need X-rays".

Before I could say, "That would be great", he changed his mind and had a really upset look in his face.

He said, "I will not work on any part of her mouth without the recommended X-rays, you're not basing any of this on Science and there are obviously trust issues here".

Needless to say, this was very awkward, as he seemed to be becoming more angry at whatever he was thinking I may be thinking, than what I was actually saying.

I said, "You're our Dentist, this isn't about trust. This is about my daughter being 4 and her teeth being baby teeth without roots, an X-Ray and the fact that she's still growing and I'm not comfortable with that".

He pushed against the exam chair in his wheeled office chair roughly and stood up holding his hands in the air seeming even more upset- apparently at the fact that I wasn't just going with whatever he wanted.

I said, "We waited 25 minutes. You can give me 2 to decide if this is what I want."
He waved his arm in the air and walked away.

I then called my husband to ask what he thought about the X-rays but couldn't reach him so I called my Mom.
I decided that she needed the little cavity filled, and so I would allow the one X-ray for the tooth we had come in for.
The tech took the X-ray as I watched from the wall where she instructed me to stand so as to receive any radiation. My daughter sat very still - as we'd discussed on the way to the Dentist office.
As we sat waiting, I heard the Dentist say, "Where's the other one?" and the tech say, "She only wanted this one." Then him say, "Oh no."
He then came to me with the X-ray and said, "She's not a good patient and this is a bad X-ray because she's moving all over the place and we would need to numb her to get the X-rays that we needed. I don't feel comfortable working on her because of your trust issues with me. I am not going to have anyone making calls about X-rays in my office."

I said, "If you weren't going to work on her, why did you allow the X-ray to be taken in the first place"? He said, "Because I needed to see what was going on."
I said, "If you weren't going to work on her, why would you need to see what was going on?". He ignored that and said, "I will give you some referrals".
I was so upset. I said, "I don't want your referrals. Just give me the X-ray."
I told my little girl to get out of the chair and come to me. He was having some sort of screwed up little power trip issue at this point, because he seriously stood there after she said, "Excuse me" and wouldn't get out of her way. It was really uncomfortable!

I reached for her arm and led her to me and we walked out of the examination area.
We were given referrals and the X-ray and I left.

Obviously I'm upset... but I also have questions and would appreciate any advice you have regarding this.

If you're a Mom who doesn't feel comfortable about dental X-rays, is there a dentist who'll respect that?
What's your experience with this type of a situation and who would you suggest?

Thank you.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.

answers from Albuquerque on

Wow! I would have been p!ssed! I have 2 recs for you:
Harry Bastian on Indian School and Carlisle. Has always respected my requests and inquiries about fluoride, x-rays and other issues. Not alternative really, but great staff, sees me on time, is good with my kids.

Dr. Hess on Osuna. I will go to him if I ever need orthodontia or a second opinion.

Your dentist was out of line and just plain rude. Don't look back!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.C.

answers from Albuquerque on

Hi K.,

Wow, what a horrible experience for both of you. I have been taking my kids to Dr Bret Green for every appointment since they began seeing the dentist. He's at Wyoming and Candelaria--we don't get xrays either, but we've never had an issue--I don't know if he'd be ok doing fillings or other procedures without xrays. You could certainly go in and interview him before you take your daughter in. He is very gentle and great with my kids--they never want to wait 6 months before going to see him!!

Also, just something to consider, if there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed, it might be in her best interest for you to get the xray--you can always use some silicia to help her body afterward. A few xrays are indeed a lower dose of radiation than we get just living--sunshine, cell phones and other electronics, etc.

Have a wonderful week!
E.

1 mom found this helpful

L.H.

answers from Albuquerque on

wow. Do you mind my asking who this dentist was?? I am about to take my four year old to a dentist for the first time and i want to avoid this guy!! Thanks. :)

1 mom found this helpful
For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions