Bad dentist experience this morning
Discussion
Hi guys,
I'd like your feedback on my experience this morning please. Also if there are any dentists on here I'd value your opinions.
I can easily say that this was my worst dental experience ever.
Roll back to Christmas eve.
I was eating a takeaway with the missus and noticed a nasty twinge in my front tooth. This is already a Crown because when I was 10 I knocked out my tooth when I fell off my BMX!
I've had this tooth done around 4 or 5 times before, and over the last few years I have had the crown re-attached a few times.
I also had an abscess in this tooth around 15 years or so ago so it’s always been problematic regardless of a fastidious dental hygiene routine - and I didn’t want to suffer like this again.
Fearing that if left I would risk having to endure a toothache over the festive spell (where, let’s face it, the food is one of the perks!!) I phoned around many dentists as my regular surgery was shut. However I eventually managed to get an appointment at another surgery.
I attended the appointment where 2 X-rays were taken (£40) which showed that the crown was leaking. I was shown that the post holding it in was not as far in as it would be ideally and shown that the existing crown had worn (which I was aware of).
As I was not in immediate pain I was booked in for today, for a crown-prep (root canal, new post, impressions and fitment of a temporary crown (£110 minus cost of X-Rays). For the crown to be made and fitted at another appointment was around an additional £390.
....Roll on the appointment.
I'm ok with dentists as I practically grew up in one what with one thing or another. Anyway I sit in the chair and open wide!
The guy gets what looks like a chisel and starts hammering my Crown out. My head is shaking and after about 12 or so blows with this hammer, numerous bits of grit in my mouth and to be honest I am shaken, my crown comes out.
- now I’ve never had this happen before. Usually its pulled out - it’s not usually comfortable but not as dramatic as this and is gently removed by wiggling it, drilling it and possibly one last pull. Certainly no hammering.
- Now it’s time for the crown-post (which I think is screwed in or threaded at least). Out comes what look like wire-cutters which are clamped on then twisted and pulled - hard.
By this time, I've been lying there with hardly any time to decide if I'm being a girl, if I should be worried and what I should do as some guy I don’t know is hammering and pulling at my front teeth! I decide I’m not happy at all and at this stage I flag for the guy to stop. I explained that I've had this done around 4 or 5 times before and not once has anyone ever put a hammer and chisel-type-thing to me.
The dentist stopped and asked how else was he supposed to get the tooth out! (He wasn’t being funny and I think he was a bit taken back that I asked him to stop). At this stage if he hadn’t have already pulled the crown and post out, I would have got up and left, heading back to my regular dentist (and am wondering why I didt just make an appointment there since christmas had finished - but I didnt think) - but I'm now sitting there with no tooth and a hole where the crown-post was.
The next thing to happen was the tooth canal. I was asked to bite down on a swab, before being told that it was bleeding and to keep biting. He then left me in the room bleeding for a good ten minutes whilst he held a consultation with another future patient - this is when I noticed the cobwebs on the wall in front of me - not really a good sign I don’t think.
He then returned for a short period before again leaving the room to speak to another patient. He returned and asked the "dental nurse" (who didn’t seem to know what was what and had to be constantly educated at what he was asking her to pass him) to deal with this patient. On her return, he muttered to her "make sure you get the money".
...and I think that said it all.
I then had 2 x injections in to my gum because work was needed "close to my gum" before a temporary crown could be fitted.
I left the dentist with the temporary crown having negotiated to pay for the treatment when it was finished. I returned home and phoned up to pay for what I owed (the balance of the crown-prep and post fitting - £71) then asked to cancel the crown, and said that I would not be coming back.
I will go back to my regular dentist for his advice - which is a real shame as I am now asking him to fix someone else’s work and that's not really fair. There is no way I would have gone anywhere else had it not been Christmas and my dentist was shut.
From the experience I have described I would appreciate your opinions.
Thanks guys,
G.
I'd like your feedback on my experience this morning please. Also if there are any dentists on here I'd value your opinions.
I can easily say that this was my worst dental experience ever.
Roll back to Christmas eve.
I was eating a takeaway with the missus and noticed a nasty twinge in my front tooth. This is already a Crown because when I was 10 I knocked out my tooth when I fell off my BMX!
I've had this tooth done around 4 or 5 times before, and over the last few years I have had the crown re-attached a few times.
I also had an abscess in this tooth around 15 years or so ago so it’s always been problematic regardless of a fastidious dental hygiene routine - and I didn’t want to suffer like this again.
Fearing that if left I would risk having to endure a toothache over the festive spell (where, let’s face it, the food is one of the perks!!) I phoned around many dentists as my regular surgery was shut. However I eventually managed to get an appointment at another surgery.
I attended the appointment where 2 X-rays were taken (£40) which showed that the crown was leaking. I was shown that the post holding it in was not as far in as it would be ideally and shown that the existing crown had worn (which I was aware of).
As I was not in immediate pain I was booked in for today, for a crown-prep (root canal, new post, impressions and fitment of a temporary crown (£110 minus cost of X-Rays). For the crown to be made and fitted at another appointment was around an additional £390.
....Roll on the appointment.
I'm ok with dentists as I practically grew up in one what with one thing or another. Anyway I sit in the chair and open wide!
The guy gets what looks like a chisel and starts hammering my Crown out. My head is shaking and after about 12 or so blows with this hammer, numerous bits of grit in my mouth and to be honest I am shaken, my crown comes out.
- now I’ve never had this happen before. Usually its pulled out - it’s not usually comfortable but not as dramatic as this and is gently removed by wiggling it, drilling it and possibly one last pull. Certainly no hammering.
- Now it’s time for the crown-post (which I think is screwed in or threaded at least). Out comes what look like wire-cutters which are clamped on then twisted and pulled - hard.
By this time, I've been lying there with hardly any time to decide if I'm being a girl, if I should be worried and what I should do as some guy I don’t know is hammering and pulling at my front teeth! I decide I’m not happy at all and at this stage I flag for the guy to stop. I explained that I've had this done around 4 or 5 times before and not once has anyone ever put a hammer and chisel-type-thing to me.
The dentist stopped and asked how else was he supposed to get the tooth out! (He wasn’t being funny and I think he was a bit taken back that I asked him to stop). At this stage if he hadn’t have already pulled the crown and post out, I would have got up and left, heading back to my regular dentist (and am wondering why I didt just make an appointment there since christmas had finished - but I didnt think) - but I'm now sitting there with no tooth and a hole where the crown-post was.
The next thing to happen was the tooth canal. I was asked to bite down on a swab, before being told that it was bleeding and to keep biting. He then left me in the room bleeding for a good ten minutes whilst he held a consultation with another future patient - this is when I noticed the cobwebs on the wall in front of me - not really a good sign I don’t think.
He then returned for a short period before again leaving the room to speak to another patient. He returned and asked the "dental nurse" (who didn’t seem to know what was what and had to be constantly educated at what he was asking her to pass him) to deal with this patient. On her return, he muttered to her "make sure you get the money".
...and I think that said it all.
I then had 2 x injections in to my gum because work was needed "close to my gum" before a temporary crown could be fitted.
I left the dentist with the temporary crown having negotiated to pay for the treatment when it was finished. I returned home and phoned up to pay for what I owed (the balance of the crown-prep and post fitting - £71) then asked to cancel the crown, and said that I would not be coming back.
I will go back to my regular dentist for his advice - which is a real shame as I am now asking him to fix someone else’s work and that's not really fair. There is no way I would have gone anywhere else had it not been Christmas and my dentist was shut.
From the experience I have described I would appreciate your opinions.
Thanks guys,
G.
MacGee said:
oh dear....a root canal doesnt bleed....much anyway for a swab to be inserted. Sounds like he may have fractured the root with his tools. old posts should be remived delicately. your normal dentist will see what happened...may be wrong of course.
Thank you for the reply - appreciated.I am awaiting an appointment for my regular dentist who is very good.
The temporary crown proved to be just that - and promptly bailed-out at 6.30am this morning!
Since I have been home I have noticed that the guy also took it upon himself to sharpen the tooth next-door to my front Left tooth - which is now annoyingly sharp, courtesy of his hap-hazzard dremel skills.
I do not know if the bleeding came from the root its self or the gum as he was very rough with the tools, hammer-drill and kango I think he must have used.
What's left of my tooth is now very tender and sore, as is my upper jaw where it sits. It wasnt before - I just got occasional niggle when eating food or drinking something hot first thing in the morning. Now I am reluctant to even bite on it...
I am guessing all will become clear when I have some more X-Rays.
G.
Edited by Gallen on Thursday 6th January 13:18
...Mmm
The X-rays taken showed that there was a small gap at the end of the old post (at the higher end of the root-canal) and was told that the post should be in deeper. The existing crown was leaking (and not pleasant smell when flossing - yuk.
I was led to belive that the post was a problem. Still sore
The X-rays taken showed that there was a small gap at the end of the old post (at the higher end of the root-canal) and was told that the post should be in deeper. The existing crown was leaking (and not pleasant smell when flossing - yuk.
I was led to belive that the post was a problem. Still sore
MacGee said:
??..if old crown had a screw/post..why need a new root canal which then creates bleeding...the dentist here will know what I'm talking about!
Did cross my mind ... It shouldn't have bled unless the root was fractured, or the blood was actually from the gums.Gallen said:
...Mmm
The X-rays taken showed that there was a small gap at the end of the old post (at the higher end of the root-canal) and was told that the post should be in deeper. The existing crown was leaking (and not pleasant smell when flossing - yuk.
I was led to belive that the post was a problem. Still sore
Either way, only way to sort it is too see your own dentist.The X-rays taken showed that there was a small gap at the end of the old post (at the higher end of the root-canal) and was told that the post should be in deeper. The existing crown was leaking (and not pleasant smell when flossing - yuk.
I was led to belive that the post was a problem. Still sore
It does sound the crown needed replacement.
BlackVanDyke said:
Presumably there is some sort of professional standards body you can refer this guy to? Hate the thought of someone like that f
king around with peoples teeth, especially kids.
Was wondering this to be honest - but wanted to get some feedback on what was done first to see if thats "the done thing".king around with peoples teeth, especially kids. Still waiting to see my dentists. I can feel the tooth is sensitive, but its not an emergency - just looks awful in the meantime.
Dentists - I will go see mine, and post back to let you know the results. Going to request some new X-Rays too.
G.
Gallen said:
BlackVanDyke said:
Presumably there is some sort of professional standards body you can refer this guy to? Hate the thought of someone like that fking around with peoples teeth, especially kids.
Was wondering this to be honest - but wanted to get some feedback on what was done first to see if thats "the done thing".king around with peoples teeth, especially kids. Still waiting to see my dentists. I can feel the tooth is sensitive, but its not an emergency - just looks awful in the meantime.
Dentists - I will go see mine, and post back to let you know the results. Going to request some new X-Rays too.
G.
There is the possibility that the original root treatment was incomplete when done. I have removed posts under these circumstances and pus/blood has subsequently come out through the root canal due to residual infection around the tip of the root.
There is also the possibility that the gum could have overgrown between the root and crown if the crown was ill fitting or decay was present. This could cause bleeding when the crown was removed.
Not good for them to be so rough though.
Gallen said:
BlackVanDyke said:
Presumably there is some sort of professional standards body you can refer this guy to? Hate the thought of someone like that fking around with peoples teeth, especially kids.
Was wondering this to be honest - but wanted to get some feedback on what was done first to see if thats "the done thing".king around with peoples teeth, especially kids. Still waiting to see my dentists. I can feel the tooth is sensitive, but its not an emergency - just looks awful in the meantime.
Dentists - I will go see mine, and post back to let you know the results. Going to request some new X-Rays too.
G.
You can complain to the practice, and then if you are still not happy - to the PCT or PALS or LDC (Local Dental Committee), and most serious of all - the GDC.
Please do consider it carefully before making a complaint to the GDC, if you feel it is appropriate to do so.
Edited by sinizter on Saturday 8th January 19:21
...as above, I am waiting to see my own dentist.
Although the tooth is uncomfortable, it is bareable at the moment and so I am taking the opportunity to have my teeth whitened BEFORE having a new crown matched and made.
I will not rush in to anything in regards to the treatment I recieved until I have seen my own dentist and get his opinion - at which point I will ask for X-Rays to be done. I do have to get my dental treatment privately (as I cant find a local NHS dentist with room) and so this is likely to be pricey but do want to make sure everything is ok in there (the going further part incidentally is NOT the point of my post
)
However I do know that the root was fine as he X-Rayed it and showed me, prior to starting the hammering and twisting.
If it turns out that the root is kaput and fractured and this is due to the way he removed my old crown and post then I will certainly be taking things further.
If not (fingers crossed it will be fine) then I will put it down to experience although I won't be recommending him! LOL!
Thanks guys,
Gallen.
Although the tooth is uncomfortable, it is bareable at the moment and so I am taking the opportunity to have my teeth whitened BEFORE having a new crown matched and made.
I will not rush in to anything in regards to the treatment I recieved until I have seen my own dentist and get his opinion - at which point I will ask for X-Rays to be done. I do have to get my dental treatment privately (as I cant find a local NHS dentist with room) and so this is likely to be pricey but do want to make sure everything is ok in there (the going further part incidentally is NOT the point of my post
)However I do know that the root was fine as he X-Rayed it and showed me, prior to starting the hammering and twisting.
If it turns out that the root is kaput and fractured and this is due to the way he removed my old crown and post then I will certainly be taking things further.
If not (fingers crossed it will be fine) then I will put it down to experience although I won't be recommending him! LOL!
Thanks guys,
Gallen.
Edited by Gallen on Monday 10th January 14:31
A root fracture will not always show up on a radiograph.
It is sometimes possible to see them, and easier if the pieces are displaced.
I do not know what type of crown remover it wasthat was used, but it does not sound like something I'd want done to me. If it was that hard to get out it must have been strong cement, a long post or a serated post. Sadly the use of all of the types of glue or post above do increase the risk of root fracture in their removal.
With regards to the dentist who removed the postcrown. He would have seen the post length and if the post serated on the radiograph. The only person who could tell you the cement used would be the dentist who cemented it in last.
There are points in doing a job when stopping is worse than carrying on. Especially when progress is being made or for example some of the crown had fractured off. It is a judgement call though.
It is sometimes possible to see them, and easier if the pieces are displaced.
I do not know what type of crown remover it wasthat was used, but it does not sound like something I'd want done to me. If it was that hard to get out it must have been strong cement, a long post or a serated post. Sadly the use of all of the types of glue or post above do increase the risk of root fracture in their removal.
With regards to the dentist who removed the postcrown. He would have seen the post length and if the post serated on the radiograph. The only person who could tell you the cement used would be the dentist who cemented it in last.
There are points in doing a job when stopping is worse than carrying on. Especially when progress is being made or for example some of the crown had fractured off. It is a judgement call though.
As above, the root may have fractured, although if that had happened I would have expected the temporary to have fallen out by now.
Also highly likely taking into account the bleeding during root canal, is peforation of the root. Not as fatal as a fracture, but the prognosis is still greatly reduced.
As mentioned, fractures, especially where the fracture line is in a certain plane are not always visible on an xray. Hence there is no way of proving that dentist caused it, it may have fractured previously, hence explaining your initial pain.
Dentistry can be unpleasant but the thing that makes a difference is attitude. I think if the dentist had taken the time to explain what was about to happen and why, then it would have made all the difference. I think as a private patient you have a right to expect that.
As a result, I wouldn't be so quick to damn his methods, everyone has their own way, his way might be quicker than others. For some people the most important thing is to be in the chair for the least possible amount of time.
Also, £110 for crown and post removal, re-rct, new post and core and a new temp is ridiculously cheap!
Also highly likely taking into account the bleeding during root canal, is peforation of the root. Not as fatal as a fracture, but the prognosis is still greatly reduced.
As mentioned, fractures, especially where the fracture line is in a certain plane are not always visible on an xray. Hence there is no way of proving that dentist caused it, it may have fractured previously, hence explaining your initial pain.
Dentistry can be unpleasant but the thing that makes a difference is attitude. I think if the dentist had taken the time to explain what was about to happen and why, then it would have made all the difference. I think as a private patient you have a right to expect that.
As a result, I wouldn't be so quick to damn his methods, everyone has their own way, his way might be quicker than others. For some people the most important thing is to be in the chair for the least possible amount of time.
Also, £110 for crown and post removal, re-rct, new post and core and a new temp is ridiculously cheap!
-Z- said:
Dentistry can be unpleasant but the thing that makes a difference is attitude. I think if the dentist had taken the time to explain what was about to happen and why, then it would have made all the difference. I think as a private patient you have a right to expect that.
Exactly right - and it would have given me the chance to prepare being smacked in the mouth with the hammer and chisel (or given me the chance to ask questions)-Z- said:
Also, £110 for crown and post removal, re-rct, new post and core and a new temp is ridiculously cheap!
Possibly? But it does seem to be the going rate round my area. However it was part 1 of a 2 part job including a replacement crown, total job costing £500.ETA - Temp has fallen out - it lasted <24 hrs.
G.
Edited by Gallen on Tuesday 18th January 09:41
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