abusive dentist

[Pearl99]

When I was 5 months pregnant I went to the dentist for a much-needed filling. I was very apprehensive about getting injections (novocaine) and my mouth was very sensitive (swollen painful gums, bleeding etc). I told him after first injection it hurt a lot and he went away for 5 mins or so.Upon return he approached me with another needle, I remarked I hope this is the last one, whereupon he shouted You know what you need, you need another dentist. I've had enough of this! He proceeded to throw me out of his office and call me a baby. This was after 9 years with the same dentist, with my children and all. To this day I have no idea what made him start shouting like this but I am terrified to go see any dentist anymore. Anyone ever have a crazy dentist like this? What did you do about it? It seemed especially abusive since of course, being pregnant, I only got the anesthesia b/c the cavity seemed very serious (still unfilled btw).

[kblue2000]

A hygenist I know said that next to air traffic controllers, the dentist's job was rated the most stressful and that very few dentists actually stay in the profession. They deal with fearful patients who bite them, hit them and do all sorts of nutty things. It is possible that your dentist needs a HUGE break from his job if he's going off on you like that.

Don't blame yourself. Find another dentist and say nothing about your past experience. If asked why you are changing dentists, say it's too hard to get into the other one in a timely fashion. Professionals band together and the last thing you need is a new dentist thinking you did something wrong...which you didn't.

We had a similar experience with a dentist and one of our young children. We never took our child back. He was good with us and the other two kids but suddenly decided that our youngest was "impossible" to work with. She was simply fearful and he didn't have any patience. It was like a different person..he didn't explain anything to her or talked kindly. We took her to someone else and never had any trouble.  I think like your dentist, this one needs to retire or take some time off.

[OneScaredBuckeye]

Yes, I had one dentist that was very abusive and I was making a joke at the time.  I never went back.  No one should be abused by their dentist or doctor or any health professional.  They are there to help us.  You need to get that cavity filled now.  Most dentists are very kind and compassionate.  Make an appointment with someone different and get your needed dental work done.  Good luck.