I've never been traumatized by a Dentist. However, that's ironic I should see this Thread today of all days. I just went to a new dentist today. Haven't been for 2 years simply because I didn't take the time to go to one on the few days I have off after being out for weeks at a time.
My parents spent a fortune on my mouth while I was growing up by paying for braces and surgeries. As an adult I'd like to keep my teeth looking good. Hence, I finally forced myself to make an appt. before I got home so I could get into a Dentist during my long 4 day hometime.
I called my Benefits Dept. and she sent me a list of Dentists in my area. I had already called the first name she gave me on the phone. Which I don't think was the most prudent thing to have done. Today when going to get my mail I saw a list of Dentists with my Benefits Card. I guess I wouldn't have asked many questions anyway. But after what transpired today I definitely will now!
When I arrived I had a 40 minute wait. After waiting they explained to me that I would have 18 pictures [xrays] of my mouth taken including pictures of the root system. I have always had 4 xrays only in the past and assumed it would be something like 6 or 7 xrays. Because the 4 xrays in the past gave them many different views of my mouth. Heck no, it was 18 xrays. I have a medium child's size mouth and I kept gagging. To make matters worse, I have severe asthma and the woman kept telling me to breath through my nose. I said, I would if my nose wasn't stuffed up.
Finally after enduring 11 xrays I said, I have to stop. I can't breath and I've had enough. It took her 20-25 minutes for this torture. Finally, another woman came in and did the last 7 without the huge contraption the other woman had used and had someone hit the switch on the wall so she didn't have to walk back and forth. The other woman had to walk back and forth to accomplish the xrays. Wow, I was not expecting this and told the Dentist you should inform people what is going to transpire. My Mother worked in a Dental Office for over 20 years and I can assure you I've never heard of 18 xrays. They told me it's something they do every 5 years. I said, Well that's good because I wouldn't come back if I had to endure this every 6 months to a year.
After that, I assumed I would have my teeth cleaned. Oh heck no, they said I had to make another appt. to have them cleaned. Wow, perhaps they should tell new patients that in advance. Particularly, one who is only in town 4 days a month!
So my suggestion would be to call your Benefits person and get a list of "Preferred Provider Dentists", then call them and ask all pertinent questions that are necessary for you to make a determination.
I personally think Referrals from Friends and Family would be the best.
8) :roll:
Good luck and do ask questions, I've never had to before. I always thought a Dentist was a Dentist. Not after this experience....
