Annoyed @ My Dentist

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#1 Post by **AliKat** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 10:08 am

Hi,

I was at my own dentist this morning for my 6 monthly check up! I hadnt informed him I was getting braces as I went private and self referred. I had discussed it with him quite a few times over the past 6 or 7 years but he always put me off getting them by saying they wouldnt make much difference and it would be lots of hassle and discomfort and not a good end result so I never went ahead with it.

So as I walk in I say to the dental nurse who Ive known for years "Oh, Ive got a surprise for him" she answered back, "HE ALREADY KNOWS"

So he goes on to talk to me as if I've done something wrong and that he received a letter from my ortho, It was just a standard letter to say I was getting treatment but at the top it said "Thank you for the referral" so he tells me he wrote back to inform him that he didnt refer me and that he had never spoken to me about orthordontic treatment which I told him we had and he goes on to say NOT IN GREAT DETAIL!!!

Im just really annoyed that he's taking this attitude with me, maybe im reading too much into this but they're my teeth and if I want to pay to make them look better then surely thats up to me and I dont need attitude from him!!!!!

Anyway rant over - he said my teeth are looking lovely and im cleaning them very well!!!

#2 Post by **iBorg** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 10:14 am

My dentist when I started treatment was so opposed to it especially with the ortho I chose, I finally left her practice. Amazing turf wars sometimes.

Mike

#3 Post by **Lisa65** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 10:22 am

Sounds like he's a bit huffy that you disregarded his opinion about treatment not making much difference and went ahead anyway.

I wouldn't worry about it too much. He's your dentist and his job is the overall health of your mouth.

I had an NHS dentist before I got braces, but he wasn't very good. When I first went there after bracing and he asked me "how do you floss your teeth with braces on?", I decided it was time to find somebody a bit more clued up, and found myself a private dentist instead.

#4 Post by **mottsrods** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 10:28 am

My dentist was similarly pissed at me. He wanted me to get 13 crowns instead of getting braces. Price wise, he's crazy........that's close to 10 grand for all those crowns. and my teeth are fine.........they don't need crowns.

#5 Post by **muppet** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 10:29 am

That such a shame to hear about your dentist being miserable about your orhto treatment.

I feel very lucky as my new dentist listened to my concerns about my teeth and referred me to a good ortho. My dentist is actually quite excited about it. When I had my extractions he kept saying what a difference it would make. (Mind you can't help wondering why I was never referred by my old dentist - saying that she never spoke to me before, during or after treatment) Just goes to show how difficult it is to find a good dentist (and ortho) who you can trust and feel comfortable with.

I would be inclined to change dentist's if it was my decision

#6 Post by **lilblackdress** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 1:49 pm

It was just a standard letter to say I was getting treatment but at the top it said "Thank you for the referral" so he tells me he wrote back to inform him that he didnt refer me and

Your dentist overreacted to the form letter - that's not professional.

It sounds like he got over your decision to seek orthodontic treatment as he complemented you on your excellent oral care. In fact, caring for your teeth should be an easier job for him later on once you're finished with your treatment if you're getting braces for crowded or misaligned teeth.

#7 Post by **Miss Smiley** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 2:34 pm

Alikat - I have never heard of a health professional ever reacting that way to a patient for self-referring oneself to a specialist. WOW...... I'm glad your dentist got over it fairly quickly, if not, I would have found myself a new dentist.

#8 Post by **HIMgurl** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 2:44 pm

That's really odd. Your dentist should have been happy. You are taking an active role in your oral health care, it will make his job easier. Glad he stopped behaving like a child!

This has me wondering what my dentist will think. We briefly discussed braces a while back. And I too am a self referral. Guess I'll find out soon.

Good luck with your treatment!

#9 Post by **crazybeautiful** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 4:24 pm

Aaaw, I guess he just got the monk on (there's a good Northern expression for you all

) because you 'betrayed' him. Over-sensitive reaction on his part, obviously.

When he told you that you were brushing well, you should have said it was all because of his guidance, just to cheer him up

This makes me think of my dentist when I had SARPE, although he was happy, not huffy. The surgery date/prep. was all quite rushed and they informed my dentist before they informed me, and he was so happy that I wouldn't have a crazy bite the next time he saw me! (he's been my only dentist since I was little) My bite is a little less crazy, but SARPE was the only thing performed, not a miracle

Anyway, back to you- I'd say Meryaten's sentiments exactly (plonker is also a great word

)

#10 Post by **Pepper** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 11:17 pm

I'm sorry to hear that.

That would get really irritating.

I'm grateful that my dentist is happy with my choice...well, really, he recommended braces to me a few years ago when I was about thirteen, but I didn't do it 'til I turned fifteen.

#11 Post by **karylarizona** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 9:24 am

I am not understanding how your ortho could divulge information to another doctor anyhow just because they are both in the teeth business? Did you sign a release/consent form? My regular dentist and my orthodontist are conveniently across the hall from each other and from day one, each of them asked permission to discuss anything with the other doctor.

#12 Post by **AliKat** » Sat Dec 22, 2007 6:15 am

Thanks for all your comments, I really appreciate it!!

I really was annoyed when I came out of my appointment but I'm over it now - he can think what he wants, Im paying for my teeth to be the way I want them to be and he cant say anything about it - they're my teeth!!!!

He's been my dentsit for over 20 years and I've always got on with him so maybe it'll all blow over next visit!!

He said he'll see me in June again so I cant wait till then so he can see the difference they have made to my teeth and me as a person!!

Merry Christams everyone!!!!

#13 Post by **adultbraces** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 11:28 pm

My dentist didn't like the idea of getting braces w/ extraction b/c that needs 4 healthy teeth extractions and you can't clean your teeth with braces. Other than that when I asked her about things she can do and she recommended me 4 veneers which can change the shape of teeth as well.. So based on my own dentist, yes mine didn't like the idea she rather wanted me to spend the money on her treament.. but she got me a refer to an orthdontist and she's also getting a braces for her cross bite..
As for your dentist, I'd leave your dentist if I were you.. Unless your dentist really has a reason for behaving such way.