horrible experience at the dentist!

brujita8106 · May 2012

So yesterday i had such a horrible experience at the dentist office! I went in to reschedule or cancel my appt. because they would not do a cleaning without an x-ray. My midwife said that after 20 weeks its ok...but that she'd rather that i'd not get one. She also told me that if i'm just going in for a basic cleaning, they shouldn't have to do an x-ray.

I went in and explained myself to the receptionist, but she called the dentist to listen to my case because she obviously can't make the decision. The dentist said that if i'm past my 1st trimester then its perfectly fine. I told him that my midwife prefered me not getting an x-ray. He said, "your midwife?! You mean you don't have a physician?" I said, "no, i have a midwife." Then he said that if i were to have a physician then they would tell me otherwise and he basically started saying that midwifes don't know as much as physicians (this whole back and forth lasted a couple min.) The receptionist had no idea what to do, so she just asked if i wanted to reschedule. And then before i could answer, he said to come back when i was 0 months (and he used his fingers to signal). The receptionist asked again if i wanted to reschedule after the baby was born. I said no, and walked out.

I had a huge headache already, so this situation made my eyes get all watery! I hated myself for not responding back to him! Any other time i would have not let myself get treated this way. He was so condesending! Who is he to be judging who's better in treating pregnant women. He's a f***en dentist!

carajo8 · May 2012

So sorry you had to experience that.

I would be finding a new dentist ASAP. It is important for pregnant women to take care of their teeth and gums, as pregnancy gingivitis is a problem and a big pain in the butt. Some dental plans will even pay for an extra cleaning during pregnancy.

My dentist was very understanding and very willing to forego the x-rays for a few visits. He did, however, make me wait until my second trimester before my cleaning.

Good luck in finding a new dentist, there are many of them out there. Mine is a recent grad and seems to be more "hip" to the pregnancy stuff. I'm not sure if it's something they are learning or because he has three little girls and just has experience from his wife's pregnancies.

Best wishes, don't let those silly hormones ruin your day!

irer · May 2012

He sounds like a total jerk. I am sure you can find a new dentist that will do a cleaning without x-rays. My dentist did not feel the need to do an x-ray when I went for a cleaning in first tri...it can be done. The only time they would need to do an x-ray is if there was a reason for it (root canal, etc, or suspected deep decay) Good riddance to that guy.

JayMOOMOO · May 2012

i cant help but laugh a little. I worked for two physicians for several years and they can be AH's. They feel they are superior most of the time. If you work with one then you will see why. Its hard when someone questions your ability when you know your job. SO its a vice verse on both situiations. He is questioning your mid wife and he thinks your questioning him which sucks. Keep your head up and find a new dentist. Call before going and ask about the policy there.

drubie · May 2012

I have never heard of a dental practice requiring current x-rays before cleaning...that dentist sounds awful, and obviously has no idea what he's talking about. You shouldn't have x-rays or quite a few other dental practices (laughing gas, etc.) when you're pregnant, but it is essential to keep up with cleanings. Poor dental hygiene during pregnancy can actually lead to poor outcomes for the baby, so find another dentist right quick and see if they can squeeze you in!

Ladiebug710 · May 2012

I'm sorry they treated you that way. When I went to the dentist it was time for basic x rays. I opted out without any problems. It seems odd that they were so pushy for a test that was not needed. I'd find a new dentist.

melody921 · May 2012

Wow, that's ridiculous! I can't believe he was so rude and judgmental. I'd look for another dentist, ASAP. Mine has never given me trouble about skipping x-rays while pregnant.

Tarta · May 2012

Wow, that was rude. I think you should definitely find a new dentist. Had you seen this dentist before? I only ask because it's common practice not to do any procedures on a patient until you've taken at least one set of diagnostic x-rays. So finding a new dentist you may run across this again. It's insurance protocol for the doctor's liability protection, but your pregnancy preferences should come before that. You'll definitely be able to find a kind and courteous dentist who will take your pregnancy and your midwife's preferences seriously.

Don't let this one bad experience keep you from getting good dental care during your pregnancy.

linzeek44 · May 2012

That sounds terrible. I would have left and found a new dentist. He really has no right to be commenting on a doctor or midwife's level of expertise.

On that note, I went to the dentist last week, and told them I'd prefer not to have X-rays done. The hygienist said it wasn't a problem, and that she'd let me know if she saw any reason to do one (cleaning was fine- no reason that an X-ray would be necessary, so I didn't have them done).

LivingItUpInUP · May 2012

Wow, I'm sorry you had such a horrible experience. Get a new dentist. My husband is a dentist and he and his office would never treat a patient this way. They don't do x-rays on pregnant women period. It's probably safe, but they figure why risk it. I can't even believe they got into a debate with you about midwives vs. OBs. Rediculous!

LivingItUpInUP · May 2012

And p.s. I'm seeing an office of midwives for my prenatal care. My dentist husband doesn't have a problem with this.

leffe1 · May 2012

Find a new dentist...This one sucks.

sholmes2007 · May 2012

Please find yourself a new dentist and go see them instead. He sounds like a total a$$.

I had to go get x-Rays done while I was pregnant because of an impacted tooth and my dentist was extra cautious and careful. She arranged a machine that was "safer" and even covered my entire body in the coats to block the rays. She took the minimum amount she needed and then gave me a cleaning. She also scheduled me to come back after three months for just a regular cleaning to make sure my dental health doesn't affect the pregnancy.

cherilynann · May 2012

wow, what an AH!!!

vic8504 · May 2012

I would totally get a new dentist too. HONESTLY?! All I did was say I was pregnant and the hygienist was like okay no x-rays for you! For him to stand there and argue with you is just unbelievable!

BlueIris82 · May 2012

Seriously?!?! F*** that guy! He had absolutely no right talking to you that way. Time to find a new dentist. You'll be able to find one who is understanding of your wish not to have x-rays done, safe at this point or not.

brujita8106 · May 2012

I am for sure going to look for a new dentist!!! Thanks you all for hearing me out! I was so upset yesterday.

wwoolz · May 2012

Get another dentist - I just made a dentist appt yesterday, I informed them I was pregnant and wouldn't be getting any x-rays...their answer was "we would never x-ray if you were pregnant".

Since dentists are providing you a service, they should listen to you and help you make the best decisions for you and your bump.

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