Crown placement for Implant pain

[ElizabethRobyn]

I have suffered from dental phobia since childhood. I established a good and trusting relationship with my dentist of 35 years. After she retired I saw her replacement for 2 years and had an OK experience with him. He honored the pain and panic control agreements that I had worked out previously. On my last visit with him, he ignored my pain signal for anesthesia before the cleaning, then barked at me to stop moving my feet. I had a panic attack and dissociated. After the cleaning he came back into the room and said "You know why this happened don't you?" I froze and did not respond. He barked the question again, louder this time. I left that practice and never returned.

I found a new dentist and met with him before scheduling a visit. I gave him a letter describing my difficulties with suggestions for mitigation. My first two visits went well. He found an excellent oral surgeon to place an implant. Last week I returned to my dentist to have the crown placed onto the implant post.

I was very nervous about the procedure but the assistant assured me that I had nothing to worry about. The dentist explained that there might be temporary discomfort. He proceeded to place something called a placer. It was immediately painful and continued to worsen the harder he pushed. I raised my left hand, our signal but he kept going. I raised my right arm to stop him and he told me to put it down. I was groaning loudly and he finally said to the assistant, "I don't think she can tolerate this." I was totally panicked and was unable to speak. He anesthesized the area and proceeded.

I don't know what to do. I am afraid to see him again and I don't think I can search for another dentist. What was this placer, why did it hurt so badly, and knowing my history, why did he do this without anesthesia?

I am in a puddle. Your thoughts please.

 

[Gordon]

Don't do implants, so I can't really answer the first 2. Paging young Dr Hirst...

As for the last one, I suppose he was either having a bad day or just being a dick. I would complain (to the practice manager if there is one) to the practice owner if not, then decide my future actions based on that.

 

[drhirst]

Hi @ElizabethRobyn,

I am not familiar with the term "placer" but that does not matter since what tool he was using is neither her nor there.
When placing the crown on implants, one can sometimes do it without the need for local anaesthetic as it can be just unscrewing one component and screwing a different one back. However, sometimes the gum is in the way and gets painfully compressed.
The problem is that the dentist thought he could get away without numbing you up, and pressed on when you indicated you were in pain. This situation can arise not just with implants, but with many other dental procedures. When dealing with someone who has flagged themselves as being apprehensive as a result of previous bad experiences, he should have not have pressed on once you indicated you were not comfortable. As a result, you have lost most of your confidence in him.
Trust is so hard to build but so easy to lose.
I would suggest getting him to finish off the crown but then look for a new dentist unless he really seems to have changed at the next appointment.
Hope this helps
Lincoln

 

[ElizabethRobyn]

@drhirst Thank you so mucn

 

[ElizabethRobyn]

Excellent advice. His attitude was cavalier when I returned. I paid the bill and left. Spent the next 4 months researching dentists in my area. I have found the best dentist ever. Thank you again!