Move on to another oral surgeon after no-so-pleasant first consultation?

[mannydd]

I'm over 40 and have full bony impaction of lower wisdom tooth that is infected (very little pain) and runs along a nerve. I have some anxiety about the whole thing.

I barely get a couple of questions in about risks/, possible alternative methods, and IV sedation and he says "you know what, it sounds like you don't want to do this" and makes like he is about to get up and leave. What annoyed him most was when I asked about IV sedation, since I'm nervous about it, as well as when I asked about whether there was in fact a cyst - he said he wouldn't be sure unless he made an incision and biopsied it.

He never discussed possibility of cone beam scan (which I thought he would, given my age and location of tooth) and overall had a bit of smug/smile the whole time as if I was crazy for asking about anything or showing any apprehension or concern.

So I was thinking of just going to another guy. Or am I overthinking it? Dentist said it should come out. Oral surgeon says it should come out. But this all based on a 2D xray. I dunno anymore.

It's funny: on the web, people always say "ask your doctor questions." But in reality, doctors look at you as if you have three heads if you ask them more than a couple of questions. Meanwhile, my dog's veterinarian will spend 45 minutes going over everything if I needed her to.

 

[yellowumbrella]

Re: Move on to another oral surgeon after no-so-pleasant first consultation?

When he got annoyed with me I probably would've told him "Well it sounds like you don't want my business." If you feel uncomfortable with him then you should definitely get a second opinion. After all it is your tooth and you should feel 100% comfortable with the person who is going to be operating on you. It is your right to ask questions after all.

 

[ScaredyCat22]

Re: Move on to another oral surgeon after no-so-pleasant first consultation?

I'm over 40 and have full bony impaction of lower wisdom tooth that is infected (very little pain) and runs along a nerve. I have some anxiety about the whole thing.

I barely get a couple of questions in about risks/, possible alternative methods, and IV sedation and he says "you know what, it sounds like you don't want to do this" and makes like he is about to get up and leave. What annoyed him most was when I asked about IV sedation, since I'm nervous about it, as well as when I asked about whether there was in fact a cyst - he said he wouldn't be sure unless he made an incision and biopsied it.

He never discussed possibility of cone beam scan (which I thought he would, given my age and location of tooth) and overall had a bit of smug/smile the whole time as if I was crazy for asking about anything or showing any apprehension or concern.

So I was thinking of just going to another guy. Or am I overthinking it? Dentist said it should come out. Oral surgeon says it should come out. But this all based on a 2D xray. I dunno anymore.

It's funny: on the web, people always say "ask your doctor questions." But in reality, doctors look at you as if you have three heads if you ask them more than a couple of questions. Meanwhile, my dog's veterinarian will spend 45 minutes going over everything if I needed her to.

If you don't like the doctor and are not comfortable with him then you should not let him work on you. You have a right to have all your questions answered. However you do have to be rid of the tooth. A tooth does not become infected until it is dead or dying. You will have infections over and over til you get rid of the tooth, and the fact that it is impacted besides means it is more likely to cause decay in your neighboring molar. Don't wait to long to find another oral surgeon because it is really best to deal with this while you are not in a lot of pain instead of waiting til you are in agony.