When your dentist leaves. The beginning of a new journey

[krlovesherkids777]

I know I am not the only one here recently that has had a dentist leave a practice. Some have moved , some have retired, some have changed focus leaving us to deal with this change which doesn't help our anxieties , some of us have advance notice and some do not have much at all, maybe a vague idea or even not.

Well, for the last year and a half. I had found one of the best dentists in the planet.. He helped me immensely with my dental anxiety , fear and shame issues and I could never thank him enough, he also was extremely competant and gave me the best teeth in my mouth, all while actually even having fun, the guy was even funny through it all, which helped . Well. He switched offices then just a bit ago right before I went to get my crown seating I was informed he was no longer there.

Well He is beginning his own new journey and he passed me off nicely to the dentist at the practice who is the owner and I had seen him once and my son had, so I had a few interactions which he was nice , well he is the one that put the Christmas crown on that I got and I had a great experience then with the whole team so I was at peace with this idea, at the same time, I will really miss my old dentist and always remember how he was a blessing , he'll always be a good part of my life.

So I made an appt with the new dentist today to get a plan. Probably the most thorough exam and plan appointment I've ever had. He listened to my concerns , answered every question, and more.. and really "got" what I needed, wanted and could do. He really encouraged me I shouldn't have a problem to keep all my teeth I have left and I could do it at a pace I can afford and was very reassuring that I was doing a good job, and some people have more issues but he can help me and it will be okay.. basically taking any shame and guilt away.

We made a plan starting with my other root canal I needed and a list of some other work upcoming.. well there is alot.. but we have prioritized it, he made sense of alot of things for me that others have not explained in the detail or way he did. So he seems very competant and trustworthy and has a very kind way about him . Seems to very much care he does the best for his patients . I really couldn't see myself accepting this transfer quite so easily in many other situations, I have always been afraid of dental switches. but.. I can say at least my dentist left me with the right guy.. This is one switcheroo I'm good with.

So just wanted to encourage anyone going through a switch and hoping that your switch goes smooth and well. And if it doesn't , there are always second opinions or third.. because sometimes the switch isn't the right fit and we really should get care that lines up with our needs and thoughts and what we are comfortable with. I am thankful this worked out , its just the beginning of this journey .. so.... we will see how the adventure unfolds.. would love also to hear of any other transition journeys ....

 

[kitkat]

I am happy that things are working out with the new dentist. Many people with dental fear are easily derailed by something like this. My dentist just turned 60 and I’m dreading the day she says she’s retiring. I think I have a few more good years left. Staying with the same dentist for a long time can be both a blessing and a curse though. After 14 years of treatment with MY dentist, I was sent out to an Endo for an RCT last year and was not sure how I would react to him. I had an oral surgeon years ago for wisdom tooth extraction but they knocked me out so I didn’t really care who did it. My only comfort with the Endo was that my dentist recommended him specifically but when I called the practice, he was out of town so I had to go with someone else. Luckily, he was nice too and all went well.

 

[krlovesherkids777]

Kitkat,

Thank you! A year ago I certainly was in a different place. I hope you will have a few good years or more left with your amazing dentist!! Love to read about her , she sounds just great! I can totally understand how hard it is to go to treatment with a specialist. I had ditched out on alot of specialist appts before, specifically endodontists in the past because they weren't the dentist I was used to and trusted.I saw my first endo for a retreat this past year too .. after searching out reviews that seemed anxious friendly. and it worked too . Glad they worked for you too

 

[MountainMama]

I am glad your switch went well! I am gping through the same thing. My dentist's new practice is too far away for me to follow. I have been to the dentist that she turned me over to a few times when she wasn't available and he is nice but seems eager to pass work off to the endodontist, which my other dentist didn't do.

I am hesitant, as I am mid treatment on this root canal. I don't want to start over somewhere else because this was a difficult tooth to begin with.

I also found out my endodontist is retiring, so double whammy. She is doing it slowly, though, and has cut her hours to three days a week, which means it will take longer to get in.

 

[krlovesherkids777]

Mountain Mama

I hear you on the passing off, I'd rather have all work done with my dentist too, you are used to them , know them, trust them, to trust a random new person is alot harder even if they have more education or specific experience, that is why I ditched out on needed root canals in the past because of endo referrals when I wasn't ready to do that. I hope your endos gradual transition takes a long time so if you need anything you can still do it with her. and hopes it doesn't take too long to get in either.

 

[MountainMama]

I am going in tomorrow for the front tooth. I have another molar that has been aching and sensitive to heat and cold, but I really don't want to deal with it right now, even though I know it will only get worse. I just can't fathom another root canal right now when the other two I had done didn't work.

 

[krlovesherkids777]

Yes, that would be a hard thought to process another one.. I'm headed for one next week on a bottom tooth and i haven't worked on the bottom in years so I little scared of that. I hope tomorrow helps that front tooth and the issues stop!

 

[kitkat]

Kitkat,
I hope you will have a few good years or more left with your amazing dentist!! Love to read about her , she sounds just great!

The funny thing is when I first met her I actually HATED her and insisted on never going back..we just did not click at all on the first appointment! She was very different at the first appointment though and this is why I always tell people to give a new dentist a little time (don’t traumatize yourself) but allow for growing pains and take first impressions with a grain of salt. Her and I did not reach a place of even beginning to trust until the third appointment and we were pretty solid by the 5th or 6th. It was a real process to get there (probably as much for her as it was for me).

 

[krlovesherkids777]

That is really interesting thought actually. When I needed a ob/gyn after mine retired way too early , I went to one I considered "just ok" I wasn't enthused , but he is ok , nice enough, nothing like the connection I had with my other Dr. then I tried 2 other ones that ended up being WAY worse.. so I went back to him because he actually was a friend of my old drs and after going for several appts. I've come to really like and appreciate him alot.. you are right sometimes you gotta give relationships with docs/dentists time to grow and build trust. My new dentist is different than my recent one that left , I'm really appreciating his strengths and being open to developing that trust level one step at a time.. really good point! What a beautiful testimony of giving things time to develop and learn from the experience!

 

[kitkat]

Well people are multi-dimensional. I do not behave the exact same at any 2 given appointments and neither does my dentist. I do think not hitting it off initially was somewhat my fault. To be fair, she did not know I was afraid of dentists at first and I do a decent job of hiding my fear until I can’t anymore (which only becomes evident during more involved treatments-basically anything that’s not a cleaning or exam). So when I brave faced the exam and cleaning and she was very cold/clinical/formal (bleh!). It wasn’t until I was a shaking/trembling mess that she softened and made an effort to be more personable. I started letting my guard down with her after that and the more I let my guard down, the harder she tried to calm me down so it was a good reinforcement of sorts.

 

[Spider]

I have to agree that the idea of finding a new doctor or dentist is terrifying. I feel like I mostly read success stories here though, so thats very promising to anyone seeking out a new dentist! IMO, the majority of people have dental fears (some worse than others), and with internet reviews, good dentists are going to really shine. You must be kind and caring to get 5 star reviews!

I also was quite successful when finding a new dentist last year. I moved to a new state and the thought of shopping around for a new dentist was absolutely terrifying. It took me 6 months to make a phone call. I read the reviews for all of the dentists in my new town and decided on several that may be okay. None of them advertised as "phobic friendly" so that was worrisome. I totally unloaded all my fears on the dentist. I figured that if he can't handle me, then I should know right away. So... don't scrape my teeth, don't jab your pick into my teeth, I may panic and run outside at any time, you must constantly chat with me or else I'll freak out, etc etc. I cried and shook and was a total mess. He kept his cool and was so kind and non threatening... and it has turned into a nice relationship.

I wish anyone luck who is finding a new dentist on their journey. Its scary, but you may end up with someone better than you ever imagined!

 

[Surreyvwphobic]

I know I am not the only one here recently that has had a dentist leave a practice. Some have moved , some have retired, some have changed focus leaving us to deal with this change which doesn't help our anxieties , some of us have advance notice and some do not have much at all, maybe a vague idea or even not.

Well, for the last year and a half. I had found one of the best dentists in the planet.. He helped me immensely with my dental anxiety , fear and shame issues and I could never thank him enough, he also was extremely competant and gave me the best teeth in my mouth, all while actually even having fun, the guy was even funny through it all, which helped . Well. He switched offices then just a bit ago right before I went to get my crown seating I was informed he was no longer there.

Well He is beginning his own new journey and he passed me off nicely to the dentist at the practice who is the owner and I had seen him once and my son had, so I had a few interactions which he was nice , well he is the one that put the Christmas crown on that I got and I had a great experience then with the whole team so I was at peace with this idea, at the same time, I will really miss my old dentist and always remember how he was a blessing , he'll always be a good part of my life.

So I made an appt with the new dentist today to get a plan. Probably the most thorough exam and plan appointment I've ever had. He listened to my concerns , answered every question, and more.. and really "got" what I needed, wanted and could do. He really encouraged me I shouldn't have a problem to keep all my teeth I have left and I could do it at a pace I can afford and was very reassuring that I was doing a good job, and some people have more issues but he can help me and it will be okay.. basically taking any shame and guilt away.

We made a plan starting with my other root canal I needed and a list of some other work upcoming.. well there is alot.. but we have prioritized it, he made sense of alot of things for me that others have not explained in the detail or way he did. So he seems very competant and trustworthy and has a very kind way about him . Seems to very much care he does the best for his patients . I really couldn't see myself accepting this transfer quite so easily in many other situations, I have always been afraid of dental switches. but.. I can say at least my dentist left me with the right guy.. This is one switcheroo I'm good with.

So just wanted to encourage anyone going through a switch and hoping that your switch goes smooth and well. And if it doesn't , there are always second opinions or third.. because sometimes the switch isn't the right fit and we really should get care that lines up with our needs and thoughts and what we are comfortable with. I am thankful this worked out , its just the beginning of this journey .. so.... we will see how the adventure unfolds.. would love also to hear of any other transition journeys ....

Congratulations on your successful move. I can concur with all that has been written on this new thread, having had to go through this myself on several occasions, though in my case due to moving to a new area.

Doing this as I have mentioned before is much like picking a date; its all about person and place. If these appeal, all should be well. I found myself having to do this exact same routine last week finding a new hairdresser; I am delighted to report that, as with my (three plus!) dentists my head is now in a safe cosseted space again. Actually I do not think my head has been so well looked after in a whole lifetime as it has in the past year! Love Simon

 

[Surreyvwphobic]

One extra point I failed to add; in the first instance, finding a really good practice with a wide choice and well informed and supportive reception team is very useful in such situations, as the remaining staff will (or certainly should!) be well aware of your history and help ensure seemless continuing care. My practice (Enhance in Ely UK) were especially good when I decided to "brave" seeing someone unknown recently and made sure that my experience was indeed better than I could have dared hope it to be! Hope this inspires others moving forward. Love Simon

 

[krlovesherkids777]

Simon. You are such an inspiration! I Just love your stories from dental Heaven Just beautiful! Thank you! It really is a blessing to find. Such great people to care for you!

 

[Sam44]

How amazing it is to have all you people that get it!!

My dentist retired last year he was so good, patient and understanding with me. I haven’t been back since he left but I’ve now booked to see the other dentist but I’m really not keen. Although my friend who has dental anxiety sees him and says he’s brilliant..so i shall see ?

 

[krlovesherkids777]

Sam44,

Its really hard when you have someone that is so good and you are so comfortable then to need to switch is hard...I have had a real hard time with switches in the past . The last time I had a swith that wasn't the best option for me and I decided to walk away from that practice , rightly so for me. This time I had seen his partner before and he was nice and my dentist told me great things about him and his work . They also told me at an appt how they would take good care of me and how important it was to my old dentist they do that. and I really appreciated that. Now several appts later, I"m really seeing all his positives and thankful to be with him. Its still hard to think I"m not with my previous dentist at times because I had such a trust in him and he was really good to me and helped me in my dental anxiety and shame. Im building trust with my new one now . I always have the good memories and experiences of the old to help me.

I hope your new one is good and kind to you and the transition goes smoothly and if you get that he is not the one.. I hope you find another that you will connect with.. I agree too its really nice to know other people get it!!

 

[Thephilsblogbar]

I have had a number of dentist over the last 35 years, I am also dreading the day when my dentist retires she runs the pratice, there are two other dentisrts I like at the practice, one of the dentist who works there I seen twice she is good looking but very very rough with the cleanings

 

[Sam44]

There’s two others at my dentist but I’m not keen on either. But I need to get my teeth sorted so I’ll keep my appointment and see how I feel after

 

[krlovesherkids777]

Sam44 I really hope the one you have an appt with is good with you and connects. The thing is it really is important to have someone we feel comfortable with to help with our dental anxieties it makes all the differance!! and if we aren't its better to find the one who is, because they are out there.. and different people connect with differant people.. but fingers crossed yours will understand, be very painfree, patient, gentle and answer your concerns right.

 

[krlovesherkids777]

This is such a good video by Dr Daniel on here about how to know you have a good dentist with anxious patients, its about pain but its really about knowing you have a caring good dentist too! Great job @Dr. Daniel !!