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jjmpfu
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| Posted: Dec 12 2011 at 9:50pm | IP Logged
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I was wondering if anyone could help me with this situation. This is my first time posting but I have been reading some posts and didn't find anything addressing this specifically.
My son is five and very afraid of the dentist. He has had two cavities filled previously and did ok the first time but the second time cried hysterically. At his last cleaning and checkup he had an abcessed tooth. After an antibiotic treatment they decided they would pull it, it was a baby tooth. He was not happy the whole time and scared. The dentist called in another nurse and she had to hold him down through the whole procedure. After everything was said and done I get a bill today with the charges including one for 110 dollars for behavior management! I was floored. I have taking six of my kids there and really like them (it is an office with two practicing dentist) but now I am rethinking this all. Should I do some checking around for another dentist or just pay it and expect it in the future? I could use some guidance on this. I have found in the past it has been really hard for me to find a dentist I like who is respectfull to me and my children. But on the other hand it is clear my son is going to continue to be scared and nervous so perhaps I should find someone more apt to handle him. Any thoughts would be appreciated!
PS This is a Pediatric Dental office.
Sorry so long for my first post!
Thank you! 
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guitarnan
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| Posted: Dec 12 2011 at 10:31pm | IP Logged
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Hi and welcome!
I am sorry you and your son have had to go through all of this. I have been down the Path of Pediatric Dental Problems with both of my children, so I can really empathize with your situation.
In my opinion, holding a child down during a dental procedure is not the best option. It would have been better if, given the problems with filling your son's second cavity, the dentist had discussed options with you (trying to pull the tooth but stopping if your son became upset, conscious sedation - which costs extra and insurance does not cover - etc.) prior to beginning to pull the baby tooth. I imagine your son will not want to cooperate with this dentist ever again.
If I were you, I would talk with the dentist about the extra charge, explaining that I had no idea that such a charge could be assessed and asking why this was not explained to me before the "holding down" began. I imagine you will end up having to pay this fee, but the dentist should have informed you in advance that he charged for extra nursing assistance in these situations. Also, $110 is a lot of money, on a per-hour basis. It doesn't take very long to pull a baby tooth, as the roots are very shallow. Surely a $50 charge would have covered the nurse's time?
I know for sure that, were I in your position, I would look for another dentist for my son. Holding children down is not a great way to inspire confidence in dentistry, and there are other options available besides brute force.
I've taken my children to pediatric dentists in several cities, and we've always been given the opportunity to discuss procedures and treatment options in advance. We've paid for conscious sedation once and it was quite successful.
You might not need to switch all of your children from this practice, but your 5-year-old is not going to be happy going there in the future, unless the dentists are willing to make drastic changes in the way they handle his dental care.
__________________
Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: Dec 12 2011 at 10:47pm | IP Logged
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I would agree with Nancy. Our dentist is not a pediatric dentist but is VERY conscious of keeping the kids' confidence in him and their comfort and has successfully done a great number of treatments for some of my children without inspiring any fear. The child that has had the most actually looks forward to going to the dentist to see "Dr. Matt".
I'm fairly sure that I would not stay with a dentist that felt holding down a child was the answer. But then I almost walked out on a dentist that tried to tell me that my child liking sugar (what child would say they don't like sugar anyway??) was more to blame than the fact that his baby teeth came in missing enamel and that our regular dentist in the same practise could easily verify his history. I did let them know that we would not see that dentist again.. ever.
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Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
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Erin
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| Posted: Dec 13 2011 at 4:07pm | IP Logged
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I'm really shocked they chose this 'option'!! when my ds was 5 and had to have a tooth pulled, he was booked into day surgery at the hospital and put under aesthetic so he would not have dentist trauma.
I'd certainly be 'discussing' it. In fact I'd refuse to pay the bill, it should have come as part of the deal. Set up a meeting with the practice manager and let them know you were not happy with the methods employed!
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Erin
Faith Filled Days
Seven Little Australians
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cathhomeschool
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Texas Bluebonnets
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| Posted: Dec 13 2011 at 4:43pm | IP Logged
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I agree with Nancy about discussing the fee and finding another dentist.
One of mine had to have a root canal at around 5. It was very traumatic for him and for years after he was scared of the dentist. Our dentist was patient, allowed me to help hold my son's hands when cleanings were done, and has *always* discussed everything with us in advance.
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Janette (4 boys - 22, 21, 15, 14)
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4Real Forums : Our Lady of Good Remedy and Care
Topic: Dentist etiquette
