What constitutes an "uncooperative" patient?

[bcjch]

Hi all,

I'm curious what actions dentists and hygienists consider "uncooperative". I've been characterized that way by some.

If the only good patient is one that lies still in the chair with a blank stare during a procedure, then I guess I'm a bad one. I could find ways to get through things like cleanings, at least up until now ... but my mouth is in chronic bad shape, and I often yowl when getting poked the wrong way. I tend to gag on the inserts used to take x-rays. When anesthetized for a procedure, I'm fine - but I never relax in a dentist's office and don't think I ever will.

No doubt I'm a difficult patient. The providers I've asked all say that they've had worse, but then again, they may have to say that out of diplomacy, no matter what the truth is.

At the moment, I also wonder if being considered "uncooperative" means it's time to look for a new dentist.

So for you providers out there - well, anyone, really, but providers in particular - just what does "uncooperative" mean? And is it a hint I should find another dentist?

 

[Danny84]

Hi, I think many Dentists should be prepared for patients like yourself, I don't find it a horrible experience but I do suffer with anxiety so I do worry about going to the Dentist but once I'm there I just let them do their thing really. Have you thought of getting general anaesthesia? You would feel alot calmer and more cooperative with the Dentist. A good Dentist will always talk to you and reassure you, they usually explain if you have any pain put your hand up and I will stop right away. If your Dentist is not like this then if it was me I would change Dentists right away but I would look into the general anaesthesia which may work for you. I hope you find the right Dentist and I'm sure they will answer your question for you.

 

[bcjch]

General anesthesia is not a realistic possibility for me. The dentist I'm at charges $1000 for IV sedation and only has the qualified guy come there once a month. Because I take prescription meds for other things, I'm told oral sedation is out because of possible interactions. N2O is, too, for the same reason - and a past incident. (Not entirely sure it was the cause, that dentist could have been better - but my doctor told me that kind of interaction is possible.)

For the last cleaning, I had them numb me by injection, as they would for a filling or something. The hygienist was noticeably happy - said I was sooooooooooooooooooooo much more cooperative. I can't tell if that means they only want to deal with more sheeplike patients. If I'm the cause of the worst days of their life, maybe that's the case.

 

[Danny84]

I'm always shocked at how much prices are so high in the USA, I'm assuming your from the USA anyway? I live in the UK and the prices are nowhere near that unless you go private of course. If I want a filling or root canal treatment it will cost me £51 which comes with general anaesthesia if wanted. All Dentists will want their patients cooperative, they are working in an area where sudden movement could cause harm to yourself. When I had my filling a week ago the worst part for me was just getting the needle into the gum which turned out ok in the end and once it was numb I just lay there for them to do their work.

If your really uncomfortable with Dentists I would suggest to have a good chat with him/her and let them know how you feel after all you are paying them for treatment. There are Dentists on this forum, maybe they will get around to answering your question and give you their views as I am not a Dentist but I wish you well.

 

[bcjch]

Yes, I'm in the USA. Apparently we're the only place in the world where Conan the Hygienist prowls dentists' offices ...