Q for dentists and snowbirds

[travelinhobo]

I just had a root canal done on the second upper tooth from the back. It previously had a huge filling in it. The other day the dentist told me it had a fracture and needed to be cleaned out and crowned (too big to refill again). The following is what happened today in his office and I'd like to know what you think. I have been to many Mexican dentists, so I'm familiar with how they work. I have also been to this dentist once before and he saved a tooth, so I know he's good. Please, no comments about non-American dentists.

My dentist cleaned out the tooth and did what he needed in order for the root canal specialist (who also works in the office) to give me a root canal (he told me that after removing the filling, he found a cavity which I did smell as he cleaned it out). To begin with, the root canal specialist never introduced himself to me and I didn't learn his name until the end of the procedure. I've never had a doctor of any kind overseas lack his manners in this. I felt like I was back in the U.S. For you snowbirds who have had work done in MX, has this ever happened to you? Then, from just about as soon as I laid back in the chair and the specialist began his work, my dentist hung out in the room chatting with him the ENTIRE TIME. They weren't even chatting about teeth, but cars, food and other ridiculous subjects. I have NEVER had a dentist or specialist chit chat while they're doing a major procedure such as this. (Even the hygenists/assistants were answering him.) I wanted very much to say something, however, my mouth was locked opened so the specialist could do his thing. When the specialist finished (my dentist wasn't in the room), after I asked his name, I asked him if he normally held conversations while he did root canals. His expression and fake explanation told me everything even though he didn't come out and say 'no'. He indicated that my dentist had started and continued the conversation - what could he do? When he saw that I was not happy about this, he then added a few times, "Don't worry, I took x-rays. I took x-rays." X-rays weren't the point. What a weak person that he can't tell someone to shut up or leave. Has anyone ever had this happen to them? I can only hope that he was able to focus enough to actually do a complete and competent job.

Previously, my dentist had told me that for a different tooth which also needs a root canal, I would need to take an anti-biotic for 7 days. I was under the impression that taking the anti-biotic should be done before the procedure, but I could be wrong. More worrisome is that when I asked my dentist about this as he was finishing up putting in the temporary crown, he asked, "Today. What he told you." I informed him that the specialist hadn't told me anything about anti-biotics and he was very surprised! After speaking to the specialist, he informed me that I don't need to take any, only ibuprofen (800mg 3x day for 3 days). Can anyone tell me if anti-biotic prescriptions are based on the dentist or severity of the root canal? I find it very odd that I don't need to take them.

 

[honestdoc]

Healthcare providers including dentists over-prescribe antibiotics leading to its resistance. The only time I prescribe them is the presence of swelling or prophylactically after a traumatic surgery involving invasive bone removal.

Many foreign dentists have good intentions and do good work. Word of mouth is very helpful to select the right one for you. There are too many dentists in major US cities to put up with bad chairside manners. You can always go down the street for a friendlier and more skilled dentist.

I used to do full time root canals for a group practice and I chat with my assistant during the procedure like a talk show. I make sure the patient is comfortable during the initial drilling, locating and verifying canal lengths. Once it gets boring, I chat with my assistants and most patients either get entertained or they fall asleep. Afterwards, most say that it was a pleasant procedure. I do occasionally get visiting dentists wanting to observe my root canals with the approval of patients.

 

[travelinhobo]

Thanks for the reply. I know that during a procedure the dentist is going to chat with his helper, but not from beginning to end. And to let people who aren't involved in the process (in this case, the root canal) hang around just seems weird.