knp

Thank you to those that replied to my previous post. I have a couple of new questions as you are familiar with my story.

I have gone to this prosthodontist for twenty years. He's rebuilt my whole mouth and then some. When I began going to him, my mouth was beyond that of what a general dentist could do for me anymore. Other than a few zings that I've felt in the past, he has gotten me numb. Once he was in there and decided to grind down a canine at the last minute because of whatever reason he had and I felt pain then too. He felt badly because he planned poorly for the procedure, but said he couldn't give me more anesthetic and told me I would be in worse pain if he stopped midway so I let him continue. He apologized and reduced $1,000 off the total price. Other than that experience (and this new one), I have been totally cordial with him. I'm not a whiner and am a cheerful person. I accept these procedures as better than the alternative (losing my teeth). I am sure I'm not the kind of patient they would dread seeing. I did tell him about my problems with this new experience - he had his answers, and I let it drop.

Since my last experience when he reduced the price, I have had nagging doubts about him as a doctor for me. I am so torn. I have thought about leaving him for one of the new prosthodontists who have opened up practice nearby. On the other hand, I hate to leave someone who knows my lengthy history. There is some comfort in that.

I also worry that I could leave and get other, new problems from a new prosthodontist. I've lived long enough that I know the grass isn't always greener on the other side. Nobody has been highly recommended to me and I'm afraid it would be like a shot in the dark picking somebody new.

I would really appreciate if it I could get these issues addressed.

Should I address the issue with him about changing anesthetic, maybe also injecting it slower? I know they don't like being told what to do, but something has to change here as I am getting phobic. I keep having flashbacks. How should I handle this?

Thank you all so much.
Karen