What are you scared of in dentistry?

[CountinCavities]

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Personally, I am scared of extractions. I am a pretty small girl with the upper arm strength of a kitten. I am a little worried about what I will do if the tooth just won't come out. Is there any procedure or "thing" about being a dentist that freaks/scares you?

 

[SugarNaCl]

Personally, I am scared of extractions. I am a pretty small girl with the upper arm strength of a kitten. I am a little worried about what I will do if the tooth just won't come out. Is there any procedure or "thing" about being a dentist that freaks/scares you?

I don't like saliva very much... but I like nearly everything else about the field that I have encountered... and the other stuff, I'd think you get used to. Our Junior class already looks like a bunch of pros. Don't sweat it... I'm sure you will be just fine with extractions by the end of your 3rd/ beginning of your 4th year.

 

[vlct0ria]

I am not a big fan of little kids who SCREAM, especially when it comes to administering anesthesia. Most of the time, this whole fearing the dentist thing is so irrational and built up by TV, movies, and their peers. I will probably steer clear of pedo in that case 😛

 

[CountinCavities]

yeah the other day I saw this boy that was terrified. He was shaking and crying and he was getting an extraction. Honestly, it freaked me out because I felt like this maternal instinct to just give him a hug lol. I don't think I could deal with kids because I would go too easy on them. If they are screaming bloody murder, I would just say, "you don't want to do this? I can't make you."

 

[bjhath]

Watching the doc pack cord makes me wince (on the inside).

 

[CountinCavities]

Watching the doc pack cord makes me wince (on the inside).

Sorry I am not understanding the jargon. What pack cord mean?

 

[bustedgrill]

I get reall grossed out when I see people vomit. If I was working on someone who puked I would run away

 

[Blarelli]

I know its outside of the actual dentistry part, but false accusations and lawsuits are part of the business, and that is what scares me.

 

[NyCzPeter]

Suicide 😱

 

[MaverickPreDent]

Personally, I am scared of extractions. I am a pretty small girl with the upper arm strength of a kitten. I am a little worried about what I will do if the tooth just won't come out. Is there any procedure or "thing" about being a dentist that freaks/scares you?

I think you will learn to build that forearm strength. All the dentists I have seen have Popeye-like forearms. ahahah

 

[hellonurse]

I'm scared that I'll develop arthritis and I won't be able to practice dentistry anymore. =(

thought of that too.

 

[uclaDDS101]

I'm scared that I'll develop arthritis and I won't be able to practice dentistry anymore. =(

I've thought about this. I'm scared that one day my back or my hand will give out because I also play tennis. I'd hate to one day have to make the decision between dentistry and tennis

I know its outside of the actual dentistry part, but false accusations and lawsuits are part of the business, and that is what scares me.

Ditto

I get reall grossed out when I see people vomit. If I was working on someone who puked I would run away

My friend was taking a bitewing on a little boy a few weeks ago. The boy was really nervous and had a bad gag reflex. He eventually threw up. I ended up taking the bitewing instead, cuz my friend was a little shaken up. But I have to admit, that was a little gross.

Personally, I am scared of extractions. I am a pretty small girl with the upper arm strength of a kitten. I am a little worried about what I will do if the tooth just won't come out.

One of the oral surgery residents I work with is a very sweet 5'4'' young lady. Believe me, if she can do it, I'm sure you'll be fine.

 

[Waitlisted2009]

.

 

[CountinCavities]

No one else is scared of extractions? Ah!

 

[Mazmel]

No one else is scared of extractions? Ah!

not me lol

 

[Zubnaya Feya]

I would agree with above posters about lawsuits and false accusations. I hope I will get used to other things posted above🙂

 

[eternalxdemon]

i'm scared of vomit... i hate vomit... i've had two kids vomit on me while shadowing and that made me gag... the smell... and how it got stuck on my clothes... ugh... >.<

 

[JamesOSU]

This is the most amazing thing I've seen in response to gag reflexes

http://www.towniecentral.com/MessageBoard/thread.aspx?s=2&f=216&t=89649&r=0#Post0

If you have trouble with a type of patient or procedure, you can be sure someone on dentaltown has a post about it with numerous helpful hints and tricks to overcome it, seriously - use this resource!

 

[r2thekesh]

Sorry I am not understanding the jargon. What pack cord mean?

I'm kind of sure he's talking about the periodontal technique where you pack string under the gum line to clean the built up bacteria. I think it's used when there is mineralized bacteria or when the patient just hasn't cleaned their gums/flossed in like 5 years.

 

[YayTeeth]

BAD BREATH. so bad when it's bad.

 

[JamesOSU]

BAD BREATH. so bad when it's bad.

That when you put listerine in a spray bottle and spray the inside of your face mask. Probably shouldn't use the kind with alcohol in it!

 

[CountinCavities]

Yeah lawsuits are probably the scariest thing. But I haven't met anyone that has been ruined by them.

 

[bjhath]

Sorry I am not understanding the jargon. What pack cord mean?

Disclaimer: I am only predent, so I don't know ****, therefore my explanation may not be 100% clinically accurate!

After a doc has prepped a tooth for a crown and before he takes an impression, he will stuff (pack) a length of string (cord) around the tooth between the gum and the tooth. This is done to retract the gums from the tooth, so that the tooth margin is exposed. This allows a good impression to be made so the lab can make a properly fitting crown.

It reminds me of getting a splinter under your fingernail or the torture method of shoving bamboo under fingernails. It gives me the chills like running your fingers down a chalkboard. But, I am sure once I do it a couple of times I will get over it.

 

[supraman]

I fear getting wrist pain, lower back, and/or neck pain. Beside that, nothing clinically phases me, but I def would not be able to stand little kids screaming.

 

[enfuego]

I fear getting wrist pain, lower back, and/or neck pain. Beside that, nothing clinically phases me, but I def would not be able to stand little kids screaming.

Amen. Neck and back pain scare the hell out of me.

 

[JJBDDS]

Vomit definitely. The other day at work a child threw up all over the hygienist when she was taking xrays. I then helped clean it up. Somehow the bitewing was lost in the garbage. So I went through all the paper towel with vomit and I had to pick through chunks. I had to hold back from vomiting myself. The worst part was that I looked through all the vomit and still never found the xray...

 

[DrDDSman]

I fear getting wrist pain, lower back, and/or neck pain. Beside that, nothing clinically phases me, but I def would not be able to stand little kids screaming.

How about a stroke or parkinsons or some other nueromuscular disorder, after that your scope of practice is severely limited. Thats my fear.

 

[enfuego]

How about a stroke or parkinsons or some other nueromuscular disorder, after that your scope of practice is severely limited. Thats my fear.

Neurodegenerative diseases usually don't set in until at least middle-age. I imagine that many people will be retiring or at least cutting back by that age.

 

[Waitlisted2009]

.

 

[supraman]

How about a stroke or parkinsons or some other nueromuscular disorder, after that your scope of practice is severely limited. Thats my fear.

Might as well add some others like CKD or Alzheimer's. The difference between between my list and yours is that you could develop the aches from practicing, bending improperly, getting up quickly and awkward straining. What you listed is listed you could get doing anything, God forbid.

 

[shoombol tallah]

chronic back pain

 

[DrDDSman]

Might as well add some others like CKD or Alzheimer's. The difference between between my list and yours is that you could develop the aches from practicing, bending improperly, getting up quickly and awkward straining. What you listed is listed you could get doing anything, God forbid.

Exactly, its easier to manage/treat aches, pains arthritis, even and CKD as well. Strokes and PD are out of your control, which is why they scare the crap out of me. As for AD, its most likely you'll be well into your retirement years, so that shouldnt hinder your dental practice (unless you plan to practice till you croak)

And to enfuego, most neurodegenerative diseases do occur after middle age, but idopathic PD can occur at any age, and is why i specifically mentioned PD and stroke.

 

[CountinCavities]

Wow, it's good to hear that not a lot of people are afraid at how well they will be at performing procedures. I am digging the confidence. I on the other hand, worry about everything. Not vomit though..that's not so bad. 😉

 

[Contach]

Personally, I am scared of extractions. I am a pretty small girl with the upper arm strength of a kitten. I am a little worried about what I will do if the tooth just won't come out. Is there any procedure or "thing" about being a dentist that freaks/scares you?

I shadowed a dentist who was probably 5 foot 2 and really skinny. She doesn't look muscular by any means. However, she does work-out and oftentimes with weights (or so she says). Anyways, I saw her extract two teeth from this one lumberjack-looking fellow pro bono. He was a mighty big guy... She had to reposition her hands to get the best grip possible, and she stood up and anchored the rest of her body to the chair to get leverage (she put one foot on the stem of the chair). She did this twice and it worked well both times for her...

 

[DrReo]

I fear getting wrist pain, lower back, and/or neck pain. Beside that, nothing clinically phases me, but I def would not be able to stand little kids screaming.

Supra, so no pedo for you?

 

[JamesOSU]

I'm scared of a complication to a patient during sedation, esp a child. Not that scared for myself, there is insurance for that.

 

[xhamburgersamx]

I'm scared but more annoyed of ungrateful patients that will give you a hard time despite providing them great care and service

 

[CountinCavities]

I shadowed a dentist who was probably 5 foot 2 and really skinny. She doesn't look muscular by any means. However, she does work-out and oftentimes with weights (or so she says). Anyways, I saw her extract two teeth from this one lumberjack-looking fellow pro bono. He was a mighty big guy... She had to reposition her hands to get the best grip possible, and she stood up and anchored the rest of her body to the chair to get leverage (she put one foot on the stem of the chair). She did this twice and it worked well both times for her...

Haha that's crazy! Well, I'm skinny but tall (5'7"). So maybe I won't have to stand up 🙂 Whatever works though!!

 

[JJBDDS]

I shadowed a dentist who was probably 5 foot 2 and really skinny. She doesn't look muscular by any means. However, she does work-out and oftentimes with weights (or so she says). Anyways, I saw her extract two teeth from this one lumberjack-looking fellow pro bono. He was a mighty big guy... She had to reposition her hands to get the best grip possible, and she stood up and anchored the rest of her body to the chair to get leverage (she put one foot on the stem of the chair). She did this twice and it worked well both times for her...

5'0 right here! I do muscle training and have extracted teeth before so I think I can do it. Hopefully I could handle this lumberjack guy too!

 

[La Dentista]

Wow, extractions are my favorite part. My dentist whom I shadowed actually asked me during a full mouth extraction if I was going to pass out from watching it or anything, I thought he was kidding. There was nothing I loved more than that... but the thing I don't want to deal with are the crazies that come in. Some lady came in b*tching and screaming at the top of her lungs that her dentures were terrible and then started laughing maniacally for no reason for atleast 10 minutes straight. Everyone was on edge after that one.

 

[Contach]

5'0 right here! I do muscle training and have extracted teeth before so I think I can do it. Hopefully I could handle this lumberjack guy too!

are you pre-dental like your name says?

talk about illegal training...

 

[enfuego]

are you pre-dental like your name says?

talk about illegal training...

I'm pretty sure they let you do procedures like that on mission trips. Or at least, they advertise it on websites that run those trips. I've never been on one so I can't speak from experience.

 

[DientesEsponja]

Personally, I am scared of extractions. I am a pretty small girl with the upper arm strength of a kitten. I am a little worried about what I will do if the tooth just won't come out. Is there any procedure or "thing" about being a dentist that freaks/scares you?

I am small too...

I went on a mission where I was able to help with extractions AND I was able to do a few myself. From what I learned, it's not really about raw strength. It's more about breaking the periodontal ligaments using twists and turns and actually pushing the tooth INTO the socket. Then, it just pops out!

I am about 5'2'' and less than 120 lbs. and, although many of the teeth I extracted were periodontally involved, I had no problems! It was really satisfying to be able to tell the patients that they were free of the very thing was causing them so much pain.

PM me if you'd like to know more. Good luck and don't be scared!

 

[guslik]

I'm kind of sure he's talking about the periodontal technique where you pack string under the gum line to clean the built up bacteria. I think it's used when there is mineralized bacteria or when the patient just hasn't cleaned their gums/flossed in like 5 years.

If u are referring to the Scaling and Root planning procedure (so called "deep cleaning" ) it does not involve packing cord under gums. In fact, periodontal cleaning does not involve packing of any cords/strings whatsoever. I just needed to clarify this.
😉

 

[JJBDDS]

are you pre-dental like your name says?

talk about illegal training...

it was a mission trip and it wasn't like I was the practicing dentist. I had a professor from the University of Washington dental school guiding me along the whole time..

 

[DrReo]

it was a mission trip and it wasn't like I was the practicing dentist. I had a professor from the University of Washington dental school guiding me along the whole time..

Don't worry, he doesn't believe in providing services for those who are is literally dying need. He will continue a rank about your qualifications, etc as he has several times before.

Nevertheless, thank you for doing a good deed.

 

[tinman831]

Extracting a tooth is definitely more about technique/finesse than pure strength. Using all your might may end up causing more harm (fractures, broken root tips) than good. Once you've finished elevating the PDL off the root, you should almost be able to wiggle the tooth out of the socket with nothing but your fingers.

I am small too...

I went on a mission where I was able to help with extractions AND I was able to do a few myself. From what I learned, it's not really about raw strength. It's more about breaking the periodontal ligaments using twists and turns and actually pushing the tooth INTO the socket. Then, it just pops out!

I am about 5'2'' and less than 120 lbs. and, although many of the teeth I extracted were periodontally involved, I had no problems! It was really satisfying to be able to tell the patients that they were free of the very thing was causing them so much pain.

PM me if you'd like to know more. Good luck and don't be scared!

 

[eternalxdemon]

Wow, extractions are my favorite part. My dentist whom I shadowed actually asked me during a full mouth extraction if I was going to pass out from watching it or anything, I thought he was kidding. There was nothing I loved more than that... but the thing I don't want to deal with are the crazies that come in. Some lady came in b*tching and screaming at the top of her lungs that her dentures were terrible and then started laughing maniacally for no reason for atleast 10 minutes straight. Everyone was on edge after that one.

she was prolly bipolar...

 

[DDSJA]

terrified of running into the "Listerfiend"...
hopefully there are some Kevin Smith fans in here...

 

[Contach]

Don't worry, he doesn't believe in providing services for those who are is literally dying need. He will continue a rank about your qualifications, etc as he has several times before.

Apparently, neither does your judicial system... that is... if an American is on the receiving end. As an untrained citizen, you can get sued for helping someone who you think is in need if something goes wrong (or even if it doesn't). What laws are you being held to when you go overseas?

If the dentist is going to stand by and watch you do it anyways, why not just let the dentist do it? If your TRUE motive was to help people, this would be in the best interests of the patient (if you can even give the person all the rights of a patient).

Hi Dr. Reo, let me perform a tooth extraction on your loved one. Don't worry, a dentist will be watching over my shoulder. Come, I'll do it for $1.

Oh the mind of a simpleton....