"I think we're sort of conditioned to just trust professionals without question, so when we do question things, it feels like we're doing something wrong or being difficult."
This hits home for me too. Last year, I was scheduled for a bone graft and implant, and my dentist was super dismissive whenever I raised concerns. Eventually, I went for a second opinion—turned out the original plan wasn't even ideal for my situation. Trusting your gut isn't being difficult; it's just smart self-care. Glad you spoke up eventually...better late than never, right?
It's frustrating to hear you had that experience, but I'm glad you trusted your instincts and got another opinion. Honestly, as someone who works in dentistry, I always encourage patients to ask questions or voice concerns—it's your health, after all. Sometimes professionals get caught up in routine or their own perspective and forget how important it is to really listen. A good dentist or surgeon should welcome your questions and explain things clearly without making you feel like you're being difficult. If they don't...well, that's usually a sign it's time to look elsewhere. Glad things worked out better for you in the end.
Totally relate to this. I remember when I was getting braces, my first ortho seemed super rushed and barely explained anything. Felt like I was just another mouth in the chair, lol. Decided to switch after a few visits, and the next one took the time to walk me through every step—why certain teeth needed moving, how long it might take, all that stuff. Makes such a difference when someone actually listens and doesn't act like you're annoying them just by asking questions... Glad you found someone better too!
Yeah, totally get where you're coming from. I had a similar experience when I was looking into wisdom tooth removal. The first surgeon I saw barely glanced at my x-rays and immediately started talking about scheduling surgery—felt like he was more interested in filling his calendar than actually explaining what was going on. Since I'm paying out-of-pocket, I really needed someone who'd slow down and help me understand exactly what I'm paying for, you know?
Ended up getting a second opinion, and the difference was night and day. This doc actually took the time to explain why a bone graft might be necessary, how it could affect healing, and even gave me some options to consider that could save me money without compromising results. Honestly, it made me feel way more confident about the whole thing. It's crazy how much better healthcare feels when you're treated like a person instead of just another procedure... Glad you found someone who respects your questions too.
"Honestly, it made me feel way more confident about the whole thing."
That's exactly it—when a provider takes the time to clearly walk you through the "why" behind each step, it can really ease anxiety and improve outcomes. Glad you found someone who values clear communication and patient involvement.
