Totally get that—sometimes you just hit a wall with all the info, especially when it’s about drills and stuff. It’s not weird at all. You’re allowed to switch gears mid-appointment. Hope your dentist rolled with it and made you comfortable.
I get where you’re coming from, but I kinda think it’s worth pushing through those overwhelming info dumps sometimes—at least for stuff like implants, where there are so many variables. I know it’s easy to want to zone out when they start talking about bone grafts and torque settings (I’ve been there), but I actually found that asking a ton of questions—even if they sound dumb—helped me feel less freaked out in the chair. Like, when my dentist started explaining the drill bits and the healing cap, I felt my brain glazing over at first. But then I realized if I didn’t get answers right then, I’d just end up googling at 2am and stressing myself out more.
The other thing is, switching gears mid-appointment can be a double-edged sword. My last dentist was super patient, but once when I asked to pause and talk about something else, I noticed he got a bit rushed afterward—like he was watching the clock more closely. Maybe that’s just his style or maybe he had another patient waiting, but it made me wonder if dentists really are as flexible as we hope. Has anyone else noticed that? Sometimes I feel like the medical world expects us to just nod along and not interrupt their flow.
Anyway, for implants specifically, I think being a little stubborn about getting all the details is worth it—even if it means dragging out the appointment or feeling awkward for a minute. Otherwise you’re left with this weird mix of half-understood info and lingering anxiety. It’s not always comfy in the moment, but I’d rather deal with that than regret not speaking up later.
Curious if others have had dentists who actually encourage questions or if most folks just try to get through it as fast as possible...
I totally get what you mean about info overload—my first implant consult was basically a wall of technical jargon. I actually started bringing a notebook to appointments and jotting down stuff I didn’t catch right away. One dentist seemed genuinely happy to answer my weirdly specific questions, but another acted like I was throwing off his rhythm. It’s awkward when you can tell they’re in a rush, but honestly, I’d rather feel a little annoying than confused about what’s going in my mouth. Sometimes you just have to push through the discomfort for your own peace of mind.
Totally relate to that weird tension—sometimes I feel like I’m grilling them, but I just need to understand what’s happening. I’d rather risk being a little “difficult” than leave with more questions than answers. Good on you for sticking with your gut.
Yeah, I totally get that. I always feel awkward asking so many questions, but honestly, it’s my mouth and my money—if something doesn’t make sense, I can’t just nod along and hope for the best. At my first consult, I probably sounded like I was interrogating the dentist. I kept thinking, “Am I being annoying?” but then again, it’s a huge decision, right? Implants aren’t cheap and it’s not like you can just undo it if you pick the wrong person.
I actually left one office because the dentist got kinda defensive when I asked about their experience with implants. That made me more anxious than anything. If they’re good at what they do, shouldn’t they be fine answering? Ended up finding someone who didn’t mind all my questions—even the “dumb” ones about pain and how long I’d have to eat mushy food. That helped a lot with my nerves.
I still worry about being “that patient,” but honestly, it’s way worse to leave feeling confused or unsure. The last thing I want is to regret not speaking up if something goes wrong later. Maybe some dentists don’t love it, but the good ones seem to get it.
For anyone else freaking out about this: trust your gut. If you feel weird or rushed, there’s probably a reason. There are dentists out there who’ll actually listen and explain stuff without making you feel like a bother.
