Or rather, I’ve felt pain of a similar intensity and sanity-threatening level – not teeth in my case, but rather testicles. After a (botched? Who knows) vasectomy, I had pain for a good week that rendered me completely unable to walk, work, think…and contemplating a future where I would have to live with that pain was very, very, very unsettling.

And like you: doc just didn’t give a shit! I was in his office twice that week, trying to communicate how far above the expected level of discomfort this was, how no, it was NOT improving as promised, and what the hell was the story? His reaction was “You don’t say! Well, that IS strange; but it should get better soon”.

Which I’m happy to say it did, for the most part…although I still do feel the occasional twinge of discomfort, where there was never any before. And there’s apparently nothing to be done about it. I’ve done some reading since then, and found all KINDS of similar stories – odd that my doctor never mentioned these issues were possible. I’m sure your dentist didn’t either; I’m convinced they sign you up for these procedures not simply (not at all?) because you need them, but because of the money them make performing them.

I’ll tell you, this kind of experience opens your eyes about what pain REALLY is. My heart truly goes out to you, and anyone else suffering some kind of chronic pain; it can completely redefine your life, circumscribe your outlook to the point where you begin to question “Do I really want to live like this?”. I hope you find a good dentist, & he fixes you right.

Paul Newitt – he uses lasers. More importantly though he takes the time to explain everything, answer questions and takes people’s concerns seriously. A friend of mine has a really bad gag reflex and has had dentists be quite rude about it and make fun of her inability to use toothpaste… he listened to her issues and came up with some constructive suggestions for her to get her flouride etc that work within her limitations. Both myself and my partner go to him and I’ve been very happy with his manner and the overall office service.

To save money, see if you can get copies of your xrays from your old dentist. That might save some moola on the new patient exam.

And the student/dentist was awesome as well – she did a great job.

although i’ve only had great experiences with him, now i’m wondering if i should change dentists.