While she sat anxiously on the dental chair for her root canal treatment, the dentist kept drilling for what seemed like ages. Completely aloof of what was going on, she endured it all only to later realize that her teeth had been chopped off..!
While it may all seem like the plot of a horror scene, 20-year-old Caitlyn Weld has been through a harrowing incident in real life. Caitlyn, who has close to 10,000 followers on social media, recounted a horrifying tale of a simple root canal treatment that went terribly wrong, resulting in unnecessary painful dental procedures and hours wasted on subsequent dental visits.
The startling disclosure by the young woman sharing her horrifying story of dental negligence has caused waves in the social media world and dental professionals.
Caitlyn visited a dentist looking for cavity treatment. Nevertheless, a communication barrier and her naïve trust resulted in a chain of events that would alter her life. What started as a routine root canal turned into an extensive and painful dental procedure, as the dentist shaves off healthy enamel and the places veneers. The dentist assumed she wanted veneers. Caitlyn admitted in a subsequent video that she was 18 years old, inexperienced, and gullible.
The influencer's frank statement has sparked a public discussion about the significance of informed consent in dental procedures, the possible side effects of veneers, and the susceptibility of patients who may not comprehend the treatments being carried out.
Caitlyn was unaware of how root canal treatment actually felt. Citing a language barrier, Caitlyn confesses that she couldn't grasp all the specifics of the dental procedure. "I was afraid," she recalls, "so I inquired about the root canal, but her English skills were lacking." Caitlyn was left uninformed about what happened during the procedure due to ineffective communication.
She didn't have a mirror and didn't knew what was going on. It was only after her teeth were sliced down and her roommate showed her a recording for her, did she realized what had happened.
Many people have connected with her story, sharing similar experiences and exposing a widespread problem in the dental field. Numerous patients frequently find themselves under pressure to agree to recommended treatments without fully understanding the consequences.
After going through the process, Caitlyn realized she was only left with a small portion of her original teeth. The dentist then recommended veneers, emphasizing that veneers were needed as a preventive measure to avoid the spread of cavities in other teeth.
Caitlyn also claims that the dentist used societal beauty norms to imply that girls her age usually favor having veneers to have uniform color teeth. Feeling overpowered and lost, Caitlyn lacked the knowledge and awareness to challenge this suggestion and agreed to go ahead with the procedure.
In her experience of living with veneers, Caitlyn has shared that the pain she felt when the temporary crowns were removed for replacement and struck what she felt 'was probably the worst pain' she has ever seen. She also suffered gum pain because of all the drilling.
Caitlyn's situation is not unique and has been faced by many people, leaving them bewildered and unanticipated during dental procedures. This incident highlighted the significance of transparency and educating patients aboutthe possible advantages and disadvantages of a procedure before giving their consent.
Language barriers, intricate medical terminology, and the inherent reliance on healthcare providers can lead to miscommunication and the possibility of malpractice. The added stress includes a financial burden. While the average cost of a root canal is approximately $1,000 per tooth in the US, veneers can cost over $40,000. This significant difference in costs highlights the possible stress patients may experience when given unclear choices.
MedBound Times contacted Dr. Amit Tripathi, a skilled dentist from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, who emphasized the importance of communication between the dentist and the patient. He says 'Patients should always feel comfortable asking questions and getting second opinions if they are worried. It is also the duty of dentists to establish rapport with patients and educate them, being transparent about the consequences, commitments, alternatives and future costs with a concerned treatment.'
Empowering patients with fundamental dental knowledge enables them to inquire with awareness, seek alternate viewpoints, and stand up for themselves. 'Dentists must offer clear explanations, thoroughly answer questions, and make sure patients feel at ease when making informed choices.', he added.
Caitlyn's story brings forth the psychological effects of unwanted treatment modalities imposed on people unaware of the need for treatment. Losing her natural teeth to permanent veneers and experiencing lasting pain, she characterizes the experience as profoundly disturbing.
The incident highlights the importance of informed consent and open communication in ethical health care. By focusing on educating patients, increasing transparency, and utilizing technology, we can establish well-informed and empowered dental health care.
(input from various media sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Abhilasha Manker/MSM)
