Anyone have their teeth whitened?

fairy2323 · 03-14-2007, 01:16 AM

I went to the dentist today to have my teeth whitened. While applying the whitener with the syringe, the syringe exploded! The whitener got into my gums, lips, and toungue. It bubbled and burned like acid and by the time I left the dentist, my lips were swollen like balloons. My mouth is still swollen and burning and now I am getting random, excruciating shooting pains in my teeth! I tried to get to a Dr but they were closed. I am so scared that my teeth are ruined for good! I am afraid to open my mouth or have anything to eat or drink because I am in so much pain. I don't know what to do. I heard of increased sensitivity after whitening, but I thought that was just with hot and cold- not randomly. Will this ever go away? What can I do? Did anyone else have tooth pain after the procedure?

Wendy M. · 03-14-2007, 01:22 AM

Does that dentist office have a after hours phone number or message center where you can get in contact with the dentist or have the dentist call you back? It sounds like you need to talk to the dentist and see what he suggests you do. That is just awful you have to go through all of that pain because of what happened. But, I know it is not normal to have your gums and lips all swallon up like that after getting them whitened. What did the dentist say or do when the syringe exploded into your mouth and got all over your gums and lips like that???

fairy2323 · 03-14-2007, 04:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wendy M.

What did the dentist say or do when the syringe exploded into your mouth and got all over your gums and lips like that???

He actually acted irritated! Like he was annoyed. Then he just took his sweet time getting A cotton swab to wipe some off. Then he just started the procedure again. At this point is was burning like the fires of h*ll and I was trying to get his attention and he was ignoring me. At that point the hygenist noticed that I was in pain and she then tried to get some more of the stuff out with a cotton ball. Then the dentist got annoyed with her cuz she was getting in his way!! When the torture was finally over, they had the NERVE to charge me FULL PRICE. My mouth was so swollen and in pain that I couldn't talk to argue and I just didnt have the energy to do it so I paid and left. Meanwhile my lips are still huge and I'm in pain. I'm starving and thirsty, but afraid to eat because these shooting pains are the worst pains I have ever felt in my life and I don't want to do anything to bring one on. I found the following website if any one is thinking of having the procedure, please take a look at this and think again. I wish I had seen this before I had it done. http://www.rebeccablood.net/archive/...g_caution.html

*Shellie_Star* · 03-14-2007, 08:43 AM

This sound just awful! Sorry to her you went through this. Can you get abnother dentist in the practice to check it out for you? I think I'd say beforehand that I'm not willing to pay as my teeth were perfectly fine before their other dentist 'happened' to them

I enquired about getting mine done a couple of weeks back and asked about pain etc., and the denist said it'd probably feel extra sensitive during the procedure, she likened it to eating ice cream on a sensitive tooth whilst they were putting the stuff one but she said that should be all.

Maybe you should take photos of your mouth as proof just in case you wanted to take the matter further?

I really hope you feel better soon.

x

februarystar · 03-14-2007, 08:57 AM

A friend of mine who is currently in her last year of a dental degree (and whose father is a dentist too) has her teeth whitened regulary (why wouldn't you when its free!) She has a fair amount of pain from sensitivity for about a week after getting it done. She has the hot and cold sensitivity but has also complained about her teeth aching constantly for the first few days. So it quite possibly depends on the individual.
However, if your dentist was unwilling to hear your concerns, either during the procedure or afterwards, I think you should take this to a 'higher power'. Do you have a dental board? Or some organisation they need to register with in order to practise? They would be the best people to direct anything to if you dentist is not co-operating.

Wendy M. · 03-14-2007, 12:06 PM

I was just wondering if your feeling any better today and if the swelling went down? Have you gotten a hold of the dentist or someone in there office yet? I really hope your doing a little better today. Keep us updated!

KatCarney · 03-14-2007, 02:34 PM

I went to a very reputable dentist in Atlanat to have the Zoom procedure done, and while nothing 'exploded', the gel burned my lips so badly that they had to stop the procedure (and I'm rarely sensitive to anything).

My mouth was VERY badly burned, and my lips were so swollen, that I couldn't go to work for about 5 days. (I looked like I had been born with a very severe birth defect.)

When friends and family saw me, after they got over their shock, they asked, "Are you going to sue?" (yes, it was THAT bad.)

Danusmom · 03-14-2007, 04:08 PM

fairy2323, I pray you are feeling better. If not, PLEASE go directly to an urgent care facility if your own doctor/dermatologist is not available. Also, PLEASE write down a detail accounting of what transpired. Then contact the ADA (American Dental Association) & BBB. If you don't get any satisfaction from either of them, contact a personal injury attorney.

fairy2323 · 03-14-2007, 04:16 PM

Hi ladies. Thanks for the responses. My lips are still just as swollen today and it feels like I've developed some blisters in my mouth as well. I can't really see it though because my lips are too swollen to be pulled back. I've decided that I don't want to even call that dentist as I don't trust them, but I do have an appt. with my doctor in a couple of hours. I'll let you know how it goes.

KatCarney · 03-14-2007, 04:40 PM

Fairy, I ended up having to take benadryl to get my swelling to even 'start' to subside. The burns in my mouth took over a week to get to the point where I didn't wince from the pain.

You did the right thing by calling the doctor. I had to call mine, too.

Wendy M. · 03-14-2007, 07:52 PM

That is just awful!!! I know I was looking into it last year but it was $400.00 for top and bottom...at the time I didn't have the money to spend that much to do it, after reading this I am sooo glad I never did. I think I will stick with Crest Whitestrips. Can you tell if it really made a difference and made your teeth alot whiter...I guess you might not be able to tell right now since your mouth is in so much pain. Gosh, that sounds awful and painful! Let us know how it goes when you get back.

fairy2323 · 03-15-2007, 03:55 PM

I went to the Dr yesterday and they said that I have 2nd and 3rd degree chemical burns in my mouth and sent me home with some pretty heavy pain killers. I've developed numbness in some spots and although the swelling has went down a lot (if you didn't know what I normally look like, you might just think I had some big lips right now) it is still very painful. She also gave me a refferal to another dentist to further asses the situation and make sure that there is not permanent damage. So I am going to see him today.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wendy M.

Can you tell if it really made a difference and made your teeth alot whiter...I guess you might not be able to tell right now since your mouth is in so much pain. Gosh, that sounds awful and painful! Let us know how it goes when you get back.

The really sad thing is that after all this, no, my teeth aren't that much whiter at all. I think I probably could have acheived better results with an at home product. I wondered if it was just me that thought this so I asked my roommate to be honest and she agreed that my teeth are not any whiter or only slightly whiter than they were before. Def. not worth it.

KatCarney · 03-15-2007, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fairy2323

The really sad thing is that after all this, no, my teeth aren't that much whiter at all.

Mine weren't either. Hope your burns heal soon. I TOTALLY feel your pain.

You couldn't PAY me to have that type whitening procedure again. One of the worst decisions I've ever made.

fairy2323 · 03-15-2007, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KatCarney

You couldn't PAY me to have that type whitening procedure again. One of the worst decisions I've ever made.

DITTO!!!!!

Danusmom · 03-15-2007, 06:56 PM

I'm so glad you sought medical attention. Please do notify the ADA with a detailed account of what you went through with the other dentist. Obviously the ADA needs 1) the ADA needs to recommend a safer product, 2) to be informed of the unethical conduct of this dentist, & 3) to be aware of the extent of your injuries -->therefore, attach the results of your visit to your physician. I would also send "cc's" to your state's licensing board for dentists (this has been turned over to our AG in our state), the BBB, the AG for your state (if they don't over see the license of dentists), & any consumer protection advocay group in your area (this also has been moved to our state's AG's office).

Additionally, I would send a bill to the dentist for any out-of-pocket costs you encountered with your visit to your physician. If the dentist doesn't reimburse you, I would take all pertinent info to an attorney who specializes in malpractice.

The above is what I would do. Obviously, the choice of action is up to you. I'm just glad you are taking action for your health at this point.

Hope you are feeling better soon!