Being restrained at routine exam

Is it appropriate or would it be honored if I requested the dentist to restrain me in some way or used a little more force when cleaning my teeth. Like a hand around my jaw to force it open or being upset at my gingivitis (I don't take the best care of my teeth and would like to be punished-nonsexually).

Speaking as the daughter-in-law of a periodontist and oral pathologist who have been in practice for over 40 years each . . . .

-- N O --

They might also throw you out of the practice.

They are not going to change the way they manage their patients. You could probably find a dentist who is more heavy handed than others, but that's going to be a tough order to fill because practitioners want to have a light enough hand to not be uncomfortable to their patients, and they balance that against having such a light hand that the patient doesn't feel secure with their hand positions and finger rests while they are using sharp instruments in your mouth.

As far as punishment is concerned for being a slob and not taking care of your teeth and gums, they might charge you a higher fee--maybe double--if they thought they were going to have more work to get you cleaned up. My father-in-law does that. They are not going to wrestle with you to keep your mouth open unless you have a specific area that's sensitive and you involuntarily start to close, in which case, they will offer you a bite block to rest your teeth against and/or local anesthesia that they will charge you for using.

Seriously, did you think you would get a different answer?

No. They will likely tell you what the natural consequences of your choices may be and leave it to you to figure out what you prefer. Their job is to take care of your teeth not be a fetish delivery service.

Sounds like a great request for a play exam! But not going to be okay in a real clinical setting, obviously.

At a routine exam, this is not common or even professional. The office probably isn’t equipped to even restrain a patient. However, I have been and seen others restrained at an oral surgeon’s office.

Can’t see any dentist doing this to a patient

Never been restrained at dentist or orthodontist but oral surgeon has straps on their chair, assuming they’ll be used for wisdom teeth this summer.

Not going to happen outside of a surgical dental procedure (restraints), or play setting (punitive and restraints). They don't WANT to hurt you, they want to help you. My hygienist is very gentle with me as well.

A bit of a story on that (sorry for hijacking)

Years and years ago, when I went in for my wisdom teeth removal under sedation, I had to MAKE the orthodontist tie my arm down with the IV in it (once placed), citing back/spinal issues causing some arm movement, etc (My arm would have fallen off the armrest). He was apprehensive until I was firm about it having me rip the line out. So, he very considerately and gently strapped it to the chair and gave me a soft pat and look, almost like he felt like it was cruel, but did so understandingly.. and only because it was going to help me, vs hurting me. He was good about the needle placement too, NO bruising.. NONE. Didn't even fell it either. If I ever need that kind of dental work again.. going back to him. Very very kind man and staff.

I told him I was easily nauseous with drugs, and the SECOND he saw I was having some trouble when the meds went in, he kept sticking vial after vial after vial of anti-nausea meds into that line, until I relaxed, and felt better. It took 5 vials to stop the nausea. Surgery went extremely well, and he nearly carried me to the car with my dad, making sure I was safe. Very delicate, and very considerate in the post-op visit (or two?) as well. Was surprised I'd healed so fast.

One time I went in for an EEG and they wanted to see what it was like when I was having a seizure well after about 30 45 minutes I wouldn't lay down on the table anymore so they restrained me

Can’t say it’s ever happened to me. though when I had a foot procedure done a restraint would have been nice to keep me from moving it.