Pediatric Dentistry of Mullica Hill — Local services in Harrison Township

I recently brought my child to this practice for a simple procedure, and I was extremely disappointed with how they handled sedation options. Despite clearly stating that we did not want nitrous oxide (laughing gas), the staff repeatedly attempted to convince us otherwise, pushing for its use even after we declined.

For your reference and so you can make an informed decision:

Nitrous oxide (N₂O), commonly known as “laughing gas,” is frequently used in pediatric dentistry to alleviate anxiety and discomfort during procedures. While generally considered safe, it’s essential for parents to be informed about potential side effects and risks associated with its use in children.

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Short-Term Side Effects

Most children tolerate nitrous oxide well; however, some may experience mild and transient side effects, including: •   Nausea or vomiting •   Dizziness or lightheadedness •   Fatigue or drowsiness •   Shivering or excessive sweating •   Disorientation or irritability

These effects typically subside quickly once the administration of nitrous oxide ceases and oxygen is provided to flush out the remaining gas . 

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Long-Term Risks and Considerations

While rare, prolonged or inappropriate use of nitrous oxide can lead to more serious complications: •   Vitamin B12 Inactivation: Nitrous oxide can inactivate vitamin B12, potentially leading to neurological issues such as numbness, tingling, or balance problems, especially in individuals with pre-existing B12 deficiencies .  •   Neurological Effects: Chronic exposure has been linked to neuropsychiatric symptoms, including memory loss and limb spasms, though such cases are exceedingly uncommon in standard dental practices . 

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Contraindications

Nitrous oxide may not be suitable for all children. Contraindications include: •   Respiratory conditions: Children with severe asthma or other significant respiratory issues may be at increased risk. •   Vitamin B12 deficiency: As mentioned, nitrous oxide can exacerbate this condition. •   Certain psychiatric disorders: Children with specific mental health conditions may require alternative sedation methods.

It’s crucial to provide a comprehensive medical history to the dental provider to assess the suitability of nitrous oxide for your child .

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Informed Consent and Cost Transparency

Prior to administering nitrous oxide, dental professionals should obtain informed consent, discussing potential risks, benefits, and alternatives. Additionally, any associated costs should be transparently communicated to avoid unexpected charges. 

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Conclusion

While nitrous oxide is a valuable tool in pediatric dentistry for managing anxiety and discomfort, awareness of its potential side effects and contraindications is essential. Engaging in open dialogue with your child’s dental provider ensures informed decision-making and optimal care.

• Thanks for your “thoughtful” reply. If you truly wanted to resolve my concerns, you could have reached out directly or requested I contact you to share my concerns. My review wasn’t an attempt to harm your business but to inform other parents of my experience.

You emphasize your “years of experience,” but that doesn’t replace clear, honest communication. Did you inform me of the risks of nitrous oxide, its contraindications, or the extra cost before pushing it on my child? No, you did not.

Instead of addressing this, you chose to defend your practice and dismiss my concerns. Transparency and respect for parents’ decisions are key to...

Before writing my review, I decide to read all of the clients who took the time to write about their Negative experience at Pediatric Dentistry of Mullica Hill. What stood out to me was that the office staff replied to each of these comments with what I would call a fake apology, then they immediately defended themselves and placed the blame back onto the patient (a child) or their parents.

My complaint is that this office will allow you to keep coming back and placing what I call bandaids on your child’s teeth to “nickel and dime” you. Unknowingly, I allowed this for a while, before I began to catch on. My daughter went in for fillings, only to begin to complain about pain on a tooth that this practice previously filled. I would call and make an appointment to have it checked and they would say the filling chipped or came out and they need to replace the filling. This happen multiple times. The final time this happened, I vowed to never go back there and found a new dentist that day.

In finding a new dentist, I found that it is practice to sit with the patients and their parents and show them the X-rays and what tooth you plan to work on, the options, procedures and cost. We never once sat with someone at Pediatric Dentistry of Mullica Hill who showed us X-rays or even explained billing anywhere but the checkout counter. They want you in and out to make as much money as possible.

I am writing my complaint on google because I did not want to pay for the last visit bill to Pediatric Dentistry of Mullica Hill. It is a small bill but it is the principle. I have since paid this small bill, but I want my negative experience to be heard. My daughter was in pain, so I called her dentist to have them examine where the pain was coming from and provide a solution. They told my husband her pain was coming from a previous filled tooth that had chipped, even though they denied that today. Today Jocelyn claimed it was a different tooth and stated “I wouldn’t lie”. When I told them how I felt to no surprise everyone was rude and defensive. Jocelyn told me “she could not remove the claim, she would not commit insurance fraud” 🙄. No, Jocelyn, I never conspired to commit insurance fraud, but thank you for gaslighting me. I was asking for your bosses practice to take some accountability. Have some curiosity when you have a dissatisfied client, instead of defaulting to...

My 4-year-old son had his first dentist visit here on 9/1/22. We prepared my son by explaining the process ahead of time and reading books about the dentist so he went in eager and prepared. Unfortunately, all the prep in the world could not prepare him for how horrible this dentist was.

My son was a little scared when the dentist came in (because he did not like the toothpaste the hygienist used) and the dentist had ZERO patience for my child. Instead of giving my child a few minutes to calm down and compose himself, he YELLED at him, pointed his fingers in my child’s face, and grabbed my child’s wrists (trying to pry his hands off his face). His exact words were “YOU ARE 5 YEARS OLD, THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR” And this was yelled at him about 5 inches from his face while the dentist pointed his finger at his face. My child had fear in his eyes when the dentist yelled at him.

My son is actually only 4 years old and this was his first appointment at the dentist. It was totally acceptable and developmentally appropriate for him to be apprehensive about a strange man touching his teeth. What was UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR was a dentist YELLING at a 4-year-old for having feelings. I also find it a little ridiculous that the dentist expected my 4-year-old to regulate his emotions, when he was a grown adult who couldn’t regulate his own. This office also encourages children to be independent and go back to their appointments alone. I can’t imagine what would have happened if my husband and I were not in the room.

The appropriate response to a small child who is having some difficulties would be to give him some space to calm down. Instead he was overstimulated, yelled at, and bribed with a “prize” if he did exactly as the dentist said. Apparently, he wasn’t deserving of that “prize” because he never received it. Instead he received a fear of dentists that we will have to unlearn while finding a new dentist that has some compassion for their patients.

As someone who works in the field of childhood trauma, I recommend this dentist take some time to learn about child development and appropriate behaviors. If he only wants patients who are going to be easy, maybe he should work with adults instead. Although he is proof that some adults also can’t seem to handle their own emotions.

I will NEVER take my child to this dentist again and I urge you...