Those Awful Dental Visits

I am back again with two questions for you, as a former hygienist:

Do you think it's out of line to ask that the chair not be tipped fully back? (I know it makes the dental staff's work a little harder, but...)

Do you think it would be out of line to ask that the dentist not use that tooth brace (whatever it's called) that gets wedged into the mouth, holds it open and covers the tongue?

I realize it is up to the individual dentist to decide what they are willing to do, but your opinion regarding even asking about these things would be appreciated. Thanks again!

Thanks much.

I asked my dental hygienist to not lay me back. She immediately said " I can put you back to your comfort zone and stop there. I don't mind standing at all"
I'm sure your hygienist would do the same.

This is a very good discussion. I have had extensive dental work done for years during my teaching career. I have had MAC, Aspergillosis fumagatos, RSV, the flu- you name it - my lungs have had plenty of abuse. My dentist has always been wonderful about not tipping the chair back too far for anyone with lung issues. My husband has sarcoid, working with a partially collapsed lung, and a big belly so lying flat is definitely a problem. I think being tipped back has become a problem for many patients and any dentist worth his salt should understand and “modify and adjust” as we used to say in teaching. People in medical and teaching professions need to know their patients/clients. I will add that another issue of lying flat for long periods of time that has come to my attention is having an MRI. I couldn’t last in that position for thirty minutes a few years back, and the MRI was stopped. It was not a pretty scenario, and I wrote a letter to the hospital. Since then I have had other MRI’s that have gone better with the educating of whomever is doing the procedure. I know I ruffled some feathers at the time which is so not like me, but gee whiz when you’re literally choking to death on your phlegm and nobody’s paying attention, that’s a problem!! If a dentist won’t modify and adjust for the patient then it is time to find a new dentist! We all need to learn to advocate for ourselves. Sometimes that’s hard to do. Advocating for ourselves doesn’t have to be mean or nasty. Speaking honestly and calmly about our needs should be enough. Irene5

What about the water you’re being exposed to?

What are you thinking in regards to the water?

@zscline - I have established myself with a dentist and hygienist who now knows my protocol. I have CF as well as bronchiectasis. I cannot lay flat back or I will cough up mucus so they put me back as far as my comfort level will allow. If I start coughing, they bring me up some. I have the hygienist clean my teeth the old way, manually, so no water except to rinse when needed and that gets all sucked out. They know I will take extra time for manual cleaning. I stay with the same hygienist every time so I don't have to explain everything each time. So far, so good. It's important to ask for what you need/want. @lindam272

The NTM

Six month cleaning today. All went well. I made sure to do extra huff coughing before visit. Scaling is done "old fashioned way" and not with water spray. I try to make their job as easy as possible by taking as good care of my teeth as possible in-between visits. I used their rinse cup mixed with water and mouth wash. No swallowing so I believe safe from possible germ/bacteria. Hygienist told me that most dentist offices have weighted blankets to calm jittery nerves. I thought that was interesting!

That’s really funny . Jittery nerves! Yes probably the weighted blankets are used for children with autism or sensory issues which is a great idea. For people like us it’s more about not wanting to be infected with bacteria from their water supply and being proactive.