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Dental cleanings

Posted by jill6063 @jill6063, May 15 3:52pm

I have Bronchiectasis and MAC and am super careful with my drinking water. One question I have is what have you all done regarding dental cleanings? I have read that the dental equipment (tubing etc.) is infected with biofilms harboring all kinds of bacteria. My dentist says they use distilled water, but I have read studies show that this does nothing to kill, eliminate or reduce bacteria. What are you all doing to stay safe in this regard? Thank you in advance for any thoughts and guidance!

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happy2023 | @happy2023 | May 27 2:19pm

I recently visited a new dentist for a second opinion and for 2 fillings. I have BE and Pseudomonas. They accommodated me by not reclining the chair completely. I had to sit up and cough throughout the treatment.
Imagine. when finished, the dentist said to his assistant add such and such a code to her insurance.
When I said I don't have dental insurance, he said to his assistant "add $50 to her bill today".
This is an ongoing learning curve for someone with a little understood lung disease by much of the medical/dental profession.

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irene5 Irene Estes | @irene5 | May 28 7:06am
In reply to @happy2023 "I recently visited a new dentist for a second opinion and for 2 fillings. I have..." + (show)
@happy2023

I recently visited a new dentist for a second opinion and for 2 fillings. I have BE and Pseudomonas. They accommodated me by not reclining the chair completely. I had to sit up and cough throughout the treatment.
Imagine. when finished, the dentist said to his assistant add such and such a code to her insurance.
When I said I don't have dental insurance, he said to his assistant "add $50 to her bill today".
This is an ongoing learning curve for someone with a little understood lung disease by much of the medical/dental profession.

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@happy2023 You need to get yourself a new dentist young lady!! That is disgusting!! And I don’t usually say things like that. And to say to the hygienist they are charging $50 more ( and for what - accommodating you?). God bless America! What/who are they there for? You - the client ( patient). Apparently they forgot that!! Please find a new dentist!! Life is too short for that nonsense!! Irene5

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busybeans | @busybeans | May 28 11:41am

I couldn't agree more! I have a wonderful dentist who is more than willing to accommodate me. I do my part by making sure I've done my breathing treatment well before I go, and he does his part by reclining the chair just far enough to keep me from coughing. Never - since diagnosed in 2011 - has he ever charged me extra. (And I don't have dental insurance either.)

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reneemc | @reneemc | May 28 4:04pm

I bring my own water and they only use hand tools

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jnmy | @jnmy | May 29 10:08am

I’ll chime in too. The treatment you received at that dental clinic was unprofessional and clearly care is only geared to those with uncomplicated issues. It’s totally profit driven. Have a chronic health concern and they don’t have the patience or compassion to deal with you. Despicable care and they call dental care, health care.
I hope you can find a caring dentist that can provide these easy accommodations and not overcharge you as a result. Ask your family, friends and neighbours for referrals. Sorry you received that kind of response.

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