teeth and the dentist
 

How do you guys get your teeth cleaned? by me just flossing my mouth is raw and blooddy.....I have an appt july 7th for the dentist and they know about rsd and are goign to be extra cautious... but have you guys taken a xanex, or anything before to help??

Dentistry really depends on the situation. It is very important that the dentist be aware of your CRPS, and has had some experience with treating other patients. My dentist was well aware of CRPS, but hadn't had any patients with it. So together, we embarked on an "education" for him with some other dentist friends of his who did have experience.

Most "cleanings" are well tolerated, but that depends on the condition your teeth and gums are in.

In the case of an extraction or a root canal, use an oral surgeon ONLY ,and have a thorough discussion of what should be done to minimize the risk of any issues.

If you are anxious about the procedure, something to calm you down is not a bad idea.

The bottom line in my opinion is that you should not pass on routine dental work just because you have CRPS!. That is a bad strategy. Having to have a root canal or extraction due to poor routine care would be much more painful both to you and your pocketbook and riskier from a CRPS standpoint.

Keep seeing that dentist!

Hi Hannah1234,
I hear your woes about the dentist. I've had alot of problems in the last year especially. Dr. S told me a few weeks ago that having dental problems is part of rsd because blood flow is not getting up into your head...thus that is why we have so much mouth pain and dental problems (great). I find the day before the dentist I take a small dose of antibiotic for only three days or so and right after coming home from there I immediately put an ice pack that has cloth around it in all areas of my mouth and take a Tylenol. It seems to reduce the pain in my mouth. I still have pain for a few weeks (even with just a cleaning) but at least the pain is not as severe as it used to be. Good luck with the dentist. I think trying (I know it is tough) to keep positive before, during, and after the appt is helpful too. Look at it as you are improving your health.
Take care,
kathy d

Birchlake: What kind of thing to calm me down? I am really interested in it. The dentist wont perscribe anything as it is my first time going to them. xanex? I have no idea what to even take... what did you take? Because then I can ask my pain dr, or general doc to perscribe one pill for me to take before. Am I making any sense?

I was referred to her by my rsd doc.... and they are aware and alloted 2 hours instead of an hour and 15 minutes usually. I am really nervous. Just scared for whats going to happen after. I am going to talk to my dr about how to see the dentist and stuff, but still, lots of anxiety from my wisdom teeth fiasco. And from wisdom teeth I have rsd in the left side of my mouth--which makes it all worse. BIG SIGH. okay. I will get through it. I have over a month to prepare myself for it and get my rsd to the best that it can be, who knows maybe my doctor will do a block for me.

Kathy: Thanks! I am looking at it that way too. I would rather get regular cleanings and not have to get root canals or even cavities. OHHH hey do you guys know if silver fillings cause your teeth to rot? I was told that by some dentists and told opposite by others... I am going to take antibiotics for sure- thanks for bringing that idea up.

I am just wondering what kind of pill you guys take if any for the anxiety during and after.

Well I just had my cleaning last month but have had multiple cleanings because I have rsd for 4 years. I am also under orthodontic care. This time though after my cleaning I had a cavity so had to get a filling which made me anxious. I am not nervous of the dentist but of the rsd. I informed my dentist I have rsd. Not only did I inform I explained the condition how though it is not in my mouth it can spread there and extra care needs to be taken. Some doctors or dentists say they know about rsd but they don't so important to tell them. It is good though this was refered by your pain doc but I still would tell the dentist. I am ok in the mouth area since having it.
FOr you though I cna understand since rsd is in your mouth. I would call your pain doctor and talk to him pre dentist apt.
In terms of meds for you I am not sure. Could you also bring some ear phones for music? Maybe they can give you laughing gas? I know those don't keep the rsd at bay but I am talking about for the inner anxiety.
Hang in there.

Someone else may be able to tell you more....but, I've read several places about RSD & dentistry. One thing that stands out is oral injections. They can contain epinephrine. You must tell your dentist that you cannot have it. There are other options to it. Hope others have more info for you & everything goes well!! I need to go myself but have been putting it off.

Why is epinephrine contraindicated for dental work and crps?

I just had my teeth cleaned. I called before my appt and informed my dentist and the hygienist about my recent diagnosis so they would have the opportunity to look up the info on it. Thankfully I did not have any cavities. The hygienist was kind and we chatted about it before she started and she was more careful than she would normally be. All went well and I tolerated it just fine...thank goodness.
I too am interested in the epinepherine and dental work thing...I think I will ask my brother and FIL who are both dentists out of state.

J

Hi Hannah1234,
Glad I could try and give you suggestions. The dentist is not a fun time for sure but then neither is rsd haha. I do know that silver fillings release metal toxins into your body and after many years like I have had them they can leak into your bloodstream. So alot of doctors want them to be taken out and changed with the white filling which are not covered in most dental plans so you may have to pay the difference for them.

My dentist uses two different types of drills. One is quieter and not as strong with vibrations and the other one is horrible and I can't even stand it when he turns it on. So, I try to let him know I don't like the louder one. He said it makes cleaning the decay out easier but for me it makes me worse. It causes more vibrations and burning pain in me. Don't be afraid to speak up and tell your dentist (or anyone else) what you need and don't need for them to do to make your life easier. You are the consumer and should be as comfortable as possible esp with rsd. It is such a juggling act all the time.

Ballerina mentioned above about the epinephrine and I know my dentist told me before that they use that for all their patients but he does not use it for me. I am sooo sensitive to touch/cold/sound/etc. I believe he said it works like an enhancer for the numbing pain to work faster or longer I can't remember which one it is.

Also, the doctors use both fast-acting and slow-acting novacaine or a mixture of both. He still uses needles which hurt me for days but he and his staff accomodate me all the time (and he takes payments). For whatever reason I cannot use the fast-acting one because it causes my ears to clog up, I get dizzy lying flat, and I feel like I am going to faint. The medicine is called Mepivicaine 3%. I used it many years and then in the last year I started having a reaction to it. I had a pain patch and thought it reacted to that but I've been off of it and still have the reaction so it is just not good for me to use.

I think it is also important for me to get a really good night's sleep (or at least try) the night before any dental appts (as with anything) and I try to schedule it when my pain is usually lower (mornings are not good for me at all). You have to do whatever keeps you relaxed...if you need Xanax, Tylenol, etc. use what you need. Best of luck to you and let us know how you make out with your dental visit. Hope some things will help you.
kathy d

Thank you thank you thank you. I think I am going to go for the xanax... I have never taken it but I heard it helps relax me. I can barely even floss my teeth because the rsd is in my mouth...

Thank you guys so much. My appt is july 7th, and I will let you know what my doctor says when i see him in 2 weeks and how the appt goes. It just scares me.

Hi Hannah123,
Just remember to maybe try out the Xanax before going to the dentist to see what dosage works for you. You still have to walk to his office and get back home so you don't want to be too sedated. Since you never took it before it could really zonk you out. Just a thought. Don't be scared. Be confident and strong. You have to beat the rsd and not the other way around;.> I completely understand about the flossing...I have been lightly flossing and part of my tooth just sheared off. Crazy stuff. The things we have to do. I have full body rsd and have it in my mouth/jaw too and I have constant pain along with the rsd pain too. agggg! Best of luck. You will do wonderfully!!!
kathy d

I can relate to feeling scared. I really feel for you because of the rsd in the mouth. I know when I have an apt with my rsd areas it scares me cause I can't handle any touch. I try to self talk and I always speak up for myself now to do doctors and am not pushed into anything.
I agree with the others about trying xanax before. Think of us your neurotalk family during your apt. We are thinking of you and you will get through this. Deep breaths,positive thinking,calming thoughts,and a little xanax.
Sending warm thoughts

Amen to what Daniella said. I agree wholeheartedly! I also thought of something for anyone that has sensitive teeth. There is a toothpaste called "Sensodyne" that I use faithfully because it does lessen tooth sensitivity. You can get it at any grocery store or anywhere toothpaste is sold. It really does help with sensitivity. I ran out of it last year and only used regular toothpaste for a few days but boy did I feel the difference. Best of luck to all,
kathy d

Funny Kathy, the TV is on as I answer your post and guess what ?? A commercial for sensodyne toothpaste was on...I have RSD in my mouth/lower right jaw...along with my whole body RSD also...I find that when I talk, I talked protective of my jaw.... Looks kinda funny and I never intentionally thought I shaped my mouth like that...UGH...The fun never ends Huh???


Hugz all,

Kathy:grouphug:

You guys are the best ever
 

you guys are the best ever. Makes me feel so much better. I am going to try the xanax at home before to see how much I should take before my appt. It brought a huge smile to my heart to see all the replies... I sincerely appreciate it from the bottom of my heart to all of you guys. Its the ONE doctor that scares me... I could have my back cut open and be fine with it, but the dentist... oi its terrifying for me. Its made it easier knowing I have people who have my back and dont just tell me suck it up everything will be fine dont think the worst.... Because we have to prepare ourselves for anything to come, because ANYTHING can come. I am going to continue to reread these posts to boost my confidence whenever I need and am feeling scared again.

Bless all of your hearts for helping me! And I will let you guys know how it goes and what my pain dr says about going to the dentist, and how the actual dentist appointment goes. I am more mentally prepared for it than I was before... Thanks to you guys... my family. :Heart:

Mental preparation and confidence is important for any procedure when you have CRPS!

Show em who is boss!!!

Good luck; you will do fine!

Everything is a juggling act and we have to plan for all of it. Most people don't have a clue what we go through in order to accomplish one thing. Just keep the humor and prepare for the battle each day and you will be fine. Glad we could all be here for each other. It does help alot. People here really do understand...now if we could just change the rest of the world...
Take care,
kathy d

Dear Hannah1234,
I was just looking at the other rsd web sites I check out and their was one on dentistry and I thought of you right away. Check out www.rsds.org and look on the left side under "treatments" section and click on that. Then go down the page until you see the heading "CRPS and Dentistry." There are about five articles there. Some may pertain to you and others may not but I thought it would be interesting for you to read and may alleviate your worries. Hope it helps.
Take care,
kathy d

Kathy.....that is very good information and some VERY good articles written by dental professionals on CRPS. Hannah I'm sure will be reading them. Good read for everyone concerned about CRPS and dentistry!!

I'm having a filling today so will let you know how it goes. :)

My teeth have been terrible since having RSD. Chip easily etc. I had to have a root canal last year and it was torture. Hurt a lot and no amount of numbing cream and injections would stop it from hurting! Sure hope that isn't the case today! :rolleyes: My PM Doctor later told me that RSD'ers often need more numbing injections as they don't seem to numb up as well as 'normal patients'.

Before going to the dentist i've been told to take Ibuprofen to try and prevent any inflammation etc.

Good to know your dentist knows about RSD, mine does too so it's been a great help. :)

Best of luck to you!

Alison x

Ali: Let me know how it goes. My dr gave me valium to take before not for pain but just to chill me out during it because I had such a horrific nightmare when I had my wisdom teeth out last time that I have anxiety when I think about having anyone go inside my mouth... :) I hope and pray it went well!!!

Sorry for the late reply Hannah, i've been busy with school and exams. My final one is tomorrow so i'm happy about that :D! I'll get a break until September when I start college! :)

I had the filling a week ago (last Thursday). Like when I had the root canal, it took a LOT of time for my dentist to get the gum to numb like it should do. I think I had about 4 injections of numbing agent before it went really numb! My dentist already knew it would properly take a while to take effect because of my RSD so thankfully was OK with it! :)

The procedure itself went OK, took about 20 mins all in all. I had a little bit of pain during it but nothing too bad.

I had swelling and pain around the tooth for a good few hours but it settled down as each day went by. It now doesn't hurt at all i'm glad to say :)!

I did take pain medications before the procedure (Tramadol and anti-inflammeteries) so would definiately recommend taking those for yourself also.

Best of luck to you! :)