any advice for a dentist visit

[Jennifer51]

I have a dental check up next week and am a little concerned about it. The last time I went I was almost normal. Now, I have severe drooling, spastic tongue, cant open my mouth much, severe jaw clamping, cant rinse my mouth very well, and gag reflex...not to mention how I am going to get in his chair, which I am sure will be the least of my problems. He is aware of my condition but I dont know if he has come across it before. Any hints or tips on how you all manage.

[brendapals]

hey Jen,
I, too, have an upcoming dental appt. I was there about 6 months ago, and told my dentist's "girls" about the drooling, can't open my mouth very wide, etc, etc

They were fantastic! I think they used that suction thing more than ever on me. I don't have any other advice, other than to let the assistants know, and maybe "break the ice" for them?

Wishing you a great check=up! Let us know how it went
take good care,
brenda

[Al]

I stay in my wheelchair for my cleaning and check up. I haven't had any fillings since dx (touch wood). I can't be reclined (breathing issues) so they work on me sitting straight. Awkward for them but I've been going there 25 years and we've progressed together. They even moved the big x-ray booth chair out so I could back my chair in for films. I don't have any bulbar symptoms yet? so it's somewhat different but they should accommodate you if you let them know beforehand.

AL.

[GlenBrittle]

Hey Jennifer,

Brenda has it right . Tell them straight up what issues you are having and they should be able to accomodate.

I was recently at the dentist , had some filling re-done. Told them about the drooling and gagging. The visit went very well.

Glen

[rose]

Jennifer,

Maybe ask if you can have breaks so that your mouth only has to be open for short bursts of time? Let your dentist know that you would like to keep your mouth closed as much as possible. It should help with jaw spasms during and after your appointment.

~ once again I'm kind of glad for a lack of a gag reflex and the dry mouth... not overly glad, mind you, just a smidgen ;-)

[BethU]

Jennifer ... I agree with the others. Make sure they understand everything that's going on in your mouth. And maybe develop a hand signal to let them know if you are having discomfort.

I'd been seeing my dentist for 15 or 20 years, and told him about my gag reflex when it was at its worst, and skipped a check-up. Now that my gag reflex is gone, I contacted them for an appointment, and my dentist consulted with me in his office, then recommended I see another dentist from now on! He had all sorts of "reasons" for this, but basically I figured he just had no interest in dealing with someone with ALS.

Which is OK. I'm glad he let me know in advance that he was uncomfortable about it. The last thing I need is a nervous dentist poking around in my mouth, like my poor mouth hasn't suffered enough. And he did refer me to someone else.

[kylisa]

Gosh, I missed this post. In case anyone else has an issue with the dentist, I will tell about my mother's visit to the dentist for pulling a tooth. We made the appointment and explained the situation to the dentist and his staff. They had never dealt with an ALS patient before. They agreed to do the best they could. On the day of the visit, the dentist did all of her work while she remained in her wheelchair. He was a bit uncomfortable with doing it that way but, he was able to set that aside for the good of the patient. Everything went well and she never left her wheelchair until the ride home.

[Senegal]

Hello all,
Once again just a quick note of appreciation for the sharing.
I'm in the midst of switching dentists...more convenient location. I was nervous, but consideraably less so now. I'll share how everything goes.

[BarryG]

My dentist (who I have been going to for at least ten years) isn't really interesting in seeing me anymore. The last appointment he didn't even look at me and just had the hygienist clean my teeth and send me on my way. He probably finally read the medical form that I filled out. Oh well, now that I brush my teeth and mouth about FOURTEEN TIMES A DAY :shock: he can afford to not have me as a patient.