going to the dentist

[Guest guest]

I had my teeth cleaned at the dentist about 3 months after revision surgery and I did fine. I was wearing a brace and I just had to re-position myself several times during the cleaning.

From: Caren Koslov <ckoslov@...>Subject: [ ] Going to the Dentist"Flatback List" < >Date: Thursday, July 31, 2008, 5:09 PM

Hi everyone,This is going to sound dumb, but I'm getting closer to my surgery and I juststarted an emergency root canal. How long was it after surgery that any ofyou were able to sit in a dentist's chair? Sorry, but I'm thinkingahead....Caren

[Guest guest]

I would think sitting in a dentist's chair would actually be

comfortable post-op since it is mostly in a reclining position. I

would give yourself 6-8 weeks post-op before planning a dental

visit. Also, check with your surgeon and dentist because I've heard

that those of us with spinal implants are supposed to take

antiobiotics prior to any dental work. I once had my family

practitioner tell me that, although over 30+ years with Harrington

rods, I never did that. However, if you are planning dental work

around your surgery, you might want to check with your surgeon.

Donna

>

> Hi everyone,

> This is going to sound dumb, but I'm getting closer to my surgery

and I just

> started an emergency root canal. How long was it after surgery

that any of

> you were able to sit in a dentist's chair? Sorry, but I'm thinking

> ahead....

> Caren

>

[Guest guest]

HI,

Actually, I have found dentists' chairs to be extremely uncomfortable post revision surgery, even at more than ten years post op. I think it's because dentists' chairs are molded to fit a "normal" back and, thus are uncomfortable to a fused spine.

My remedy is to take 2 different pillows to every dental appointment. One is a standard size 100% down pillow, which I place up against the back of the chair from shoulder height down, the whole length of the chair back. Now, because I am leaning against the pillow, my head would have to go lean way back to find the head rest. So, I use a small, airline size pillow behind my neck/head area, placing it between me and the headrest. My pillows make an otherwise terribly uncomfortable chair very comfortable. It is cumbersome to carry these pillows from the parking lot, but that works out ok and once I get into the dentist's office, everyone there is very helpful.

Bonnie

[Guest guest]

Caren,

Actually, one of my first " outtings " after my revision was a cleaning

at the dentist. It was a little awkward, but as Bonnie suggested you

will probably want to bring some pillows so that you can adjust as

needed.

One thing that I would point out, a lot of surgeons will want you on

oral antibiotice for a period of time ( a year or more usually) during

any dental work. I believe it is because of the risks of an infection

settling on your implants. I don't know if it is a bigger concern if

you are having oral surgery, as opposed to a filling or cleaning...but

I would see what your surgeon says.

Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

Hi Cam,

I think the docs want oral antibiotics before any dental work if there will be any bleeding involved.

Bonnie

[Guest guest]

I must be quite an oddball because I just had the opposite experience

at the dentist last week. After my original fusion at age 13, the

dentist's chairs were always horrible, and I could always expect to

be in pain after an appointment. I was prepared for a similar

experience last week, but found the chair to be fairly okay.

Obviously not something that I'd go out of my way to sit in, but it

wasn't bad.

If you think you may have problems though, I'd agree with Bonnie

about taking some pillows with you. I don't typically have problems

sitting longterm on my gel cushion, but if I know I'm going to be in

a car or in a different seat I try to take a flat pillow to put

behind my back for extra cushioning.

>

> HI,

>

> Actually, I have found dentists' chairs to be extremely

uncomfortable post revision surgery, even at more than ten years post

op. I think it's because dentists' chairs are molded to fit

a " normal " back and, thus are uncomfortable to a fused spine.

>

> My remedy is to take 2 different pillows to every dental

appointment. One is a standard size 100% down pillow, which I place

up against the back of the chair from shoulder height down, the whole

length of the chair back. Now, because I am leaning against the

pillow, my head would have to go lean way back to find the head

rest. So, I use a small, airline size pillow behind my neck/head

area, placing it between me and the headrest. My pillows make an

otherwise terribly uncomfortable chair very comfortable. It is

cumbersome to carry these pillows from the parking lot, but that

works out ok and once I get into the dentist's office, everyone there

is very helpful.

>

> Bonnie

>

[Guest guest]

My boys are off to the dentist for their yearly exam. Is this considered

exposure even if they are only getting their teeth cleaned? Neither have any

cavities and I won't even do x-rays unless they think issues. Keep on the

chelation schedule like nothing happened?

I was so thinking about going back to school for dental assistant. So glade I

got here first.

Thanks

Tammy

[Guest guest]

We request mercury free, no fluoride treatment. We've never had to have

fillings so I'm not sure. I guess I should call.

So how long do you think we should wait to start chelation. My guys is only

doing DMSA and doing fine, no issues.

Thanks

Tammy

[ ] going to the dentist

My boys are off to the dentist for their yearly exam. Is this considered

exposure even if they are only getting their teeth cleaned? Neither have any

cavities and I won't even do x-rays unless they think issues. Keep on the

chelation schedule like nothing happened?

I was so thinking about going back to school for dental assistant. So glade

I got here first.

Thanks

Tammy