teeth as well

[Jaybird19]

my lovely dentist has retired ! so went to his replacement yesterday. doesn't seem to understand that I cannot be flat on my back as I then cannot breathe and just start to cough. then insisted on 2 xrays . So many x rays in my lifetime, and MRIs too and his answer ___ was this is only a small amount compared to MRI. yes but it all adds up ! I will never find another NHS dentist here.( have to pay anyway)

[Katinka46]

Apologies for arguing with your dentist but MRI is not a radiation scan. But my husband came back from the dentist today with the same concern about the way dentists use X-rays too much.Hmmm…

[Threecats]

Hi Jaybird, I’m sorry to hear about the attitude of your new dentist. I had a similar experience a few years ago when my much loved dentist retired. I have a spine problem and cannot lie flat either, eventually I found another dentist who was more understanding but, as you say, that’s next to impossible these days! As for the smart answer about the MRI, as Katinka says, that is not a radiation scan!

[Millyboo710]

What a shame. I went to my dentist and hygienist yesterday and they both asked how flat I could lie and both lowered the chair slowly for me. A new dentist will want to do X-rays to check your teeth and gums. I wouldn’t worry about it. Over the past 12 years I’ve had more X-rays, CT scans and MRIs than most people have had hot dinners. 🙂

[Aingeful]

I can't lie flat either.i have to explain this every time I go. They find it easier to work this way(flat on your back) but usually adapt themselves to my needs.

[Cloudancer]

I have a similar issue ,cannot tolerate being flat on my back with a metal gag in situ.Find it very distressing -a trainee dental nurse dropped a metal filling paste in my mouth whilst passing it over to dentist she dropped it and I inhaled.

[CDPO16 in reply to Cloudancer]

Gosh that's awful. Were you able to cough it up?

[Cloudancer in reply to CDPO16]

It was a nasty experience lying flat choking with a metal gag in situ.It was an accident coughed so much couldn't breathe and procedure abandoned!Luckily always carry portable nebulisers which stabilized my lungs and dentists nerves!!

[CDPO16 in reply to Cloudancer]

A real nightmare for you. Just as well you had your portable nebs with you.Must admit that I never bothered about going to the dentist until I started with lung disease, now I dread it.

[Cloudancer in reply to CDPO16]

Bless you.Unless you have lung/heart issues and find difficulty lying flat think it's hard for a dentist to appreciate.

Then one can get apprehensive about going(not that it's easy to get an appt these days) putting a visit off until way past when should have dealt with issue!

[CDPO16]

I have had the same dentist for 16 years and it's only in the last year that he has stopped lying me flat without being asked. I have just been sent a reminder that I am due a check up. Having been housebound since October I have yet to figure out the logistics of getting there.

[HollyBoyd]

Not a nice experience Jatbird, it seems they have no knowledge of their patients needs. My dentist, or at least her assistant, usually asks if that is far enough, when lowering the couch. You will ned to be firmer with them, that's if you don't change dentist before then?? xxx

[Morrison10]

As I was born with PCD and have had bronchiectasis for at least 60 years, I have long had problem with dentists not believing I can’t lie flat on my back as it starts coughing. There are no NHS dentists near where I live, have had to go private, but because of Covid haven’t been for couple of years. He’s understanding of my problem doesn’t make me lie back more than I can manage, have had several xrays over last few years. Will try go back this summer now I’m hopefully free of all nasties that have enjoyed partying in lungs this winter. It’s now nearly 9 weeks without any antibiotics. My respiratory consultant wants me to have iv antibiotics at home soon, but I’m hoping sputum sample next week shows my lungs clear. My physio says my lung sound better than she’s heard them over last two half years!

[Izb1]

Luckily I changed my dentist when i stopped work in 2014 to one that is nhs and local. I also have a private dentist that i used for implants, but he is so expensive and was closed for most of the pandemic so dont visit him often. I do wonder if this will all be private in the near future. I too have had lost of xrays, scans etc , which is a worry x

[Alberta56]

You will have to educate your dentist. All the dentists in my practise seem to be aware of the problems for lungies and are very understanding when I have to sit up and splutter. I hope you can make your dentist understand.