Mumble Report post Posted July 19, 2007 I know I've posted about my problems with the dentist before, but I'm really in need of some advice now having just about coped with a 'liquid lunch' and not of the alcoholic sort. The main problems are that I'm very fearful of dentists (or many things medical, but dentists are worse - very bad for sensory overload) and that the local anaesthetics they use don't seem to work properly for me (and the dentist I saw last wouldn't believe that I could still feel everything after the dose she'd given me) which seems to be an ASD thing in many cases. Now I have a tooth that's been causing me lots of problems for several months - initially it was just a twangy pain, but in the last 3 weeks it's got much worse and is pretty much constant and making it difficult to sleep and eat (and drink cold things). I mentioned this at the initial meeting with my mentor nearly three weeks ago and she said she'd go back to the office and find out about SEN dentists who might be able to help me and get back to me ASAP. I asked her on Monday and she said she'd forgotton but would do it. I haven't heard from her. Now I'm not sure what to do. The pain's really getting to me though, so I have to do something. Do I just go to a dentist nearby (I've moved so it wouldn't be the one who wouldn't believe me before) and try and explain that I'm autistic and so I have these issues (easy to think about, but I'm not sure I can do it), do I wait for the mentor to do something (but she might not) or do I wait for the tooth to get so bad it falls out and then it can't hurt me any more? Mumble Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Lya of the Nox Report post Posted July 19, 2007 you cant wait for it to fall out hunny, cos any infection that could be there will go furthar you do need to go to a dentist can your help person at uni help you find one? i hate( really really!!) dentists too and the anasthetic either dont work or makes me very ill, so i do understand what you are saying i can have a mooch and see if there are any denstist with websites and maybe you can mail them ? or you can look, and then you dont have to do the verbal bit about your needs you just mail " i have asd this means.................................... can someone in your practise help me, and will they do it undersanting my needs?" x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pearl Report post Posted July 19, 2007 Ooh mumble toothache is the worst kind of pain, I too have sensory issues, very very sensitive teeth, cant even stand the water drill, luckily we've been going to same dentist for 30 years & she understands I'm not being a wuss. What a difference when I saw her colleague last time I had an abscess, he was soooo unsympathetic I could have wept. Like lya said, writing it down may help if you are feeling stressed. Whatever you do dont ignore it. <'> Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted July 19, 2007 Thanks Lya and Pearl Writing it down is a good idea - I was thinking about doing that but wasn't sure what to do - whether I go to the dentist with it and what I did about presenting it. I think the email thing is a really good idea Lya - I hadn't thought of that - I'll look into it and see what I can find. Does anyone know what children's SEN dentists do that is different from mainstream? This is what the mentor suggested but hasn't got back to me. Maybe I'll bombard her with 'reminder' emails?! Are they in normal dentist surgerys? If they're kitted out for children would they be able to see an adult? What do they do that's different to avoid the issues I've had before? My brother (adult, severe autism) was recently taken to one at a hospital somewhere - and the person he saw was shocked at the state his teeth were in because he hadn't complained directly and no one who's supposed to care for him had asked . He's had teeth taken out and all sorts - I don't want to get to that stage. Mumble Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brooke Report post Posted July 19, 2007 You could always look in the yellow pages (if u have one) they have all the dentists listed in there, then you could maybe give one a call and just ask if they deal with any AS patients, it would at least make them aware. I hope you can get it sorted out soon. Brooke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
llisa32 Report post Posted July 19, 2007 Hi Mumble...you might find that just by either verbally or emailing 'any' dentist and explaining your fears a willing and kind dentist may pop up. I had an absolute fear of them due to an incident when I was younger and it put me off for years. Eventually my teeth got worse and worse and I could not put off going any longer. For my wedding 3 years ago I wanted my teeth to at least look normal, as well as pain free so I went through 3 dentists visits before I found the one I'm comfy with now. I just had visits with no treatment...just them checking me and I wanted to see how at ease I felt with them. Thats the main thing for me with the fear I think...if I feel at ease with them I trust they will try to avoid causing me pain!..My current dentist knows I am an absolute wuss..and can't bear any teeth pain - although I put up with it any where else!. They had gel they could put on my gums (like they use for kiddies ...as well as the grown up injections...if the dentist knows how much you are affected by pain they have many ways these days to avoid causing you any!. I have to say that because I liked my dentist so much I have kept up regular appts for nearly 4 years now, and I was seriously badly affected before. I used to shake before I went in, and be unable to speak cos of shock when I came out! I just wanted you to know that you can work round this, and there is light at the end of the tunnel! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mum23 Report post Posted July 19, 2007 Hello Mumble, You might want to try the 'British Dental Health Foundation'* they have a web site and you can Email them, they might be able to give you a list of dentists in your area that are ASD awear. I think that these type of dentists are based in hospitals, but their must be some local practise's that care for adults with special needs. *put Brithish Dental Health Foundation into search and you should find it. Hope you find some one soon. Anna Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marmalade Report post Posted July 19, 2007 Hi Mumble! Toothache..... I hate it so much. You have my sympathy. I have just got home with The Small (she's 5) from our second visit to a SN dentist. They are very very kind to her and take things incredibly slowly and at no point do they push her into anything. They are 2 ladies (which is brilliant as dd dislikes men) who can't do enough to make her feel comfortable. If not much happens then it's fine, as they know not to push her. She was referred by my own dentist (although he never met her!) and her surgery is located inside a standard dentist practice, but they are trained in special needs, not just kind ladies doing someone a favour! The surgery is set up just as any other, so an adult can visit just as easily as a child. Good luck with your tooth. Have you tried rubbing oil of clove on it? (My dentist uses it and it does help a bit) Also, when you go the bed, try not to sleep with your head too low. Your blood pressure will make your tooth throb. Try a few extra pillows if you can, it will help a bit too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
llisa32 Report post Posted July 19, 2007 Hi Mumble...as usual it seems this week I'm not working like I'm sposed to be and sufin instead.... http://www.dentalfearcentral.org/difficult...ng_dentist.html Have found this website re dentist/phobia/all things teeth...it seems to be US orientated but has some UK links and lots of the advice I think might help a little. There is also some info on there about local's not working so well on patients when they are really nervous...so may explain why your's don't kick in so well. Hope it's a bit useful Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted July 19, 2007 There is also some info on there about local's not working so well on patients when they are really nervous...so may explain why your's don't kick in so well. That's really interesting - thanks. I have read about problems in anaesthesia in ASDs, so I've probably got a bit of a dual problem going on - ASD/sensory issues and nervousness and hence adrenaline kicking in. Somehow I need to find a dentist that can cope with this. I've found one not too far from me that says they take NHS patients (I can't affort private - I can hardly afford NHS charges) and says they specialise in nervous patients. I would want however to have the dentist aware of my AS before commiting to anything, but I don't know how to get past the receptionist without explaining it to them - does that make sense? Any ideas? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted July 19, 2007 Mumble, Hope you can sort a dentist out. Toothache is so awful Have you considered sedation? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted July 19, 2007 (edited) I'd also book in for a check up, till you find a dentist you are comfortable with. You don't have to go into long winded discussions with the receptionist, write it down if it helps and hand it to the dentist personally. Edited July 19, 2007 by Bagpuss Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
llisa32 Report post Posted July 19, 2007 Hiya..I think it would be perfectly acceptable for you to say to the receptionist.... ' I really need to see a dentist because I've been in agony for a few months, I'm really nervous though, hence why I haven't been anywhere to get treatment. Would it be possible to meet with the dentist and discuss my fears before commencing any sort of treatment/checkup?' You can then go into more detail just with the dentist. The in's and 'out' of your fears are none of her business..you will have outlined a broad reason for being reluctant to go...hopefully you can then get to meet the man/woman thats gonna take your pain away! ... I truely know where you're coming from on this one, and once you have found a dentist you can feel comfy with it will help loads. If I can think of anything else I'll let you know <'> I'm gonna have to go bed now...big early start in morning Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Clare63 Report post Posted July 19, 2007 <'> <'> <'> Mumble, lots of good advice here, nothing to add apart from sending you lots positive vibes & encouragement to get that tooth sorted, you'll feel so much better once its done. Clare x x x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stella63 Report post Posted July 20, 2007 Hi Mumble I had a similar experience with OJ last year. took him for a checkup soon after he had his breakdown and my dentist was so rude and sarcastic to him about his teeth and his fear of treatment. I wrote a stinking letter to the practice aand they refered him to the Community dentist who work out of a different place. There are 2 ladies who treat him slowly slowly, no injections, they use laughing gas if he is really stressed. I don't know whether all areas have the same facility but it would be worth asking. Good luck, tooth ache is the worst!!!! Stella x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted July 20, 2007 Have you considered sedation? Is that for life in general or just for the dentist? - sorry, it is a useful suggestion - just trying to use humour to get through the immediate time. I spent the night going through various websites - the problem is that most special needs dentists for adults only cater for severe autism/autism with additional learning difficulties (which I don't have). I assume this is probably a resource issue as much as anything else. I did write to my mentor and disability officer - surprisingly they have got back to me but with the same suggestions I found which I don't think will work. About as much use as a chocolate teapot (your fault Lisa - I like that one!!) I think your suggestion is a useful one Lisa - and I suppose if I can't get past the receptionist, then that tells me all I need to know about whether it's the place for me. I'm seeing said useful mentor on Monday, so I'm going to insist on her helping me to work something out then (I'm too scared just to walk into the local dentists without any preparation). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted July 20, 2007 Sedation may be worth seriously considering Mumble. It's the only way my sister will go to the dentist. Good luck with it x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrs.ddh Report post Posted July 20, 2007 You have been given good advice so far here, Mumble, so I will only wade in with shared dislike and fear of dentists. My husband has to come with me and hold my hand I am so terrified. One of my only fears, but boy oh boy is it a big one for me. If it helps, I tell myself over and over while I am sitting in the dentist's chair that it won't last forever, it will have an end, and then think how happy I will be when it is over. And I am when it is! Downright jolly! Fingers crossed it all goes well for you, sugar. ddh Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
forbsay Report post Posted July 21, 2007 (edited) Hi Sending you hugs. My little boy used to go to a local dentist - however now he goes to a SEN dentist and the difference is amazing Take care Forbsay Edited July 21, 2007 by forbsay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alyth_mum Report post Posted July 29, 2007 Mumble have you sorted this ?? I'm like you and need elephantine amouts of pain killer to get any treatment done usually. It may be worth seeing your local dental hospital. I had root canal work done at my local one (up here in Scotland) and the dentist there was so good and gentle I actually fell asleep during the treatment! Louise Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted July 29, 2007 (edited) Ooh, it's check up on Mumble night. Yes, I have an initial appointment on Thursday (2nd) and I'm terrified, because even though he's not going to be doing any drilling and filling in that appointment (I hope ) even the touching and light and sound associated with a normal checkup is way past my tolerance level, and that appointment will only bring forward the drilly appointment. I can't go to a dental hospital - they only see patients with severe autism. Edited July 29, 2007 by Mumble Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted July 29, 2007 Good luck Mumble <'> Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Clare63 Report post Posted July 29, 2007 Will be thinking of you on the 2nd, hope it all goes well and try not to think about it too much before now and then. Clare x x x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
llisa32 Report post Posted August 1, 2007 Good luck for tomorrow Mumble <'> Hope it goes well... I'll be thinking of you.. and the thumbs up is for getting this far! - I have my fingers crossed for owing you a double thumbs up by tomorrow night Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elun1 Report post Posted August 1, 2007 <'> Good luck tomorrow Mumble love Elun xx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted August 1, 2007 Ditto here Mumble, good luck tomorrow <'> Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted August 1, 2007 Aaaarrrggghhhh, not the dreaded 'D' word. :tearful: 13 hours and 13 minutes to go . . . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
llisa32 Report post Posted August 1, 2007 You'll be fine...just keep focusing on imagining yourself out of there AFTER your appt...keep thinking bout what you've got to do afterwards...and every min you're in the dentist you're a minute closer to getting out! Works for me anyways.. Trust me...I know how scared you're feeling..If you get offered headphones wear them...or take your ipod, that way if you do get to have an exam you can plug in and it will help you relax a little. Thats always one of the worst things for me..just the rotten noise those pesky little things they use make...def the sound is worse than the actual in this case. I had to have tons of work done in the end Mumble cos I was too scared to let the Dentist see how scared I was...eventually found the one I've been with for 3 years now and wish I'd found them years ago. They tottaly do not care how wussy I am, and I have got much better now. I make them explain what they are going to do before they start...ask them for rough time it will take (another thing to focus on) . Ask for the pain killing stuff they can rub on yr gums if they do it - tastes nothing like choccy, but it does work! - consolation is you could have choccy afterwards .. Be strong...and don't be worried about letting them see how nervous you are...they'll be used to it and if they are any good will help you settle into an exam. <'> Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pearl Report post Posted August 1, 2007 Good luck hun. Think of 101 uses for a dentist drill to pass the time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted August 1, 2007 If that fails, just close your eyes, lay back and think of Lee in a white coat Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pearl Report post Posted August 1, 2007 Yes I think Baggy's idea is better Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Clare63 Report post Posted August 1, 2007 Mumble, At long last the day almost upon us, hope all goes well, will be thinking of you, before you know it you will be back on here telling us all about it. <'> <'> <'> Clare x x x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fiorelli Report post Posted August 2, 2007 Hi Mumble. Good luck for today! I know a little how you feel as I have to go to the dentist myself at 2.30 today. I have cracked a tooth, so have to have something done to sort it out, and that something can go anything from having to have a filling, to having a crown, to having to have the tooth taken out. I'm a little scared, as I don't usually have to have any work done at the dentist, so don't know what to expect. I am going to give myself a treat afterwards. Maybe you can do the same? Then we could come on later and compare how easy/bad it was, and how we can make it better for next time? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted August 2, 2007 I'm off to face my doom If I don't come back on here this afternoon it will be because I've been drilled to smitherines . . . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted August 2, 2007 I'M STILL ALIVE!!!!!! :D The dentist was lovely - hmmm, a difficult decision in whether to stick with Baggy's suggestion of thinking about Lee , but I chose Lee only so that others of you don't go getting ideas about taking him off me!!!! The dentist had actually read my essay I wrote on my medical form I don't know if he knew much about Asperger's but he certainly knew exactly how to respond to me. He told me exactly what he was doing, showed me the instruments he would use, didn't use any pointy or poky things. I didn't get told off for not coming sooner or for being a mamoth chocolate eater He took a series of X-rays then put them up on the computer and moved the screen over so I could see and talked me through everything without dumbing it down - I didn't get any of the you're AS you won't understand, instead he explained everything to me which was great, because being able to see what's causing the problems (yes, with an 's' ) makes it more understandable. Basically, my last dentist who was so ###### she couldn't cope with me getting stressed out had left part of the root and nerve in that she'd said she'd removed - so when I was arguing with her that I could still feel it and she was saying I couldn't because there was no nerve, I was actually right. Unfortunately the bit she left is infected and the infection has spread in the area and it's up by my sinuses, which apparently isn't good. Also, when I had my wisdom teeth taken out years ago, a piece appears to have broken off and become embedded in my jaw and there's some shadow on the X-rays round it which they want to investigate. I've been given two lots of really strong antibiotics and some strong painkillers to try and get the infection to settle down so they can see what's underlying it. I've been told one of the antibiotics might well make me sick, but it's better to get the infection sorted. If I'm lucky, the antibiotics could solve the problem :pray:. If not, I have to go back for a referal to the hospital to have it sorted under general anaesthetic. :tearful: That being the case I'll be starting another thread on my fear of hospitals :tearful: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pearl Report post Posted August 2, 2007 Phew, thank goodness for that! Good its getting sorted one way or t'other, & even if you do end up in hospital at least you'll be asleep for the procedure. Keep taking the tablets you'll soon be feeling much improved. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
llisa32 Report post Posted August 2, 2007 Hurrah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that was exactly the sort of dentist I had my fingers crossed all morning for you! Really pleased you found someone you feel comfy with.. I've had similar trouble with root canal nerves and bits broken and left in etc....The antibiotics should make a huge difference. One thing for me when it was involving my sinus's....and u not gonna like this one...it did help when I layed off a bit on dairy stuff (inc choccy ) for a few intial days. So maybe worth a bash at same time as antibiotics for a speedy recovery. Big...HUGE well done you for going, and hopefully you liked him enough that you'll go back Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted August 2, 2007 One thing for me when it was involving my sinus's....and u not gonna like this one...it did help when I layed off a bit on dairy stuff (inc choccy ) for a few intial days. So maybe worth a bash at same time as antibiotics for a speedy recovery. Huh? No choccy? Do you think it will work? Just thinking though, that rules out most of what I like - milky tea, cheese and chocolate. And ice cream. And milkshakes. And yoghurt. I'm not liking the sound of this - can I cut down rather than cut out? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
llisa32 Report post Posted August 2, 2007 Definately ...don't panic....And it might make no difference for you. Just passing on that it did make a difference for me. Reason being your sinus's get a bit irritated with mucus anyway cos thats kinda their job...dairy stuff helps create the mucus..so add an infection irritating your sinus's and you can see the connection. Not for ever...I'd just try and cut down a little for a few days whilst you take the antibiotics and see how much more bouncy you're feeling in say 3 days. I've no doubt the pills will work anyway, just thought I'd pass on what else helped for me. <'> Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Clare63 Report post Posted August 2, 2007 <'> <'> <'> Well Done Mumble, I am proud of you, your new dentist sounds fab. Told you you would soon be back on ther forum telling us all about it ! Clare x x x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
