Dental work and TN

[ravenz68]

Have any of you ever had dental work (drilling and fillings) after being diagnosed with TN? My first sign of TN of course, I went to the dentist. Nothing significant to cause the pain. However, I do have teeth that need work on the same side as my TN. I am scared to death to have any work done on them! But, if I don't, they will only decay further and become more of a problem. They need fillings, I know that. I have the TN under control with medications and am afraid that having work done will make it worse, or cause a bigger flare up than before. Any advice?

[baywatcher]

Tracy, if you do need dental work, even regular cleaning and checkup, first contact the TNA and ask them for their packet for dentists. It is an envelope full of information to help dentists deal with their tn patients.

Then - try to find a dentist who will be understanding and cooperative. I'll spare you my long story of pain, anger and regret - and this was after I had provided the written material. For one thing, the dentist didn't even bother to read it or share it with his technicians.

When in doubt, get up and walk out.

I know that this is an extreme situation so I imagine that you will find someone who'll enable you to get the dental care that we all need. Jean will probably check in here and give you some good advice, she's so responsive and informed. Good luck, Nancy

[IRead2]

Hi Tracy,
I don't know how helpful my info will be since I have AFP, not TN. I'm lucky that I have a very considerate dentist, and his staff is just as kind as he is. Before any procedure including cleaning, I take 1 mg of lorazepam (Ativan) the night before and another mg 30 minutes before my appointment. (Someone else drives, of course!)

Until recently I've avoided any procedures other than regular cleaning, but Dr. L. convinced me that I absolutely needed to have 2 old fillings on my ATP side replaced before they cracked or fell out. Dr. L. already had the packet from the TN association, but I emphasized the importance of following all the recommendations including using Marcaine without epinephrine as the local anesthetic. (I even called the office 2 days before my appt to be sure everyone understood and was prepared.) I too re-read the info on dental work and increased my dosage of TN meds beginning 2 days before my appt. Also, I took 2 mg of lorazepam 30 minutes before the appointment. Everything turned out fine, and I've had no added pain. I'm now so brave that I've decided to have a crown done on my "good" side. :D :eek:

I agree with Nancy. A cooperative, understanding dentist who will follow the recommendations in the TA packet is key. Good luck!
Pat

[JeanC]

Hi, Tracy,

Here's my dental info, which gives you the details of what Nancy and Pat have already recommended. Good luck!

1. Read at the following link, starting at "How to Prevent TN Flare-ups after Dental Work" about 2/3 of the way down the page:

Dental Work and TN (http://www.tna-support.org/newlook/conference_files/2nd%20Natl%20Conf/Dental.htm)

2. Then call the TNA Office (number below) and ask them to send you and/or your dentist (if you're comfortable with the dentist you have) a "dental professional packet" with info about treating people with TN. This explains to your dentist what TN is, how to avoid exacerbating your pain or triggering flare-ups, etc. The packet includes a printout of the above info on how to prevent flare-ups. I've always had better luck calling than emailing when getting in touch with the TNA.

TNA Office: 1.800.923.3608 or 352.331.7009

If you're not comfortable with the dentist you have, you can ask the TNA if they know of any dentists in your area who have been recommended by others with TN. You can also check out the TNA's Medical Resources page (link below) for dentists in your area who may be familiar with treating TN patients. Be sure to read the disclaimer at the top of the Medical Resources page. These professionals now pay a fee to be listed and, while the TNA checks their credentials to some degree, the fact that they appear on this list should not be taken as a recommendation or endorsement.

Medical Resources (TNA) (http://tna-support.org/newlook/medinfoonline_files/medical_resources.htm)

If there's a support group or telephone support contact in your area (there are several of each in Michigan), you can check with them or other group members for recommendations of TN-literate dentists. There are lists of support groups and telephone support contacts, Find a TNA Support Group (http://www.tna-support.org/newlook/findgroup.htm), under Support Groups at tna-support.org

You're right to take care of your teeth as while it is scary and may cause a brief flare-up (but you can reduce that risk), letting them go will no doubt cause worse problems and you would eventually need more invasive procedures or even lose them. :eek: Also, it's a good idea to have someone take you not only to drive but to help with judgement calls, as Nancy mentioned, as on extra medication you may not be in a position to judge whether the dentist has done his/her homework regarding you as a TN patient. The fact that your dentist didn't do unnecessary procedures is in his/her favor so hopefully they have some knowledge of TN?

Best to you!
Jean

[ravenz68]

Thanks for the information. I cancelled the appointment I had scheduled prior to the TN diagnosis until I can gather more information. I also contacted my insurance company regarding their coverage for "special" circumstances. I also requested the info from TNA.
Thanks again.