During my dental visit on Tues. I received the results of my x-rays. I have cavities in almost every tooth! My big ? is...how am I going to get these cavities filled, keeping my mouth open for who knows how long...when its is soooo dry to begin with? Normally you have the "hook" in your mouth that sucks out saliva, but what do they do when you need moisture added? I'm afraid also the water that is used to "rinse" will be too cold. Now I know why I put off going to the dentist "post" treatment.

Prior to my appointment Tues, last time when the x-rays were taken, I could not open my mouth wide enough for the reg inserts, so I asked if they could use child size. That was only how I was able to get any x-rays done

They won't use the vacuum tube since you do not need it. My dentist lets me have my bottle of water in my lap, and every once in a while I ask for the ok to rinse my mouth out and instead of swallowing any of the drilling debris, they just use the little suction tube to take it all out. The muscles that hold my mouth open fatigue easily, and during a long procedure like a crown prep ( I have a ton since radiation) I have them put a small rubber "bite block" wedge between my teeth that holds my mouth open and takes the work out of it for me and makes their job easier. There are different sizes of bit blocks and they use a "pedo" childs size on me sos that I can tolerate it.

Since treatment have had several dental visits. DDS is aware of the dry mouth and knows he will need to squirt water every few minutes and also be careful with suction. My mouth also got tired and he knew to either stop or get bit. Only dental problem was having to have an implant which i knew right when i was originally diagnosed. I don't know whether a result of chemo or rads but the xylocane did not seem to work, needed 3 shots. Since radiation and losing so much of my taste buds my diet has been high in carbs and sugars and I am afraid cavities may be on the way. As much as aI hate visits to the Dentist the thoughts of either implants or false teeth are worse.

So I went to the dentist today & had about 8 cavities filled. I had a anxiety attack. My biggest worry! Just as I got in the chair, my heart started racing. About a 1/2 hour into it...I felt like I could not breath, like I was choking, suffocating, my heart was really racing. I raised my hand up for her to stop. She had me laying down to much. After I sat straight up for a little while, I felt better. I was in & out in an hour, but feels like it took a year off my life!

Is there anything I could take before the next visit, that would take the edge off, but so I could still drive? I sure don't look forward to the next 2 appointments!

Ask them to give you 5mg of diazepam orally 1 hour before your visit. The world will be calm with mother's little helper working for you.....

Thank You Brian, I am going to make a call to my dr. hope he will cal in a RX f/me.

Hi Brian, I did call my dr. (talked to his impatient nurse) All that they gave me was one stinking pill:Lorazepam 1MG No refills & this one pill cost me $12.00 !

It did nothing for me. Same symptoms: Heart racing, choking, throat closing up. I asked the dr. for 5MG of Diazepan...but this is what I got.

Last week, I got 8 cavities filled, this week, only one got filled. I might switch to a real experienced in OC Dentist.

Dianne, it would be an excellent idea to get a dentist who is trained to deal with oral cancer patients. Us survivors have our own unique issues going on with our mouths. Hope you find a prosthodontist to become your regular dentist.

Thank You Christine! You are so right. I had an another anxiety attack at the dentist. yesterday, the 1mg of Lorazepam did nothing. I walked out of there yesterday knowing I would never go back...she just doesn't get it. I wish I could just get knocked out, get all the work done @ once & get it over with! I miss spit!!!!

I went to my dentist for a cleaning yesterday. They found two more cavities (after having 5 previously filled)Both my dentist and the tech are very sensitive to my oral problems. I guess I am very fortunate. I have always been terrified of visits to the dentist (even before I was diagnosed) so I am very glad that they are aware of my problems. I sit there with a bottle of water in my lap, as a secrity blanket. I guess this is what I need to do to keep my teeth, but it sure isn't fun!

Seems like every time I go, we find more cavities, or a crown thats loose.
The Dentist and his staff are real aware of what I've been though so they are careful and thoughtful when working on me and the keep me hooked up with prescription floride toothpaste and dry mouth mouthwash...I hate the work but I'm glad they're taking care of me.