dental chair

Hi Verti,

 

Hi Verti,

Sorry about that... the message went before I was ready.

Anyway, I share the same fear and issues. I explained I had menieres to the dental hygienist and couldn't (and was afraid to) recline flat (I sleep on a wedge pillow or on bad nights, sit up on the couch). She was understanding and said she will only recline the chair back as far as I feel comfortable. And she said not to use menieres as an excuse for not coming in to the office. She said she can (and did) her work with no problem.

Going to the dentist Wednesday. I've also talked to him about menieres. He also understands and is not going to recline to the flat level. He said he may have to stand doing the root canal and filing. That was fine with him.

Bottom line... talk to the dentist and explain the situation. They may not have even heard of menieres...mine hadn't.

Hope that helps.

 

I agree about talking to the dentist. I didnt have any trouble with the chair but certain tones and rhythms of music made me nauseated and when i walked into the office, there it was. I explained this to the dentist and though i am sure it sounded pretty odd to them, they did turn off the radio for me.

 

I'd rather go to the gyne than the dentist. The lying back, the noises near my ears, the drilling, the vibration....all very unpleasant experiences now. My dentist and hygienist make accommodations for me, which I appreciate, but I always ask someone to drive me there, just in case I'm wobbly when done.

 

I have a terrible time at the dentist's office and lying back in that horrible position (even before my vertigo started I was very dental phobic, now it's even worse). Not only because it makes me feel like I will have vertigo but also the water spray starts dripping down my throat and then I can't swallow and feel like I will choke or gag. And like you, the motion of the chair can bother me. I explained to my dentist how difficult it is to be in that position and he told me that he can't work on me any other way. Good bye to him!!!

I found a new dentist who had no problem working on me in a more semi-upright position. It made a big difference. I loved this dentist but he has since left the practice. I just found another new one but other than the cleaning I haven't had any work done. That all starts in a couple of weeks and I'm hoping he can work on me without me lying all the way back. He seems very nice and accommodating so far.

One thing I have found helpful is to have a neck roll under my neck. This gives my head more support and it doesn't feel so wobbly. I never knew about this but the dentist I liked asked me if I wanted one so now I always ask. Also I usually take valium and/or meclizine and/or promethazine beforehand as a preventative measure. It's hard enough having to go through the torture of a dental visit without having these other worries.

 

When my MM and MAV has not been under control there is no way I'd want to lean back in a dentist's chair. I told them about this when the symptoms started. They were very kind about it and leaned me back only part way which worked fine for me.