Dentist Visit

[Rhonda]

I was just diagnosed with SS and Fibromyalgia in early April.  The rheumatologist gave me Cymbalta for the fibromyalgia and Relafen for the joint pain- as well as a stomach medicine so the Relafen doesn't upset my stomach.  Today he ordered Plaquenil for the SS.   I think I may be on the right track with him.

However, I went to my family dentist with all the information the Rheumatologist had given me for the dentist.  I was so disappointed- my dentist actually said "I have heard of SS, but I don't know much about it.  It is so rare that I can't beleive you have it."  He had never heard of Plaquenil and wondered why the rheumatologist was asking him to help treat the SS. 

Has anyone else experienced this with the dentist?  I wonder if I need a certain type of dentist?  I hate to start all over with a dentist, but I guess I will have to.  I am frustrated.   

[baddabingtim]

Many Dentists and GP's have no clue what SJS is  - and most have not heard of it - I have been to over 10 dentists and none of them ever heard of SJS and have yet to go to a GP who knows what it is either

[Scottietottie]

Hi Rhonda 

Disappointing response from your dentist. I think he needs to be persuaded to do some research. There are certainly dental papers written and published about SjS and he needs to do some reading. It may be rare - but there are still 4,000,000 Americans suffering with it.

Take care - Scottie 

[lynnmarie219]

Oh my gosh...I cant believe that so many doctors and dentists are still so unaware about Sjogrens, but its true unfortunately.

As Scottie said....give him the opportunity to first do some research and get into this century....especially since you already have a history with him and like him. If he doesn't want to work with you, then I would say find a dentist who has more information and is willing to work with your symptoms and insure proper dental care!

Good luck to you...let us know how it turns out!

[Rhonda]

Thanks for the advice.  I did ask him if he could help me with a treatment plan- he said that I shouldn't be concerned about dental problems because he didn't really think SS affected the mouth.  He thought it was a virus and could be cured with an antibiotic.  I was kinda like you say- get into this century. 

When I asked for some advice on what to use for dryness of the mouth he said that I could use Biotene - he didn't want to order any medication because "it has too many side effects for someone as young as you."  I did buy the Biotene but I am not sure it will be of much use- but I will try it.  I am desperate!  He also suggested sucking on Trident gum- NOT.  If I had gum in my mouth it would stick to all my dental work and teeth because my mouth is so dry!

[missyb]

OMG where did this clown get his degree, mail order from Guadalajara?
If it WERE a virus, an antibiotic wouldn't do jack anyways.
When he said he wasn't sure he believed you had it, I would have liked you to ask, "Oh and which university did you get your rheumatology degree from?"
Sjs is one of the FEW diseases that the majority of dentists ARE aware of being the extremely high incidence of dental caries associated with Sjogren's because a dry mouth is a bacterial play ground..just ask my DDS who is on crown number 2 with me since Jan of this year 
At my next appt (*IF* I were ever to go back, which based on what you say happened, I would not), I might just mention that and how I was surprised he had never been trained on Sjogren's.

[jenkay]

My dentist is about 55 and he is great, he knew a lot about sjogrens and gave me some information about how it affects the different parts of your saliva.  He does continuing education so you may have to hunt around for someone who is educated about it.  It's not that rare is it???

[eyeamdry]

Rhonda, you might give the gum a chance.  i have about 6 of my own teeth and the rest are crowns/caps and a removable bridge which is made of metal and plastic.  I chew gum all the time and find that it helps the saliva flow.  Because I wake up at night with desert dry mouth and can't get any moisture going, I'll take a half stick of gum and chew on it for a little while and I have enough saliva to keep me comfortable. 

You might want to get a new dentist as he sounds like a dufus.  My dentist is 70 and he knows about Sjogrens.
Lucy

[Linda196]

My first reaction was like MissyB's ...are you sure this guy is a real dentist???

I'd check with the state dental association for a new one, and, in passing, inform them of the lack of knowledge, and abundance of misinformation, that this person has and is spreading to the unsuspecting public!

[Rhonda]

Thanks to all for your comments and suggestions.  I went to the opthalmologist today and he suggested the name of a dentist he says he knows is really familiar with SS because they refer patients back and forth to one another!  I feel like I hit paydirt today!  Even though I doubt my insurance will pay for another visit so soon, I will go on my own and see what this new dentist can do for me! 

[Patze]

Hi Rhonda,

I'm glad that you've hit paydirt!  That is so amazing!!!!

I see a dentist that doesn't know a lot about it, but is willing to work with me, so I'll take that.

Take care -

Patze

[Rhonda]

It is so frustrating that it is so hard to find doctors who have heard of SS and know how to treat it.  I am thrilled to find a dentist that knows something- however, I am disappointed that neither my health insurance or my dental insurance has this new dentist listed on my list of providers.  I will call them both on Monday and beg for some leniancy.  Never a dull moment in my life since my "friend" SS has entered my life.