Dealing with allergies

[ellen]

I have what is called multiple chemical sensitivity. I react badly to antibiotics, to perfumes, eugenol, VOCs (in many cleaning wipes) and disinfectants for equipment. This makes going to a dentist difficult. My own dentist uses 20 cleaning agents and they make me dizzy. Opening the window is not enough. The smell is quite pungent. Other dnetists also use very strong smelling cleaning agents and opening windows is difficult.

I need a dentist who has the time to think of ways around my 'disability', otherwise the tooth will have to be extracted. It was so nearly completed, that would be a shame. I'm fine with dettol, but not some of the new anti MRSA type products. Hospitals are as bad. I just need fresh air.

Any advice?

[ellen]

It's depressing that people with known allergies, e.g. to perfumes and antibiotics, have nowhere to go for emergency treatment. We understand that dentists may be afraid, but we can't all go to Guy's (e.g. if debilitated), which leaves us with options like the extraction of otherwise savable teeth. I'm a psychologist and can see things from both sides. But I do notice that in the States, they seem to have found ways around antibiotics to remove minor infection, and will use a safe disinfectant before seeing a sensitive patient.

I dare say that it's a question of time.

[admin]

Thank You for your post Ellen

I am sorry to hear that you have had trouble finding a dentist who can carry out your root canal treatment in view of your chemical allergies.

As I am sure you know for successful root canal treatment the tooth needs thorough cleaning with strong disinfectants. So the tooth needs to be cleaned without causing you an allergic reaction.

Have you considered seeing a root canal specialist (Endodontist) for advise? When it comes to challenging root canal cases, most patients are referred to Endodontists.

A very good specialist practice in Central London would be:

76 Harley Street
London
W1G 7HH

Phone: 020 7631 3276
Fax: 020 7631 4476
Email: info@76harleystreet.com
web: www.76harleystreet.com


Good Luck.

[ellen]

My problem is not the disinfectants used in the tooth (e.g. Milton's etc) but the perfumed wipes used to clean the equipment in the surgery. Perfumes!

For a simple root canal, it makes no difference if you are inhaling perfumes in Kingston or Harely Street. Except the latter requires more energy to get to the surgery, and will be more expensive.

I need sympathy and an open window.

Ellen

[Dr Mohsen J. Esfahani]

Any professional dentist out there reading this post who can help Ellen, please post.

[Dr Mohsen Tehranian]

Dear Ellen
I would suggest that you have your appointment first patient in the morning. The surgery is cleaned the night before and left for the morning. We will have to arrange this for you.