How many people don’t like going to the dentist? A lot. And how many people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) hate going to the dentist?
Most of them. Or at least most of them with Type Three Hypermobility EDS.
Of course, the natural next question is why? Why would people with EDS hate the dentist more than the average person?
Well, it’s because their condition has the potential to make local anesthesia less effective. And when you have a doctor going in for a root canal, crown, or filling, that’s the last thing you want to hear.
Luckily, this dentist noticed this phenomena and wrote about it on his blog. He didn’t want to drive up his own practice and he wasn’t paid off by anyone. He just wants to improve the life of everyone living with EDS.
He wants to share his knowledge with his fellow dentists and with people living with EDS.
Ultimately, it benefits both groups. If your patient isn’t happy with the care they receive, they won’t come back.
But, if you find a dentist who knows about your illness and knows how it could your care… now that is a rare find!
So, what can you do to make sure that you don’t have an awful experience the next time you see the dentist?
- Tell your dentist that you have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and make sure it gets added to your chart. Don’t wait until you’re having an procedure to tell them!
- Print off this blog post to give your dentist so they can have an understanding of how EDS may affect your appointment. Sometimes hearing it from a peer helps.
- Don’t be afraid to ask your dentist what experience they have with EDS
- If your dentist doesn’t seem to take your concerns seriously, then find a new one!
The last one may seem like a severe reaction, but when your health is concerned, you need the best team around you. And if they won’t listen to your concerns, then they don’t need to be on your team.
