Dysphagia and best approach

[Pol]

First post and one that I have been thinking about for quite a while.

Basically my teeth aint good from severe reflux (GERD) and last year I was diagnosed 'Dysphagia'. If anyone is not sure it is a swallowing disorder, which impairs what I can eat. Currently I am on a soft food diet and any food has to be a certain density to swallow. Otherwise I will choke or worst case aspiration.

To make matters worse and this adds to the nervousness of treatment. I was diagnosed last month with 'Idiopathic Anaphylaxis' (another challenge )

So based on the Dysphagia and the major treatment that I know is ahead what would be my best option to take. I assume sedation is the best option, but is there specific things that a dentist would need to be aware of or do I need to see a specialist.

Thanks in advance

Pol

 

[kitkat]

Hi Pol,
I am a speech therapist who treats dysphagia disorders in adults and I can understand your concerns. It sounds to me like in terms of airway protection, your best option would be to use a dental dam/rubber dam which is basically a sheet of rubber around the tooth to catch any debris. I think that it is very important to let your dentist know of this problem prior to any treatment because any bacteria from the mouth accidentally washing into the lungs from water/saliva places you at increased risk for pneumonia but with the right precautions re: use of suction, limited water spraying...I think it can probably be managed. You can PM me if you have more questions.

First post and one that I have been thinking about for quite a bit.

Basically my teeth aint good from severe reflux (GERD) and last year I was diagnosed 'Dysphagia'. If anyone is not sure it is a swallowing disorder, which impairs what I can eat. Currently I am on a soft food diet and any food has to be a certain density to swallow. Otherwise I will choke or worst case aspiration.

To make matters worse and this adds to the nervousness of treatment. I was diagnosed last month with 'Idiopathic Anaphylaxis' (another challenge )

So based on the Dysphagia and the major treatment that I know is ahead what would be my best option to take. I assume sedation is the best option, but is there specific things that a dentist would need to be aware of or do I need to see a specialist.

Thanks in advance

Pol