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Dental Health (Expert Forum)
Hearing problem makes dental work difficult
Answered by
Jerome Bogin, D.D.S. - Dental
Questions in the Dental Health forum are answered by Dr. Jerome Tsang and Dr. Jerome Bogin. Topics covered include bridges, cavities, crowns, and x-rays.
Hearing problem makes dental work difficult
by tin ear, Jul 12, 2006 12:00AM
I have a problem with my hearing that makes dental work nearly impossible. It's called Hyperacusis and it makes normally bearable sounds unbearably loud. Exposure to harmful noise worsens my tinitis and has made my hearing worse in the past. I wear earplugs everywhere and in extreme cases wear ear muffs over them. Unfortunately, none of these precautions help when it comes to some dental work. It turns out the rotating head used to clean teeth is too loud for me due to bone conduction. My dentist is very understanding (his father in-law had the same problem) and he had his assistant clean my teeth with just the pick. But if I can't stand the polishing tool, I know I can't stand the drill. Unfortunately, I have several cracks that would require a drill to fix. He suggested finding a dentist with a laser. But said that most repairs still require grinding and polishing. putting me to sleep won't work since the problem goes beyond just not being able to tolerate the sound. The noise would still cause the ringing in my ears to worsen and possibly damage my high frequency hearing. Since I wasn't having any problems we let it slide. But I started to have some sensativity to cold in one of the teeth and fear the only thing to do will be to pull it. Is there any alternative that I haven't heard about? Is it absolutely necessary to use a grinder after drilling with a laser?
Doctor's Answer
by Jerome Bogin, D.D.S. , Jul 12, 2006 12:00AM
, Jul 12, 2006 12:00AM
I am soorry but I have no experience with this medical issue. Laser dentistry has its place in our armanterium but it is also limited in what it can do. I do not know the extent of your work but more than likely the drill would be necessary at some point.Have you taken x-rays to determine if there is a cavity present? I am sorry but I don't even know where to direct you for more definitive help. Possibly a dental school if there is one in your area.
I feel that you need to see one of these specialists ASAP as at the moment your life is being controlled by these conditions.
There is help available and if you look on the Tinnitus?Hyperacusis Website you will find Graduates who are now practising therapists.
Hope this helps with your fear of noise and thus your fear of visiting the dentist.
Laine