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Does the dentist have a need to know?

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Posted 8/5/2011 3:09 PM (GMT 0)
It's time for my 6-month cleaning, and the dentist (female) always asks if there's been any change in my health since last time. Well, yeah, I've had my prostate removed; I am incontinent; and I am taking Cialis. These are not things I'd like to share with her, nor with the young, female hygienist.

Does it really matter to her what's going on down at the other end? Just for a cleaning, that is. If there was any invasive procedure, or any prescribed drug, of course I'd 'fess up. But just for a cleaning?
Posted 8/5/2011 4:22 PM (GMT 0)
I would say yes.

A few reasons

- general bone health, since PCa can get into your bones, and treatments can impact bone (including jaw) density.

- your gut is still healing even months out, and many times, trying to get in a good position, I've gotten an elbow in the gut.

- Medical courtesy in general, if something happened to you in the chair, they would need to know as the paramedics arrive.

Posted 8/5/2011 5:09 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with 142, though the dentist doesn't need all the nitty gritty details, just a general scope.
Posted 8/5/2011 5:23 PM (GMT 0)
I think a simple, "I've been treated for prostate cancer" would be all they're looking for. 

Put in the context of what they hear day in and day out from other patients, I don't think they're going to make much of it, one way or the other. 

Posted 8/5/2011 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
I told my dentist before surgery in order to arrange an extra check-up just before the Da Vinci to help avoid having any unexpected dental trouble in the immediate aftermath of surgery.

However, I have a great relationship with my dentist who has been our dentist for over 25 years, so telling her was a natural part of talking to her. Since surgery I find it as well to mention it occasionally in case I have to rush to the bathroom.

I also mention it to my dermatologist, when you have a bad bladder and have to hang around in waiting rooms to see docs there is always the risk you will have gone to the bathroom when your name/number is called. RT for my PCa was also relevant to my dermatologist, who has also been helpful trying to deal with the scarring casued by the robot.

Alf
Posted 8/5/2011 5:28 PM (GMT 0)
Unless you're hitting on these girls - why wouldn't you tell them?

They ask these questions for a reason idea

Posted 8/5/2011 5:43 PM (GMT 0)
I let my dentist know about my situation. What treatment, how many grays, and what hormones I was taking. The hormones would be of most interest as there can be some impact from them on bone health. My dentist takes too many x-rays in my opion and I am shy about getting more radiation if I can avoid it.

The rest of the info would TMI in my opion. Doesn't  need to know about how things are working.

Don

Posted 8/5/2011 7:14 PM (GMT 0)
Of course you should tell your dentist just in case something comes up.

Having now done SRT, I've told my dentist and he agrees that we should do less routine x-rays.

Mel

Posted 8/5/2011 7:47 PM (GMT 0)
Ditto to all of the above reasons.

Additionally, having the conversation about PCa may save the life of the husband of either one of them in the future. It's all about the education of the unknowing sometimes too.

Sonny
Posted 8/5/2011 8:15 PM (GMT 0)
Yes,I did,they were most interested and more compassion,they are both female also,the Dr ,Dentist said it is very important,if you need dental surgery ect,they will sometimes give you a antibiotic,to ward off infections,also the same if you have had knee,hip transplants,they want to know.It was no big deal for me ,but everyone has a different comfort level of discussing PC..
Gamms
Posted 8/5/2011 8:57 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah, I'd tell mine. But I'd narrow it down to "I've been treated for cancer."
Posted 8/6/2011 7:22 AM (GMT 0)
Pete, I agree with the other but wanted to comment on your name. Pistol Pete played right across the river from where I live. In fact the basket ball arena is named after him at LSU.

Cajun Jeff
Posted 8/6/2011 10:12 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah, I have heard of Marovich, but that's not where I'm coming from. I like to hunt, and I'm too lazy to tote around a long gun; also, Pete is part of my name. I actually don't much care for basketball.
Posted 8/6/2011 10:15 PM (GMT 0)
Well, I went to the dentist, and I didn't say anything about my cancer. They cleaned my teeth, and didn't take x-rays, and I didn't pee on their chair, and nobody had to call any paramedics. So all is well. Thanks for all your input, even though I didn't take your advice.
Posted 8/7/2011 3:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Pete

Welcome to Healing Well! You and I are going to get along great!

I'm late to the party, but I am with you, Pal. My answer to the dentist was "Nope. No change." I figured unless they planned on cleaning my teeth using a colonoscope, what happened to my walnut is none of their business. This is a routine cleaning. And last time I checked, that involved opening only one orifice - my mouth. If something ever comes up then I'll fess up.
This is a small town and I don't feel I have the right to inflict the burden of privacy on the Jim the Doc, Mary the receptionist, Debbie the hygienist who works on Tuesday and Thursday or Janet who works on Monday and Wednesday and his having her second child while going through a divorce from Roger who....

A more pertinent question might be "What are you carrying?" and clearly that is off limits.

Keep your powder dry.

Jeff
Posted 8/7/2011 9:48 PM (GMT 0)

Worried Guy said...


A more pertinent question might be "What are you carrying?" and clearly that is off limits.


Jeff

At this point my "gun" is an oozie. But it's getting better every day.
Posted 8/8/2011 12:27 AM (GMT 0)
Any time medical professional asks what meds you are taking you need to answer that question honestly. I don't think he needs details like incontinence and such but he may administer or prescribe medicine and he needs to know if there are possible interactions.

Besides My dentist is my FB friend and also a sponsor to an upcoming PCa event in September...

Tony
Posted 8/8/2011 4:13 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome Pete, tough call, but I am glad all worked out.

Post Edited (Startech) : 8/8/2011 6:49:15 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/8/2011 11:55 PM (GMT 0)
I am a dentist.  When i treat you, i am treating all of you as a person. Not just your teeth.  What i do, what i prescribed affects your overall health.  I want to know what is going on with my patients as much as possible. I am one of your health care providers. I would definitely want to know about any surgeries you had recently had, and what medications you might be taking because of it.

Also, i would like to keep you as comfortable as possible during your treatment time in my office.  There are elective procedures, such as routine fillings, possible endodontic treatments (root canals),  extractions that i might want to postpone until later in your recovery.  How do I know this....  I had the Da Vinci Prostatectomy 18 days ago.  There is dental treatment that i could really benefit from now, but i would rather wait a few months until I feel more like myself.

Treat your dental providers, as professional health care providers.  In such, you are the patient, they are the doctor, hygienist, assistant, etc.  Give them the respect they have earned and confide in them about all matters regarding your health.

that is my best opinion

nick j russo jr dds

Posted 8/9/2011 12:34 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you. A much better explanation than I offered. My dentist has been a care provider to me longer than any other doctor I visit - can't imagine not being open. Besides, he's coming up on "first PSA" age, so I need to make my point.
Posted 8/9/2011 12:43 AM (GMT 0)
Nick, aerie3,

Welcome to healing well! Your input will be very valuable.

If it's been 6 months post DaVinci, I'm not taking any meds, and I'm there for a routine cleaning, what difference does it make whether or not I have a prostate? I can see if I was having oral surgery, anesthesia, antibiotics etc. But it if just Debbie the hygienist doing her thing. I prefer to keep the state of my privates, private.
I live in a small town. where pretty much everyone knows everyone else. Debbie tells Julie who mentions it to Paul who puts me on a prayer list... and so it goes. Nope. I keep my mouth shut until someone has to put their hands inside.


Pistol Pete,

Carrying an "oozie"! Hah! Yep, you fit right in, my friend. You fit right in tongue
Jeff
Posted 8/9/2011 1:51 AM (GMT 0)
I fully understand your position.  You must understand that a dental Hygienist is a medical professional and part of the dental team just as the dentist who is treating you.  She is trained and required to obtain and review medical histories and record vital signs as outlined by your particular State Dental Board.  I worry that your decision as to what to tell her is based on your perception that she is somehow a lower tier of professional and will discuss your personal health with others.  This is a direct violation of the HIPPA act and if she were to do that, she could face severe disciplinary action resulting in suspension and or termination of her license.  yes , it is that serious.  No medical professional has any right to discuss your health with anyone not directly treating involved with your care.  Also,  if your dental hygienist were a male, would you feel differently?  what if your dentist were female ?  I just ask this to provoke some self reflection.  the bottom line is:  your dentist and dental hygienst are trained and licensed health professionals.... your medical history is private and should stay that way.  period.  If you truly believe that your medical history would be discussed outside of the office or with anyone who has no reason to know,  you are going to the wrong practice.  I would advise you to seek care by another office.  Also, you should discuss your concerns with the dentist that owns this practice.  That might alleviate your concerns.     i hope this was somewhat helpful.....   just my opinion as a dentist who is also in your position.

12 weeks post op.

dr russo

 

Posted 2/21/2017 12:07 AM (GMT 0)
aerie3,

Your position on the total healthcare approach to dentistry is credible. I would hope so. I also agree that leaving a practice where you don't have confidentiality, that's what I would do as well. Having said this... I don't think average hygienists are ready for this level of professional courtesy.
Their number 1 objective seems to be scolding old guys who won't floss!

I keep looking for that professional who does her job and doesn't continue to overstep.

My dentist is a women and a pro. I told her I'm being treated for cancer.

Thanks for the conversation.
Posted 2/21/2017 1:40 AM (GMT 0)

Worried Guy said...
Hey Pete

Welcome to Healing Well! You and I are going to get along great!

I'm late to the party, but I am with you, Pal. My answer to the dentist was "Nope. No change." I figured unless they planned on cleaning my teeth using a colonoscope, what happened to my walnut is none of their business. This is a routine cleaning. And last time I checked, that involved opening only one orifice - my mouth. If something ever comes up then I'll fess up.
This is a small town and I don't feel I have the right to inflict the burden of privacy on the Jim the Doc, Mary the receptionist, Debbie the hygienist who works on Tuesday and Thursday or Janet who works on Monday and Wednesday and his having her second child while going through a divorce from Roger who....

A more pertinent question might be "What are you carrying?" and clearly that is off limits.

Keep your powder dry.

Jeff

lol nice post wearing a walnut and flossing my teeth.....I just don't get the connection myself. now....my dentist is another story. once i'm gassed up....well....I'm sure i'm tellin' her stuff she'd just as soon not hear
Posted 2/21/2017 5:20 AM (GMT 0)
6 year old thread...amazing that we still argue...get offended...and all the rest over absolutely Zip...I mean why would someone need a forum to help with that kine stuff...and then the ruffled feathers...folks get over your own self...enjoy life while you still are able....
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