My Gut Instinct or Lesser of Two Evils

I have posted about my problem tooth.  My biological dentist wanted me to go to a very specific oral surgeon that he works with.  I phoned the oral surgeon’s office and was not very excited about what I was told regarding candles in their office.

Determined to find another office I tried one locally and did not do well.  This set me off in search of an oral surgeon who didn’t have air fresheners or candles in the office.  I phoned another local office and was told that they also used air fresheners but they were willing to let me go through the back of the office and check out one of the surgery rooms.  I had planned on trying Monday but wasn’t able to make it there.  I phoned an oral surgeon out-of-town and was told that they didn’t have air fresheners but they had dealt with water leaks in the building.

A few days ago a friend had posted on her Facebook page a thank you to her dentist for fixing a chipped tooth.

Me:  I replied that I still hadn’t found a safe dentist.   Dentist: The dentist replied that he knew a very good dentist.  Me: I again replied does he have air fresheners or candles.  Dentist: The dentist replied that he so had air fresheners.  Me:  Why do so many doctors and dentists feel the need?  Dentist: Because all the chemicals used in a dentist’s office give it a unique and unpleasant smell.  I remember hating the smell of the dentist’s office when I was a little girl but why add insult to injury by adding more chemicals to cover up the other chemicals?  I just don’t get it.

Yesterday my husband had a doctor’s appointment out-of-town.  The same town where the oral surgeon’s office is that my biological dentist had wanted me to use.  I rode with my husband and sat in the car during his doctor appointment.  We then drove to the oral surgeon’s office with the understanding that my husband would go in first and if he wasn’t totally blown away, I would step in and check it out.  He waved me in.  I walked in and even with my mask could smell the remnants of fragrance.  I asked if it was possible to be shown to one of their inner rooms.  I walked in, removed my mask, and immediately became hoarse which was not unexpected.  We talked about my sensitivities and I asked if the surgeon wore cologne and she said yes but because they had worked with my dentist, they would make sure not to wear anything the day of the visit.  While I didn’t feel good (I don’t feel great in my biological dentist’s office either), I didn’t have my throat swell on the way to the car or have to take histamine nor did I spend yesterday afternoon or today in bed.

The bottom line:  While I am still not sure if I feel totally comfortable at this office or am totally sure it is the right choice based on my gut instinct, it is the lesser of all the other evils.  This tooth has to come out to cut down on inflammation and to avoid the possibility of more infection because I only have a temporary crown.  My other option is a crown lengthening procedure that I won’t even post a link to because it made me sick looking at what is done during one.  On our way home I phoned my dentist and had them make the referral.  I will only take a first morning appointment (hopefully on a Monday) and will have to coordinate to have acupuncture afterwards.

I am unhappy that I have to override my instincts.

16 responses to “My Gut Instinct or Lesser of Two Evils

  1. I TOTALLY TOTALLY UNDERSTAND— I am suffering with the worst kidney infection I have even had in my life-(never had such pain since child birth)- from the poison from a tooth that I lost the crown-(as it took a month to get into see the oral surgeon– & the tooth pumping poison into my system every day) – then the chemicals I was exposed to in the oral surgeon’s office– then the worst for me was the toxic chemical drug they had to give me– to remove the tooth— the office was understanding– & did the best they could-but I was exposed to a lot in the office & – the drug they had to give me– finished me off—I was down for a week–have been taking all natural alternative health care products for the infection– still taking them– still can’t stand up straight– & still walking with a cane- still in pain— but I am getting better— I understand–but I agree– get it over with– & start the healing process!!! You know I care & feel for you– & understand– & you will be in my prayers– & please keep us posted!!!

    • Thank you Sonda. My biological dentist is sending the referral so we can get it sorted out and get an appointment scheduled. I would like to get it done soon because it is almost time for my LDA treatment and having the tooth pulled too soon to the procedure could void the procedure. The one thing I hate even worse than the isolation and limitations of chemical sensitivity is the planning for everything. I miss the ability to just schedule an appointment for a procedure (whatever it may be) and just go in without assessing every aspect and have it done.

  2. Yes, that’s quite a dilema, not sure what I would do. I’ve had my own dilema recently… haven’t been able to stay in my home so I’ve been at my mom’s but she has dogs and flowers and air fresheners and wears perfume…. but with all this it was the lessor of two evils for the time being. The one thing that helps is that it’s a moderately large house and there are lots of windows to help air it out. Wishing you good health!

  3. I hate going to the dentist at the best of times but after reading about what you have to go through I will never complain again. 😦 I really hope it all goes well for you Kathryn. I’m sending you an unperfumed hug.

  4. Here’s hoping you can have the procedure done without any adverse effects. I love that you’re coordinating with your acupuncturist for support afterward.

    • Thank you Ellen. My acupuncturist is wonderful. I went to her after I had my first mercury amalgam filling removed for support because I couldn’t take the chlorella the dentist wanted me to take to help with any mercury left in my body from the removal. I appreciate everyone’s support.

  5. I hope it works out ok for you.
    I am nervous about my upcoming dentist appointment. I’ve never had a problem before my last appointment, but last time they used an air freshener that made me very sick. I hope they don’t use it again, but they said they would not use it on the day of my appointment. I’m afraid there will still be residue in the air, furniture and carpeting.

  6. I find some fragrances annoying, but I’ve never had them overpower me. There have been a few times a woman’s cologne was so strong, it was like she doused herself in it and I couldn’t stand being around her until after lunch when it wore off.
    It’s good thing you’re having that tooth taken care. An infection throughout your body would definitely not be good. My prayers are with everyone.

    • Thank you. The brain fog, respiratory problems and horrendous coughing fits that colognes and perfumes bring on are miserable. I hope to hear from the oral surgeon soon after he has received the information from my dentist.

  7. Pingback: No what do I do? | allergictolifemybattle

  8. Pingback: I’ve Made A Decision! | allergictolifemybattle

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