Dentist chair and positioning!

Whenever I see a dentist - and if one was available currently, which they are not in my city - I always ask to keep the chair fairly upright. I suffer with both fear of the dentist and needlephobia, being reclined sends me straight into a panic attack.

orly

Last time I went to the dentist suffering with toothache I told him I'd rather have a baby and he replied "we'll make your mind up - I've got to adjust the chair"

I do like a dentist with a sense of humour

Take your own neck pillow.
That said, my dentist is fantastic. I couldn't breathe so he raised the chair until I was comfortable. I was have root canal treatment which is difficult at the best of times, yet he managed perfectly well with me in a near sitting position.
Your dentist needs to listen to you, otherwise change dentist.

I think calling and discussing with the practice manager is a good idea.
Do it soon!
Good luck.

I would mention it before you go and say you are feeling anxious about it.
I did, and my dentist has done everything he can to make sure I am comfortable before he starts and during treatment he asks.
I managed an hour and a quarter appointment recently and I was really nervous beforehand.

As I have a small curvature of the spine I need my dentist to be considerate with the chair and she very much is because she asks if I’m comfortable then she’ll adjust the chair to a position of comfort

I do not hesitate going to the dentist she and the hygienist are both so friendly and considerate. it’s not cheap but worth the sacrifice. I say look around I know it’s not easy put your review of your dentist on social media he or she will soon get the message. Good luck.

JdotJ

I agree; you are so far tipped backwards that, if I'm wearing a dress, I panic that 'everything might be on show'

You could always wear a high neck top if you know you are going to the dentist.

Dentists are all human and any stress you feel will transmit itself to them. Talk to them.

None of them are sadists.

I will say it again - for back and neck issues (which I have) wear trousers/pants/jeans so you can bend your knees upward to alleviate any pressure you feel by lying straight (that is very uncomfortable if you are reclined down and back). To help your feet from sliding around on the chair wear sneakers or rubber soled shoes. Wearing pants - no one can see anything.

I can help you with this pressure and pain issue but I cannot help with your anxiety.
Like kittylester says “none of them are sadists.”

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My dentist reclines the chair normally, my husband tells a tale about his previous lady dentist, she used to sit on a stool behind the chair and recline the chair right back. This meant his head was nestling in her bosom, I guess she was popular with all the men. Then the practice went private only, now he has a brusque Scotsman, poor soul.

I think most people hate going to the dentist, but it’s a necessary evil unfortunately. It’s worth understanding why the dentist needs to recline the chair, it’s not only about access to your mouth, it’s also because they need to be comfortable when working themselves too, as there is a much higher prevalence of back and neck pain in dentists than average because they are stooping down to work all day every day. Good luck OP, I’m sure they will be accommodating if you tell them how much discomfort you experience.

I have reported an up-post - resurrecting an old thread by advertising.

I’m going to be positive
After being on crutches for a while and coming off high dose steroids I had pins and needles in neck and shoulder stiff shoulder and jaw pain. Dentist couldn’t find any problem but following my visit there was a considerable improvement which I put down to the angle of his chair
Presumed it realigned something so used similar position at home.
Within a relatively short time all problems resolved themselves.

My neighbour had a bad car accident that seemed to stave off her back issues for around 10 years afterwards.

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