Take this to your dental visit
My name: ________________________________ My birthdate: _______________
Please read this about me
I have widespread joint hypermobility including the jaw and neck
I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS). This condition affects the way collagen and connective tissue behave in my body.
As I have a connective tissue disorder, the ligaments that hold my teeth and jaw together are also weak.
It is hard for me to get numb with local anesthetic which is a documented symptom of my condition.
Lidocaine typically doesn’t work well for me.
I often have jaw and/or neck pain for several days even after routine procedures.
I have difficulty healing after dental work.
I have had experience with previous dentists who don’t understand my condition.
My gums tend to bleed a lot.
My jaw pops/clicks/locks open/locks closed
I have a lot of jaw pain.
I get frequent headaches.
Here are some suggestions for how to optimize my experience today
Please consider using a different anesthetic other than lidocaine to get me numb as I have had great difficulty getting numb in the past.
I may need more than one injection to become fully numb and ready for my procedure. Please check me for numbness before you proceed.
When I open my jaw for instruments, I will only open as far as necessary (not as far as I am able), and I will try to retract my jaw when I open (rather than protrude) to minimize strain on my jaw joint. Please remind me if I forget.
I would be more comfortable if you supported my neck with a pillow if one is available.
Please don't put the chair all the way back as this may make me dizzy.
Please let me wear my sunglasses during the procedure as my eyes are very sensitive to light.
Please don’t ask me to turn my head/neck very far.
Please give me “jaw breaks” so I can rest during the procedure.
Let’s talk about whether a “bite block” may be helpful for me.
Please communicate with my doctor before any surgical or difficult procedures.