Dental work using a POC
Hello Everyone: I'm new to your group although I've been reading various sections for a few weeks now. I was diagnosed with COPD in 2014 and have been doing quite well until lately. My pulmonologist has changed my meds and they are really helping. Previously I only used oxygen at night to sleep but I'm now using it during the daytime, not 100% but when I feel I need it. I bought an OxyGoNext portable concentrator which I bring with me when I leave home. Sometimes I use it and sometimes I don't. I'm due for a dental cleaning in a few weeks and wonder if anyone has any advice about how to use it during my dental cleaning. It's a pulse dose POC which means it doesn't work well and sends alarms if you breathe through your mouth. Thanks in advance for any advice.
Hi Denny, and welcome! Sometimes folks here, in our community, stay in the background reading all that is written but not feeling a need to join in the conversations. Then, for some, the day comes when they take the plunge. Glad you were able to venture forth!
I know that some of the 'OxyGo Next', portable oxygen concentrators are able to provide continuous flow, but it sounds like that is not available on your unit. If that is the case, and you are apprehensive about using it at the dentist's office, I have a suggestion for you to evaluate.
Most dental offices have oxygen available, although it is not typically used for regular patient visits. It is actually on hand as a component necessary when nitrous oxide is used for any procedure as it is used simultaneously. I am also aware that some dental offices maintain small cylinders of oxygen for emergency purposes, should any arise.
You may want to contact your dentist and ask, in your case and, for your needs, if he/she can provide you with supplemental oxygen during your procedure. That, I would think, would address your concern.
What do you think?
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)- Thanks, Leon, appreciate your suggestion.
It's my pleasure, Denny!
Should you decide to inquire, please do check back and let us know how it all turns out for you.
Good luck!
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
Yes, you can use your POC at dentist offices and they are very understanding that you need oxygen to breathe. I keep my POC on my lap the entire time. It doesn't get in the dentist way of working on your mouth. When I was using the portable tanks I did the same thing - kept it on my lap. I have not switched over to any my dentist equipment and if the appointment runs over longer than the battery would suggest bringing a charger with you. I always have a charger in my car but that doesn't help when you are in the chair. I've been on oxygen for six years. I use the portable Inogen that I rent from my oxygen supplier.
Hi Gail, and thanks so very much for sharing your own personal experience(s) using oxygen at the dentist's office (both the portable oxygen concentrator and oxygen cylinders as well).
This type of experience sharing is invaluable to our community and members!
You will note that Denny17742, who posed the initial question, has already read your response and is extremely grateful for the information.
We very much appreciate your input and your feedback on this particular issue!
Warm regards,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
Hi again, Denny, and thanks for your response and further explanation following's sharing of her experience using oxygen in the dentist's office.
Based on what you've shared here, it sounds like you don't expect to have any issues using your particular OxyGo Next at the dentist's office either. Since it seems the alarm was your main concern, and you state you are able to turn off the alarm, it sounds like you should be able to use your own unit for your personal supplemental oxygen needs.
Please do check back and let us know how this all turns out for you.
Good luck!
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
