Dentist x-ray

[Monica]

Hi all

I took the girls to the dentist the other day. The dentist wanted to take x-rays of Carol's teeth, so I told Carol to take her pump off. The dentist thought it wasn't necessary, as she was only x-raying Carol's teeth. But I thought it would be best, especially as we all (except Carol of course) have to leave the room while she takes the x-ray.

While she was dealing with Carol, she asked lots of questions about the pump, as she'd never seen one before. She thought they were great.

 

[Northerner]

They are remarkable inventions 🙂 Perhaps there is something in the manual about whether they are affected by x-rays?

 

[Monica]

I haven't actually looked, as I didn't know she'd take x-rays. But as the pump isn't allowed to go through the airport x-ray, I just decided to be cautious

 

[Northerner]

I haven't actually looked, as I didn't know she'd take x-rays. But as the pump isn't allowed to go through the airport x-ray, I just decided to be cautious

Definitely better safe than sorry! 🙂

 

[Pumper_Sue]

If it's any help,, I've never taken my pump off for a tooth x-ray.

 

[Hanmillmum]

Hi you were right to remove it. In the Medtronic manual it says for X rays, CT scans and MRI's to remove the pump, meter and remote control before entering the room. Magnetic fields can damage their motors apparently.

When we took dd through airport security I did all this, showed the letter etc and the security guy informed me that he had dealt with lots of insulin pumps before and they are fine to go through the x ray- Mmmm yeah right, like I would take his word for it, 🙄 there was no way I would risk damaging it!

 

[Monica]

If it's any help,, I've never taken my pump off for a tooth x-ray.

OK Thanks 🙂

May I ask where you keep your pump? Carol has hers quite close to her head (if you know what I mean 😉)

 

[Twitchy]

The last time I had a dental x ray I took my pump off & got the dental nurse to take it outside with her...then when I had to have a CT scan when hospitalised recently the staff wouldn't listen & it was left on in the room, although I detached it myself & left it on the trolley I'd been wheeled in on - I asked the nurse to take it out with her when they did the scan but she ignored me!! 😡 luckily it seems to be ok (am assuming if there was an issue it would have been totally fried?!!) but it certainly added to the stress & fear of the situation!

 

[Pumper_Sue]

OK Thanks 🙂

May I ask where you keep your pump? Carol has hers quite close to her head (if you know what I mean 😉)

Lol, pump was in my pocket. It never even crossed my mind to remove it. Yet all other x-rays and scaans I would have done so 🙄

 

[DeusXM]

In your situation I would definitely advocate removing the pump, it's only for a couple of minutes and it's far too precious to risk. I know some manufacturers do specifically say 'don't put this near an X-ray'.

It does beggar belief though doesn't it, how we can make all sorts of electronic gizmos that are fine with x-rays but they can't somehow do that with a pump.

 

[Dory]

Gosh, I never thought to remove my pump for a dental xray (although like Sue I would never take it near an airport x ray - and even removed it for an MRI and body x ray I had a few months ago). I'm hoping that, given I wear it on my waist, the visit to the dentist didn't damage it!!

thanks for the heads up Monica!

 

[Monica]

I just had a look in the ANIMAS manual:
Dental x-rays: Patient is pumper
1. No need to disconnect.
2. Pump should remain covered by lead apron placed on the patient by the dentist or technician

Well, Carol didn't have a lead apron on, so I think I did right removing it and taking it outside with me

 

[Monica]

Hi you were right to remove it. In the Medtronic manual it says for X rays, CT scans and MRI's to remove the pump, meter and remote control before entering the room. Magnetic fields can damage their motors apparently.

When we took dd through airport security I did all this, showed the letter etc and the security guy informed me that he had dealt with lots of insulin pumps before and they are fine to go through the x ray- Mmmm yeah right, like I would take his word for it, 🙄 there was no way I would risk damaging it!

Oh I know, they are KNOW-IT-ALLs 😛