Gail -
Much thanks for replying and talking about the anxiety/best course of
action for that. I do need this information and advice as well.
Sylva

May I add Sylva, that if your friend does get to the dentist, the ativan can
help the experience be void of trauma mostly.   If you have missed all the
discussion on this newsgroup about amalgam fillings, a word of caution to
not have any more than necessary work done.   Some dentists might push to
replace all amalgam fillings with composite, as the discussion has centered
on the advisibility of having mercury in the mouth.    The least minimum
work necessary for your friend may be a good start, and most do not choose
to replace amalgam fillings unless there is a compelling reason, which is
probably seldom.
Hate to comment on dental issues,  but thought a response might help.
Gail       Hope this response is not out of order.     Will try to refrain
in the future.
They seemed like perfectly reasonable questions.    Will take any criticisms
deemed necessary.

**The arthritis flares up with infection. I am concerned that the
release of bacteria even in a cleaning could cause an infection....and
then a flareup of his reactive arthritis. This would be just one more
reason for him NOT to go to the dentist ever again. Which I am trying
to avoid. ** This is why I want to know more about the risk of
infection. I am thinking that I should probably ask someone with
knowledge about reactive arthritis, rather than dentists themselves.

I am attempting to address the fear issues...evidently all of his
previous dental work has been painful, and he is very afraid of
needles. He told me that at one time, when getting novocaine, the
dentist hit a nerve and the syringe jerked out of his hand and back and
forth. Causing pain the whole time.

I am emphasizing that regular 6mo cleanings aren't about pain, but
about keeping your teeth healthy, prevention, and detecting problems
early. I am trying to find a dentist who is experienced and good with
people with fear.
Sylva

Not a dentist talking.    Could your friend possibly get a prescription for
Valium or Ativan,1 mg.  and take one before going to dentist.   That wlll
alleviate the anxiety of dental work.   Eventually he will need to go to a
dentist and the sooner he can get started, the better condition he will be
able to keep his teeth.    Fear  and anxiety might cause a flareup of the
arthritis?   Perhaps that is true of many conditions.   so for all of what
may need attention in the future, fear should be dealt with.
There is a saying,  All healing is essentially the release of  fear"    If a
prescription for a few Ativan or Valium cannot be gotten, a herb Valerian is
sold in drug stores and health stores.   Nature's Resource is a good brand.
The effects only last a couple of hours compared to eight for Ativan.
In the meantime, home remedies like good nutrition, vitamins, brushing and
flossing can help     Why would he need an antibiotic if there is no known
infection, unless there is a heart condition.  If he has not been to the
dentist in years, he many need restorations, etc. but have the dentist point
out that there are such problems for certain.     There are no absolute
guarantees and the more knowledgeable a person is about anything, the less
there is to be anxious about.
Just my opinion formed through years of hit and miss.     Maybe a dentist
could elaborate.
Gail

Hi.
I am researching this for a friend who has had reactive arthritis for
the last 5 years. I am encouraging him to begin going to a dentist for
cleanings, etc, but I had a concern that this might cause a flareup of
the arthritis.

Would he need a prescription for antibiotics before any dental work?

He has not had cleanings or any other work done in years, and is afraid
of going to the dentist in the first place. I want to make sure that
this is not going to be a problem.

Thanks so much,
Sylva