Dentist issue

mommyandme (m&m)

I finally got my mom to the dentist yesterday.  Of course my procrastination made us go out on a freezing snow filled day.  I was afraid she could have an infection. She couldn’t have the panoramic film done because she couldn’t follow any commands.  The manual X-rays they took hopefully showed her issues realistically.  According to the dentist she didn’t have a severe infection but does need to have a couple of teeth removed.  We wouldn’t be going for any other kind of treatment such as root canal/crown etc… 

How should a I expect an oral surgeon to deal with this? Sedate her? What’s that going to look like in the aftermath? Constant trepidation! Ugh   

M1

m&m we've had this come up a couple of times, and my partner has been able to have teeth pulled by an oral surgeon with only local anesthetic.  That would likely be the best outcome.  I would certainly discuss with the oral surgeon's office before you take her in.  Good luck.

Stuck in the middle

A tooth extraction is no big deal, much easier than having a cavity filled.

I had a molar pulled last month.  The most painful part was sticking a needle in the roof of my mouth to administer the local anesthetic.  I had a gauze pad in the hole for several hours after the extraction, to absorb the slight bleeding.  Then I had to eat soft food on that side for a week, and couldn't smoke, drink carbonated beverages, or drink with a straw for about a week. 

Hope that helps.  No fear.

BassetHoundAnn

A tooth extraction really is no bid deal as Stuck in the Middle says. No big deal for me. A shot of anesthetic and a few moments later the tooth is gone. For mom... Prior to an extraction she was screaming, flinging herself on the floor in the dental waiting room, claiming she wanted to die, etc. Since then her dentist has gone the no-extraction route, filling and sanding down broken and decaying teeth that should really be extracted. Since she's not in any pain this has been the preferred route. It all depends upon how your mom handles the anxiety prior to the extraction. In years prior my mom never experienced dental anxiety and had dental work done without a blink, but Alzheimer's has changed everything.

mommyandme (m&m)

Thank you for your replies.  I have actually had a tooth extraction, thankfully without the stab in the roof of my mouth, yuck! 

We’ve got the consultation with the oral surgeon on Tuesday, so we’ll see what he says.  Moms hospice nurse frowned on the idea of sedation.  She votes on loading anti anxiety meds into mom with local anesthesia.  She also said rule number one for hospice staff is never put your fingers in a dementia patients mouth. I actually made that mistake myself with my mom and she bit down and wouldn’t let go.  I have to laugh at this.  

Well when taking the manual X-rays, the dentist actually held the uncomfortable mouth piece that you bite down on in place herself.  She did that because when the dental assistant was trying my mom moaned as if she was being tortured.  I forgot anti anxiety meds for this appt… darn.  I guess dentists may not have that “no finger in mouth” universal rule and how could they comply with it anyway.  

I may have to take some anti anxiety meds myself to get thru this little jag.