Tooth Retraction

Lrita

My mom (95) has a molar tooth that has a large cavity in it causing her pain and the dentist said it will need to be removed, as it is too large to be repaired.

We are concerned about her being placed under anesthesia as I heard it will possibly cause a worsening of dementia.  She is in a mid-late stage as it is and do not want to push it into the next level if possible.  

One of the recent visits to the dentist, my dad took her and she was anxious and "freaked out", her blood pressure rose so high, she ended up in the hospital.  After that appointment, the Dentist recommended giving her zanex before the next appointment.  About a week ago, Dad took her since she was in extreme pain, and gave her one pill.  She did fine but was very relaxed where he had to basically carry her out.  

We are talking to the Ortho-surgeon on Tuesday but any insight would be greatful to hear.

dayn2nite2

This is one of those risk/benefit things - the risk of her having a huge infection that could cause tremendous pain and make her very sick is worse than any risk from the anesthetic.  

Give her the Xanax, have the molar extracted.  Bring help to get her from the office to the car afterward.

Iris L.

Ask the dentist about nitrous oxide (laughing gas).  I don't know its effect on cognition.

Iris

mommyandme (m&m)

https://www.alzconnected.org/discussion.aspx?g=posts&t=2147558112 

Hi and welcome to the forum.  I put an answer into another’s post that may help? 

Sorry for these struggles. 

Oregano

I hope you find a solution that works for your mom. For cavities in general, in my opinion, the number one culprit is always fungal overgrowth in the mouth, particularly Candida.

This was the issue for me, until I applied a xylitol gel at night on my teeth. ROCS is the brand I used, but there are several that I'm sure will do the job. My teeth have never felt stronger/less sensitive, and even more obvious: the white coating I usually have on my tongue has vanished. Please check to see if your mom suffers from these symptoms, if so, Candida overgrowth is almost certainly the culprit:

• Oral Thrush (white tongue, especially after meals)
• Brain fog
• General Tiredness and Fatigue
• Recurring Genital/UTIs
• Digestive Issues (bloated stomach and gas after meals)
• Chronic Sinus Infections
• Chronic Constipation/Diarrhea
• Skin and Nail Fungal Infections
• Joint Pain (pain, stiffness and swelling)

ladyzetta

When your dad had to carry her out would have been a good time to extract that tooth. Tooth aches are really bad. Give her zanex and take her back. The pain will return. You can stop the pain, but you can't stop dementia.