Dental appointments

I vote to take your dad to the appointment, sit beside him throughout, see how he does. During the last dental appointment to which I took my mom she was supposed to have two fillings. She only lasted through one filling. After the first she grew very agitated. This had been a problem during prior dental appointments. The dental staff was very patient with her, very good with her. But after about 15-20 minutes in the chair she'd grow restless and confused, anxiety getting the better of her. During the first appointment I took her to it took nearly an hour to get a complete set of dental x-rays because she kept moving, she was unable to follow instructions and the techs had to keep redoing the x-rays. Prior to one appointment she had an anxiety meltdown in the waiting room. So I said no more dental appointments even though she had several teeth that were rotting and problematic. It's been 3 years since her last dental visit. So far--knock on wood--no pain and she's still eating. So I would suggest taking your dad to the appointment, stay beside him, see how he does. But be prepared to take him home if he can't handle it. I think elderly folk with dementia are just more sensitive, both emotionally and physically, than the rest of us. As with kids one needs to be super-patient and consoling during dental and medical visits.

That sounds like a good plan. Sitting with my mom in the waiting room was often the worst part of the dental visit since it was hard to distract her and keep her anxiety at bay. When dentists and dental techs were around she would often "show-time", i.e., put on a happy, cheery facade so she would be a bit better once she was in the dental chair. Good luck!

I'm so very glad it went well! Dental clinics are often very thoughtful and accommodating towards dementia patients and I'm so glad that the people that worked with you and your dad were up to the task. I bet you are relieved that it's over. Give yourself a pat on the back. One big caregiver chore successfully completed!