I just wondered whether anyone had any experience of dental care for Alzheimer patients?
My husband has his own teeth, and I do my best to provide oral care as regularly and thoroughly as possible. His last visits to the dentist were very difficult, even getting seated in the chair was a challenge almost beyond him. Luckily, he has not had any problems with his teeth for many years.
However, yesterday morning I found two 'large' chunks of filling by the side of his breakfast dish - not a good sign, but he didn't seem bothered by anything. Today, he has been flinching every time he has had something to drink, he has clutched the right side of his face, and he is obviously chewing on the left. He is unable to communicate how he feels, so it's all guesswork on my part.
His own dentist passed away last year, and the practice has been sold. Even if they still had his records, I can't imagine how he would ever get there, as access is not easy. I have contacted a community dental clinic, and have to ring back tomorrow morning to discuss what they might be able to do for him. Thankfully, he has settled down to sleep and does not seem to be in any more pain at the moment.
If I do get an appointment for him, I know that he will not be able to co-operate. Does anyone know whether they might consider sedation in order to carry out an examination and possible treatment? What are the risks?
I know that he does have some small cavities and feel that, even if his pain doesn't get worse, this may be the time to have all his teeth looked at and 'sorted out', before we end up with bigger problems. Or should I hold back and hope that it all goes away without any treatment??
Any tips / suggestions welcome!
My husband has his own teeth, and I do my best to provide oral care as regularly and thoroughly as possible. His last visits to the dentist were very difficult, even getting seated in the chair was a challenge almost beyond him. Luckily, he has not had any problems with his teeth for many years.
However, yesterday morning I found two 'large' chunks of filling by the side of his breakfast dish - not a good sign, but he didn't seem bothered by anything. Today, he has been flinching every time he has had something to drink, he has clutched the right side of his face, and he is obviously chewing on the left. He is unable to communicate how he feels, so it's all guesswork on my part.
His own dentist passed away last year, and the practice has been sold. Even if they still had his records, I can't imagine how he would ever get there, as access is not easy. I have contacted a community dental clinic, and have to ring back tomorrow morning to discuss what they might be able to do for him. Thankfully, he has settled down to sleep and does not seem to be in any more pain at the moment.
If I do get an appointment for him, I know that he will not be able to co-operate. Does anyone know whether they might consider sedation in order to carry out an examination and possible treatment? What are the risks?
I know that he does have some small cavities and feel that, even if his pain doesn't get worse, this may be the time to have all his teeth looked at and 'sorted out', before we end up with bigger problems. Or should I hold back and hope that it all goes away without any treatment??
Any tips / suggestions welcome!