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My mother is 99, there is no way I would have any cavities filled, why?

No, she won't have the best set of teeth in the graveyard but that is ok with her and me both.

I do not believe in doing anything further with her unless she is in pain, which she is not, so I would not have any dental work done on her,
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Reply to MeDolly
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Katherine1953 Dec 10, 2024
Agreed. If a person is elderly with no dementia, it is a different story. But dementia patients should not be put through anything that will be painful or unnecessary. My LO was diagnosed 12 years ago. He had some dark lesions on his face that his doctor tried to treat in the office but when he flinched, the doctor decided to leave them alone. He said “ we are not going to torture him “. His doctor also said he will not ever have another colonoscopy.
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If you are conflicted about caring for Mom's teeth, read the recommendations of Dr. Richard Isaacson...a world-reknowned neurologist leading the way in dementia care and prevention. His studies show that persons with good oral hygiene and healthy teeth score significantly higher on cognitive tests. Cavities that are ignored ultimately will reach the nerve and when that happens the pain is frequently intense and once that infection/abscess occurs the only options are a root canal or an extraction, both of which are much more traumatic than a simple filling. The dentist I work with, who sees many older and cognitively challenged adults, emphasizes frequent cleaning appointments (every 3 or 4 months) because good oral hygiene is hard to accomplish at a later age when vision and dexterity begin to be compromised, or because motivation has diminished. And he reminds family members that pain is under-diagnosed in people with dementia because they cannot always articulate what they are feeling...they may just exhibit anxiety, anger, or an inability to sleep. A compassionate dentist who will take the time to work with your mother might put temporary filling in a tooth rather than drilling it out in the usual way, and should look for the simplest fix to be sure that she is never in position to suffer unnecessarily. And a reminder that the bacteria in gum tissue that is not kept very clean, enters the other body parts easily and can wreak havoc in other areas, including the heart and brain. Ask your cardiologist!
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Katherine1953 Dec 10, 2024
Also, some dentists have a laser available to remove decay that is painless and eliminates the use of a traditional drill. I am retired, but my most recent boss has that.
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So you are still taking Mom to the dentist, as it is likely he/she is the one who told you these cavities need to be filled?
I think, given what you told us of your mom's overall health in your profile, I would not take mom to the dentist unless she is in pain. IF she is in pain, a shot of novocaine and a filling should be minor compared to tooth pain.

All in all this is something to discuss with the expert! That's your dentist.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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From your profile:

"I am caring for my mother Betty, who is 97 years old, living in independent living with age-related decline, alzheimer's / dementia, anxiety, depression, incontinence, mobility problems, osteoporosis, sleep disorder, and urinary tract infection."

How do you know she needs a cavity filled? Did she go to the dentist? Did it fall out? Is she in pain?

If she's in pain, I think this is the guiding symptom that decides next steps. Does she willingly take medication?

More info would be helpful for most appropriate suggestions for you.
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Reply to Geaton777
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If the cavities are painful and must be filled or pulled, sedation dentistry is a good option.
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Reply to lealonnie1
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Unless those cavities are causing pain, I would not worry about them. I would not put someone suffering from a Dementia thru this.
My cousin was called about his Mom, who suffered from ALZ and was at least in her mid 80s, about needed some caps. He said no.
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Reply to JoAnn29
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My mother had to have teeth pulled at the age of 101 and moderate dementia. We ended up doing the procedure at a hospital so that they could use general anesthesia. This is because they were not sure what would happen if they used the "normal" anesthesia if they did the procedure in a dentist's office.

Not all hospitals have the facilities to do dentistry with general anesthesia and not all oral surgeons have hospital privileges.

The good news: The procedure was covered by Medicare instead of dental insurance.
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Reply to ChoppedLiver
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"geriatric dentistry" is a thing--maybe see if available in your area?
I 100% agree with other replies about dealing only with teeth that cause pain.
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Reply to AndSoItGoes
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Be careful. The dentist may want to make some money. As long as she is not in pain, let it go. I myself am 83, and I have one molar that has a huge cavity. The dentist recommended I either have it extracted or have a crown put on it. It is not causing any pain or discomfort, so I think I will just let it go.
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Reply to kahill1918
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Elderly here can get home visits
they woukd be linked to dealing with elderly or sick people. Might be worth checking with local health authorities to see what’s available
hopefully those people would be better trained and not try to do extra in necessary work
if no joy check in a local care home and ask them what they do fir elderly patients teeth issues
it’s best something is sorted before it goes into a deeper oriblem
tooth pain is excruciating
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