Dental problems and dementia: How to get through it?

My husband has beautiful teeth but recently chipped one. It was suggested he get a crown. I didn’t think he would handle it but he did fine.

A similar concern. My husband , with dementia, tolerates regular dental visits/ cleaning but was recently advised to go to a periodontist for "deep pocket" cleaning ? The appointment is 6 months off. He is 86 . Should I subject him to the extra stress or just maintain the existing routine ?
I feel that dental practices are now frequently "upselling" extra treatments for profit ?

Hi, depending on your wife's medical condition, getting put under for the procedure and the heavy dose of meds to put her out, may do her in.
I've read numerous posts on this site about folks having major setbacks and not returning to pre-procedure cognitive levels due to anesthesia or other heavy-duty meds, that tend to adversely affect those with cognitive impairment. Good luck!

I don't want to put my Mom through dental stuff that she can do ok without. She broke crown half off her front tooth a couple months ago. Her smile also has a hole. I only took her to the dentist so he could soften the edges. Medical stuff can set people back and cause stress. However, my Mom is on hospice. If she were going to live years and needed the tooth to eat, I might choose differently.

It is tough at times to know when and what to do. Hope you find the decision that brings you and your wife peace.

@4goakley Can you go for a second opinion? The big concern regarding anything with your mouth/teeth, of course, is infections going to the heart.

So my path leads to the oral surgeon today. Extraction of broken tooth. No heavy Xanax, they will use IV to sedate.

All went better than expected. She doesn't remember. Here's hoping that the antibiotics hold and progress made.

Dear @jopa1951

I wonder if there are other options for your wife that do not involve those many visits to the dentist and delicate home care that implants require. I only remember that the process was daunting for me, at a younger age, and without dementia. I remember that a friend was given an option to hold a new tooth in place by having it be supported by the teeth next to it. That might be a simpler solution. If she can tolerate it they can also make a plate that has just that tooth on it.

My husband does not tolerate even thorough cleanings. Even home flossing had to become a thing of the past. I just cross my fingers and hope that nothing big happens to his teeth.

All the best to you.

@4goakley I'd maintain the same cleaning regime, but possibly add an extra one in like three or 4 times a year. That's what my dentist is having me do, although my insurance only pays for two.