I’m long distance from folks who are in assisted living. Both have dementia, mom is really going downhill mentally and physical.
Staff took her to dentist today as she was complaining about a jagged tooth. Dentist said all her teeth but two need pulled, decay, broken etc. They will send her to oral surgeon for consult then surgery at a later date if I as POA authorize it. Then would need dentures fitted etc. Good Lord......
I talked to dental assistant and nurse at AL. Dangers are abscesses, infections etc. can’t do root canals if she would get an abscess cuz not enough of the teeth left.
At this time there are no abscesses or infections.
I didn’t see this coming. Mom’s quality of life is about .1%. I can’t imagine putting her through the horrors of all these procedures. But if I don’t, will she die of some horrible infection? Im an evil neglectful son? I’m wondering how long she has left. Should I let nature take its course or do this crazy intervention?
AL nurse, good guy who I trust, suggested going through with the consult with oral surgeon and holding him/her to absolute minimum necessary. But even that would be so traumatic for her.
Sorry this is so long, but kinda freaked out here......
Leaving the rotten teeth in her head will likely lead to infection/abscess sooner or later. They are pretty traumatic too. I like what the AL nurse said. Go with the minimum necessary. I think she is in for trauma one way of another, eventually, Maybe better to get it out of the way so she doesn't have further problems in that area as she declines. Tough decisions.
Mom still has her front teeth, upper and lower. Dentist says these gotta go too. I cannot even imagine her shock at waking up with no teeth. She may have advancing dementia but she still has some vanity. I think she’d rather be dead. She has a DNR that is very clear....I DONT WANT NO NOTHING NO WAY NO HOW!
(Mom was in her 90's at the time and although her mind was sound she was already physically in failing health, I was terrified at having her put under and so grateful to find a dentist experienced in working with frail elders)
She did not pursue dentures as shortly after this she had the fall thatbroke her femur and she went downhill from there.
I would look into having the teeth removed due to the chance of infection specifically endocarditis (leaflets of the heart valves get infected) which would be most likely fatal or cause a systemic infection.
I’m with you on this due to my own trepidation when my mom did it. Just know that by some miracle my mother made it through the extractions. I would not pursue root canals - that’s too much.
I feel for you. I hope all works out. It may be easier for the teeth to be extracted due to the decay.
Good luck!