I just noticed some black spots on a few of my dad’s teeth near the gum line. I’m guessing this is from years of not going to see a dentist.
I feel awful that I didn’t see them before. I’ve been in charge of his care since February. Luckily he isn’t in any pain.
I’m looking for advice or info on how he can get dental care while in a wheelchair. He needs a two person assist to get in the dentist chair and the staff at the dentist office can’t help me move him. I can’t pick him up on my own. Anyone else ever dealt with this? Wondering if they could clean his teeth in his wheelchair chair or do I need to scramble to find someone to come help me lift him?
Also any advice on cavities and dental work for someone with advanced Alzheimer’s is helpful too.
Some Als have aides that can be hired per hour for appointments. He would need to travel via wheelchair taxi & aides drive separately, meet him there & stay to do transfers & assist. Possible... maybe... but unless they know him well, could be just too risky/too hard.
I Stated that I wanted functional attention ONLY, and although the end result was rather unsightly she was able to eat a typical diet for some time, until she was placed on puréed foods for other reasons.
Luckily we have good dental insurance for him that will cover preventive care and fillings.
He can open his mouth and move his head back. He also is pretty cooperative.
This first visit is for the cleaning, X-rays and exam. I will try to stay in the room with him to make him feel better and know he is safe.
I just don’t want him to end up with an infection/abscess