At this age there is no point in root canals or crowns....The process is not only very expensive but very long. Full extraction is cheaper but you most likely have to see an oral surgeron to do it.
I'm not sure what your dad's condition is, but my cousin, who has severe dementia recently had 3 extractions. A regular dentist did hers and it went just fine with a pill to relax her first. She kept her remaining teeth. They are following up with some cleanings to keep the others as long as possible.
I would seek a dentist who understand Palliative care and why invasive dental work is not desired for seniors.
Your dentist may be able to control your dad's infection with meds or have another suggestion for treatment. We have a similar problem with my husband's 90-year-old mother who resisted/was denied adequate dental care the past ten years as her teeth began to break off. (My husband obtained guardianship of person several months ago). At a recent trip to a trusted dentist, my husband was told that she likely has a low-grade infection that is not making her sick at the time, so he would not recommend pulling the teeth because it would be too invasive and risky. He did say that if she were to become seriously ill with gum infection, in other words, the risk of leaving the teeth in became greater than the present infection, he would then intervene. I hope you have a dentist who will give you the best advice for your dad's situation.
Full extraction is cheaper but you most likely have to see an oral surgeron to do it.
I would seek a dentist who understand Palliative care and why invasive dental work is not desired for seniors.
We have a similar problem with my husband's 90-year-old mother who resisted/was denied adequate dental care the past ten years as her teeth began to break off. (My husband obtained guardianship of person several months ago). At a recent trip to a trusted dentist, my husband was told that she likely has a low-grade infection that is not making her sick at the time, so he would not recommend pulling the teeth because it would be too invasive and risky. He did say that if she were to become seriously ill with gum infection, in other words, the risk of leaving the teeth in became greater than the present infection, he would then intervene.
I hope you have a dentist who will give you the best advice for your dad's situation.