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Mom is in late stage alzheimers and freaked out in the middle of her last visit, causing them to not be able to do xrays and complete a filling. What can I do to help get her care when she needs it? She is on seroquel to help her sleep which will keep them from using valium or other sedatives to help.

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Thanks for your ideas and response. Yes, the dentist had a thought about giving her no seroquel the night before, but to do it in the morning before her 7:30AM appointment. I need to learn more about how this drug works and talk to her alzheimers doctor for her advice.
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The dentist prescribed a Xanax for my LO, who has significant dementia, to take just before her dental appointment. (30 minutes prior). I think it helped some. I think a big part is played by the dentist and staff. The one that we found was super sensitive and so good with her. They were so gentle, soothing and did everything talking to her calmly. Over the course of 3 visits, she had exam, cleaning and 3 extractions, with no apparent discomfort or anxiety. Of course, she also takes Cymbalta, so that prevents her from being anxious too.

I'd ask her doctor and dentist about it. Also, discuss Palliative Dental care. That's what we did. Just enough to keep her comfortable.
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My mom no longer can go to the dentist. We used to take her for a cleaning every 3 months...since oral care was getting tougher. One time we took her and she just refused. It was a little over a year ago. I guess at stage 7, we won't worry too much unless she starts having pain...but not sure how we would know that. I guess I am not much help but that has been our experience.
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Thanks, I agree, we decided not to do anything since she is not having pain, either, but somehow feel a need to figure this out in case she does, but our efforts may be wasted if we always go to a "what if.." instead of taking it one day at a time!
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So true. I have asked the dentist about how to best take care of her teeth. I brush them the best I can twice a day...she clinches her teeth and bites the brush. I also use oral sponges with Perox-A-Mint rinse on it. I make sure she doesn't bit those too. I give her lots of water. Dentist says to try to get a look inside to see any visible issue. We also got a recommendation to a dentist who uses sedation...just in case...although that would be last resort. Good luck
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This is a tough one
My near 94 year old mom was facing replacing two crowns without novacaine and I was sweating how she was going to get through it now with dementia

After spending 20 minutes thoroughly examining her - the dentist said the X-rays looked worst than what he found and her current crowns could probably hold a few more years - fingers crossed they do 

With your mom, would it be possible to give her half of her normal seroquel dosage before the appointment ?
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