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Mom needs a lot of dental care requiring 3 different dentists, surgeon to pull her teeth, another for root canal, etc.



This is on top of multiple medical issues and becoming more frail, walking less securely.



I've been dealing with upsetting (unethical but not harmful as I'm here to protect mom) behaviors by dentists as I try to find 3 competent dental providers. I now only need to decide on a general dentist who is kind, competent, and sensitive to elder care. That's on the back burner for now but I've been dealing with that for the last 2 weeks on top of the emotional strain of sadness for mom and managing her other medical needs.



She's losing 2 front teeth tomorrow and I know it bothers her but she doesn't want to upset me. I am very sad about this as it is such an overt loss and my mother's face will change forever from before I take her to surgery to afterwards.



I don't really have support or friends I can talk to and have become more isolated with Covid to protect her, and I know it will be a hard day for me emotionally, caring for her.



I have a therapy session for support, but I thought it might be nice to get some words of support here and ask how others manage when they see beloved parents losing teeth/ experiencing their own sadness about decreased functioning/affecting their self-image etc.

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As others said, dentists can do a lot to make her front teeth appear completely normal (a dental bridge, etc.). Ask the dentist about what can be done BEFORE pulling out the teeth.
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2 words, Aspen Dental
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How old is your Mom?

Why are her teeth being pulled? Can she afford a partial?

What are her other medical issues?

More info would be helpful, thx.
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HI Samantha - welcome here! Well, as there are changes with your mom as she goes thru the natural aging process, I think it'll be helpful to try to keep it in perspective and re-frame your mindset -

...such as, there must be a health reason that the dentist recommended pulling her front teeth, so look at this as a positive - she's getting properly treated and should be in better condition afterwards...and this will be an improvement.
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Why is moms face going to change forever after losing 2 front teeth? Have the dentist fit her for a partial plate to replace the 2 front teeth and she'll look the same as always. I'd avoid root canals for an elder due to the trauma and potential for infection, and just pull those teeth as we did with my mother.

Get mom out and about for some socialization now rather than continuing to worry about a virus that's with us forever.

Best of luck to you.
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Welcome, Samantha and (((hugs))))).

Might we ask why mom's teeth need to be pulled?

Social isolation is deadly. Is there a local library book club, knitting group or a faith community you can join?
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anonymous1732518 Aug 14, 2023
Not for everyone (social isolation). In fact many people like/love being alone.
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