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is dental care possible in advanced dementia?

It really depends a lot on the person. My dad had frontotemporal dementia and the behavioral symptoms were fairly well controlled via Seroquel. When he said he had a toothache for several days and said that he wanted to go to the dentist, he was able to cooperate, got the Novocain, and had the tooth pulled. This was maybe two years before he passed away. But I don’t think it would be that easy for everyone with dementia.

Later on he said he had another painful tooth and I made another appointment but then when it was time to go, he put up a lot of resistance and claimed he hadn’t said anything about a painful tooth so I dropped it and canceled the appointment. Making him do things he didn’t want to do was next to impossible.
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Reply to Suzy23
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With an experienced provider and the right medication yes, but consider carefully if it’s worth the person going through it
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Reply to Daughterof1930
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Anything is possible but my question to you would be....is it really necessary?
If not, leave well enough alone, and if it is "necessary" the dentist can give a local sedation to keep the person with dementia calm.
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Reply to funkygrandma59
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