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My mom (84) is in a wheelchair after a stroke, with no use of her left arm or leg. She has a hole in one of her teeth that I think is due to a lost filling. I want to take her to a dentist, but there is no way she could be transferred to a dental chair without it being a huge ordeal. There must be dentists who treat people in these situations? I will call her usual dentist to see what she recommends, but thought I ask here too.

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Daughterof1930: Yes, of course, the saliva during the procedure was suctioned out by the instrument that the dental assistant uses.
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My mother was completely paralyzed by her stroke but received care from her longtime dentist while in her wheelchair. He and his assistant were gracious and kind to her and worked around the situation well. It was very cumbersome because she didn't even have the ability to swallow, but they provided care despite all obstacles. I'm sure the right dentist will be able to make this happen for you.
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Well, of course, the first thing you would do is call the dentist and ask.
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I was in my old dentist's office one day when a van pulled up and 2 men put a heavy-set lady in a wheelchair and managed to carry her it up a flight of steps and then down the narrow hallway in my dentist's office (very small place needing much inside and outside repair) and managed to lift her into the dental chair (the new kind that practically lays you flat). He takes Alzheimer patients (like my mom)also. Hopefully, your mom's or your dentist can accommodate her. Depends on the dentist, I guess.
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My wife has a high level SCI and we pull the wheelchair next to it and transfer. One person grabs under her arms while the other gets the legs and 1,2,3 she's in their chair. Things are more challenging with wheelchair dependent people but you find a way (and places) that help you work it out. Save your self a lot of trouble and just call the places you want to go and tell them the situation. Good luck
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Call 1-800-DENTIST and ask them for a dentist in your area who works on handicapped people.They have information about dentists who are part of the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped.
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There are dentists who visit assisted living care facilities, depending on where you live, this might be the best option. They will even work on teeth when the patient is bed-ridden. Option two is what I use currently. My dad can't stand or walk and has Parkinson's so he makes like a rock when you want to move him. I engage a caregiver who can lift him and we do the transfer from chair to dentist chair. The dentist chair can be lowered or raised to the height of the wheelchair. Also the arm rest can be moved out of the way. That makes the transfer doable if not fun. Hope this helps.
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Agree with Barb. I had a visiting dentist see grandma in her home a couple times. They can't do everything in home but better than nothing.
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Thanks, Barb!
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I'm not sure how they would do it, since the dentist chairs that I see are built in to the floor and can't be moved out. HOWEVER, call and ask, because the last time I was at the dentist with my LO, who is in a wheelchair, I observed a patient come into the lobby on a STRETCHER. I have no idea how that worked, but apparently they have their ways.
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Does your mom transfer well? Staying in the wheelchair may work if you have the kind that tilts back, but the dentist has their work light and tools set up around their chair. Since the dentist chair is height adjustable we were able to transfer my mom without any difficulty.
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Google "Homeward Bound Dentist". Have no idea what he costs, but apparently he visits homes as well as facilities.
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Good idea of yours to call ahead, xinabess. There are some remarkably helpful people out there if we just ask. I have my husband to transfer mom into the dentist chair, but the dental assistant said she could transfer her no problem, even from the car! I realize those type of folks are few and far between. It never hurts to ask and costs no extra. :)
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Maybe the dentist can work on her teeth in her wheelchair and maybe he can even move the other chair and roll in your Mother's wheelchair into that spot.That's what they do at the beauty shop.Good luck with this~
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My mom's dentist allowed her to sit in her wheelchair to get her teeth cleaned
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