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Ricky6 Asked September 2019

Dental appointment help?

Has anyone asked the dentist or dental hygienist to use nitrous oxide or anesthesia for dental cleaning of an uncooperative Alzheimer’s patient?

ArtistDaughter Oct 2019
I'm worried about the noise the machines make for cleaning teeth. My mom jumps at any tiny noise. But she must go do this. Thanks for the question.
Isthisrealyreal Oct 2019
Not all cleanings require the ultrasonic machine. That is typically used for heavy build up. However, it makes the process go a lot quicker. (This is the procedure in my dentist's office)
Ricky6 Oct 2019
I also inquired if a pediatric dentist would take an adult patient with dementia. I felt that if a dentist could handle a child, then the same dentist could probably handle the behavior of dementia person.

Anyone agree or disagree?

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Jessica40 Sep 2019
Be careful as anesthesia can make their ALZ worse.
Ricky6 Oct 2019
Thank you for the information. I do not think the dentist would use anesthesia unless a major service was necessary.
Geaton777 Sep 2019
Ricky6, is the patient in a NH? My MIL is in LTC in MN and the facility uses a mobile dentist that comes to them and the dental staff is familiar with working with incapacitated patients. If patient is not in a facility, I'm not sure any dentist will be willing to take your LO on, but you will need to call and have a detailed conversation with them in advance. I am not sure any dental office will be willing to do anesthesia because of the high risks. Maybe speak with LOs doc regarding tranquilizer for this occasion? You made need to do a "practice run" with meds to make sure it produces the desired effect before you go to the effort of attending the appointment. Not sure about nitrous, I've never used it myself...Hope this helps!
Ricky6 Sep 2019
No the patient is not in NH. He has a dentist, but I am unsure what they might offer to help the patient’s cooperation.
AlvaDeer Sep 2019
I would run it past the person's regular MD first, as to what they think about it. I love nitrous, and is all I need no matter what they do to me. I am totally relaxed but completely still there. Best thing ever for me. In fact I entered office to have tooth extracted with 180/90 and as soon as nitrous was on I went to 110/60. The dentist said "I think I have the answer to life for you; it's 40% nitrous oxide". The sense of "well being" is huge. I think so much better and safer for an elder than a more general anesthesia.
Ricky6 Sep 2019
Thank you for your response. I did not realize that nitrous oxide could lower blood pressure. A low BP could cause my patient to faint.

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