Mom doesn't have many teeth left, but they continue to give her problems. The most recent visit to the dentist because of a painful, infected root resulted in the dentist telling her she needed to have the rest of her teeth removed. He will remove the teeth but he wants her to see a denture specialist to get fitted for dentures. He sent her home with antibiotics and two scheduled appointments. She told me this morning she wasn't going to have the work done because she is 90 years old. I would be inclined to say "fine, your decision, mom," but isn't this dangerous? Can't infected teeth lead to other more serious problems? How forceful should I be about this? Or should I just let it go and wait for another painful incident? I can't force her to do anything, and I kind of understand her reluctance - pain, money, etc.
Ideas?
It is really about dealing with these things as they arise and not making assumptions or judgments. I'll continue to try to do better at that. But you each helped. Thank you.
But. The reason she gave you - the only reason? - is that she is ninety years old. And that is a *terrible* reason for continuing to be in pain, to carry around infections which could cause serious complications, and/or to have to take unpleasant courses of antibiotics which have their own risks, to be unable to enjoy eating and drinking normally, to suffer from bad breath and be socially embarrassed...
Being ninety is no reason not to take care of yourself, like any self-respecting person does. Tell her she's worth it; and if it then emerges that she is in fact frightened of the pain or the procedures then do a bit more homework and see if you can't reassure her.
Antibiotics are just a bandaid.
My mom had all her bottom teeth removed about 5 yrs before she passed after being told for years they can cause a major infection that can travel to your heart and cause endocarditis. She did remarkably well. She was about 84.
Tough decision for all of you. How many teeth need to be pulled? All of my mom's lower teeth were a mess but she definitely followed her doctor's advice and got them removed.
That to her and have the rest of her teeth removed. If she doesn't want dentures that's her decision.