topic Re: Mobile Dentistry Options in Caregiving

Mobile Dentistry Options

JanelleC378097 — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 02:09:11 GMT

My sister and I are caring for our mother at home. She is 92. She can't walk, even with a walker so getting her out of the house to have a dentist check out what appears to be an inflamed tooth, is impossible. She can no longre even get to the doctor. She is under a doctor's care, with video appointments. Her doctor and insurance company both say they know of no options to have her treated.

I have exhausted all efforts I can think of to locate a mobile dentist. Anyone out there know of such a service?

I appreciate your response.

The Sisters

Re: Mobile Dentistry Options

GailL1 — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 02:31:12 GMT

I would call around to different senior living facilities like a Nursing Home, Assisted Living and ask them whom they use to care for their patients when they cannot leave the facility. They may have a dentist that comes to their facility so maybe they would come to your mom.

You might even call some Hospice providers and find out what they do if there is an important and serious problem with their patients’ teeth.

They make arrangements for this sort of thing or should since they are residential living facilities for the aged or the sick and the aged.

You might also call some dentist close to you and find out if they know anybody that would come treat her. Or at least write a prescription. But if they have to do something more involved - you would have to get her there cause a lot of the equipment isn’t mobil type.

In the meantime, your mom’s doctor could at least prescribe some antibiotics. Send him a picture of the inflamed tooth -

Re: Mobile Dentistry Options

GearMaven15 — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 05:00:43 GMT

I followed a similar path as mentioned by @GailL1 in calling dental offices, our hospice, etc. I received some referrals which I need to investigate. Also, check with her insurance company (if Medicare Advantage which includes dental benefits) as they may also have listings as Mom's did. Be careful as a dental procedure infection is what landed my Mom in hospice to begin with!! Do get antibiotics for any root planing and scaling or invasive procedures.