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Mom's MD advised against general anesthetic because it can induce/worsen dementia in the elderly.
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Don't know how I will be when I am demented but as a small child I did not just push the dentist's hand away I bit him hard. Worked for me.
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My wife would not permit (she would push the dentist hand away) the dentist to inject novocaine. We found a dentist that used a IV sedation (using a certified anesthesiologist -not an MD). This procedure was approved by my wife's family doctor and her neurologist. We used this procedure when a tooth was removed. Also used at lesser time (15 minutes) for general cleaning every 4 months. It has worked fine without any negative results.
While I would prefer the use of injected novocaine in lieu of the IV sedation, the need to keep her teeth in good condition ruled the day.
Jim W.
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I am a dental hygienist an an educator in a dental school. There are several options. One is to take an anti anxiety medication before the appointment at home...most dentists prescribe Valium in low dose. The anesthetic injections ( they no longer use Novocaine) are perfect for extraction. and will wear off and not affect her mentally. You do not say why your concern so more info would be helpful. Is she easily frightened, combative? Nitrous oxide gas (known as laughing gas) is a wonderful sedative and the patient is awake but just sedated and the gas immediately is flushed out with 100% oxygen before she leaves. And therefore she is totally in control and no longer under any influence. I like others would advise against the general anesthetic. But I doubt that is what they would use. I would get an actual name (s) of what they would use as an anesthetic. It may be what is used for procedures like a colonoscopy. The doctor needs a full list of her medications before seeing her that day also. It would be nice if she had already met the doctor first as well.
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Hopefully, you are going to an oral surgeon, and not just a dentist!

My mom, with drug-induced dementia from anti-cholinergic meds, was unable to take sedatives. She also experienced significant pain due to joint problems. She'd already had an ankle fusion, both hips replaced, and one new knee. If not for it being age inappropriate, 93 at the time, she would have needed the other knee replaced as well as both shoulders. I couldn't stand to see her in even more pain and fear from worrying about AND having teeth removed. Fortunately, she'd had good experiences with oral surgery, so calm, matter of fact reminding her of that allowed what memory she had left to kick in and allay any fears.

In prior consultation with the OS, I explained her history and suggested that I dose her with her normal pain medication of acetaminophen + tramadol (she also could not take narcotics) along with her soma about 1/2 hour prior to surgery and ask if it would be acceptable that he use nitrous oxide. I asked the OS to please confer with her doctor if necessary. He felt that nitrous in addition to what she was already used to taking would work fine; that nitrous was relatively safe with virtually no side effects and, consequently, he did not feel he needed to conference with her doctor.

So, THAT is what ended up happening, and all went smoothly.
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Agree with Pam. Anesthesia with her dementia is not a good idea. Preferably a sedative that she has tolerated well before, possibly in a larger dose. Dr will advise not just the dentist involve her PCG
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Local anesthesia and a proper sedative, with MD approval.
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