Frequently asked questions regarding cavity and fillings
Can you treat cavities for a homebound Alzheimer’s patient?
Yes, we can come to their homes and coax them into letting us “paint their teeth” with a product that will harden the decay. There will be no pain or drilling. We use a product called silver diamine fluoride, we use a specific product called Arrest by Elevate Oral Care. The product literally treats the decay in two visits. We like to call this treatment, filling without drilling.
Small fillings at the top of my teeth keep falling out, what can be done?
Small cracks can be caused by grinding, fillings on these small cracks tend to fall out. Leaving the cracks without any filling can cause pain. We can permanently treat these cracks with a product from Voco called Proflouride L, it works by sealing the area permanently. We also recommend using a night guard to prevent other teeth from cracking.
Does the toothpaste I use matter?
The short answer is, yes! A good dentist should suggest a specific toothpaste if you’re developing decay. We recommend Just Right 5000 by Elevate Oral Care, it is a metered-dose that would last six months. A good product is just one part, you should also brush properly. Never ever leave food stuck to your teeth as this would definitely start tooth decay.
What can be done if brushing is not possible due to advanced Alzheimer’s disease or dementia?
In cases where the patient can no longer brush or is so aggressive that even the caregiver can no longer do it for them, we recommend using All Day Spray by Elevate Oral Care. This over-the-counter product will keep the mouth clean and moisturized.
What if a patient has badly decayed teeth and is no longer eating?
When a patient is no longer eating due to pain from cavities, this is considered a dental emergency. If visiting a traditional dental office is not an option, you can set up an appointment with one of our dentists. When tooth extraction is the recommended option, we can do this procedure safely at the patient’s home.
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