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Toby Laping Associates www.WNYCareManager.com
Eldercare News |
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You Need To Know . . . Accessible Dental Care by Toby F. Laping, Ph.D., C.S.W. I shouldn't admit it, but I find that putting off a dentist's visit is an easy thing to do. I don't think I'm alone in that. And, if you're homebound, you probably think you've found a justification that works without even causing pangs in your conscience. You're wrong! Let me introduce you to In House Dental Services. Founded 18 years ago by James Metzger, D.D.S., In House Dental Services provides full general dentistry services for people who are unable to get to a dentist's office. This is a unique service. One can occasionally find dental vans that travel around neighborhoods, eliminating the need for patients to travel by car or public transportation to obtain dental work. However, it's quite something else for the dentist to go into the homes of patients and there provide dental services. That's an important distinction, because we all know how hard it can be to walk even a short distance outdoors in Western New York in the wintertime. Teeth are cleaned, cavities are filled, dentures are repaired, and all manner of general dentistry services are performed for patients while they sit in their living rooms or rest in their beds. I've known people who had teeth pulled while sitting in their favorite lounge chairs in their dens. The dentists carry high speed drills and other such standard equipment with them. It's all sterilized or disposable. All they need is running water and an electrical outlet, and they're ready to go to work. Dr. Metzger is a graduate of U.B.'s School of Dental Medicine and he has three dentists, also graduates of U.B. Dental School, who make home visits. Each time a dentist goes into a home, she also has with her a licensed dental technician. Because a large percentage of the patients who use this service are elderly, I asked Dr. Metzger to describe the difference between geriatric and regular dentistry. He said that particularly in geriatric dentistry, his staff often takes a pragmatic approach, treating existing dental problems. As an example, gums tend to recede as we age and the exposed root surface is susceptible to decay. Fortunately, new materials have been developed which adhere to those root surfaces, making it possible for the dentist to address problems with decay in an effective and minimally invasive manner. Also, because older patients often have complex medical problems which may effect, or be effected by dental issues, there is a frequent need for communication between the patient's physician and dentist. When the patient is confused, he may be unable to describe his problems. Under those circumstances, it's very helpful to have a caregiver or other advocate available who can tell the dentist what the manifestations of the problem seem to be. For more information call Dr. Metzger at 877-5740.
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