Are there ever dentists who do home visits? I have a mom who is in a wheel chair. Until this week, she was able to transfer herself from the wheelchair to the car. Now she is too weak to do it. I cannot physically lift her. I’m sure she has a tooth infection, but don’t knwo how to get her there.
Maria S. – San Antonia, TX
Maria,
You’re in a tough position. You’re right that you mother’s situation needs to be dealt with. While a dentist can call in an antibiotic, that will slow down and infection, not stop it. With a dental infection, a dentist has to physically get in there and remove the infection.
There isn’t really a way for them to come to your house to do that. There are specialized tools that are not able to be safely used with a house call.
There are medical transport companies that have the tools to transfer her from her wheelchair to their vehicle. Her insurance company may even cover the transport. I would also be sure to call her dentist ahead of time so they’re aware you’ll need help getting her in the dental chair. If she doesn’t have a dentist, there are emergency dentists that can see her. Some of them the same day you call. But, again, they’ll need to be aware of your mother’s specific needs.
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