Dental Implants

Dear Linda:
       Over the years, I’ve lost several teeth, and my dentures are increasingly problematic. I’ve had sore spots and fungal infections under my dentures, difficulty with biting and chewing, and now trouble with my speech. Dental implants have been suggested. Should I consider this alternative?

Down in the Mouth in Arlington

Dear Down in the Mouth:

In addition to the problems you’ve cited, tooth loss changes facial structure resulting in muscle tone weakening and wrinkles, can result in jaw joint pain, and damage remaining healthy teeth because of excessive use, bite changes and defects in the bone.
      
According to Dr. Susan Hollar of Arlington (817-261-3392), “dental implant treatment has been recognized as a proven alternative to traditional methods of tooth replacement for over forty years, and has numerous advantages.”
      
Dental implants replace missing tooth roots, and form a stable foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Dental implants preserve the remaining bone by providing the stimulation previously provided by the natural tooth roots. They also improve appearance dramatically, and are easy to clean and maintain.
      
The dental implant treatment option makes it unnecessary to grind down adjacent teeth as is done for a bridge, or to fasten a partial denture to adjacent teeth with clasps or hooks that can eventually cause those teeth to loosen. Implant–supported replacement teeth spare patients many of the disadvantages of traditional false teeth including the pain of ill-fitting dentures and partials, the frequent need for denture relines, the fear of denture slippage, and the change in facial structure.
      
The consequences of complete or partial tooth loss are many. Diagnostic aids such as a CT scan and three–dimensional models of the mouth enable the restorative doctor and surgeon to determine the best treatment options. It is imperative to see a well-trained, professional. Careful treatment planning is necessary for good and lasting results.

Avoid Being Mugged at the Mall

Dear Linda:
       
I’m 78 years-old and a seeming target for violence. I’ve been mugged at the mall twice. What can I do to protect myself?

Scared to Death

Dear Scared:
      
The most unscrupulous in society prey on those they believe to be weaker. There are precautions to prevent being vulnerable and actions to take if attacked.
      
Remember nothing is worth risking your life. If someone wants your belongings, don’t refuse, but don’t just give them over. Toss them as far away as you can, then run in the other direction.
     
Make yourself a difficult victim. Before leaving the store, consolidate packages, so they’re manageable. Have keys in hand. Walk purposefully and quickly to your car. Check underneath and inside before opening the door. Get in, lock up and leave immediately. No one will have time to get in beside you with a weapon.
      
If someone’s in the car when you get in, don’t drive off, even if they have a gun to your head. Gun the engine and speed into anything. The airbag will protect you. When the car crashes, get out and run.
      
Refuse to be taken to a second location (where a person’s often tortured, raped and killed). Instead scream, spray maze, hit the other person’s body parts with your elbows (the strongest point on your body), kick where you know it will hurt. Be as uncontrollable as you can, so the perpetrator will give up.
      
Enter your car from the passenger door if you’re parked next to a big van. Serial killers pull women in as they are attempting to get into cars.
      
If you’re thrown into the trunk, kick out the tail lights, stick your arm out the hole, and wave like crazy. Other drivers will see you and report the car license and description.
      
If you’re at all uncomfortable, call a security guard or policeman to escort you to your car. Be paranoid, be careful and be safer.

Alone at the Holidays

Dear Linda:

       My spouse of 55 years passed away two years ago and both my children live out of state. They are unable to come home for the holidays, and I just can't afford extensive travel. I feel so very sad and am not sure how to handle it.

So Alone

Dear So Alone:
     
 The holidays are a special time for family members to gather, express their love, and pass on cherished traditions to new generations. Most of us spend a lifetime anticipating and treasuring these moments and the people with whom we share them, so it is perfectly understandable to feel mournful and even heartbroken when we suffer their loss.
      
Normally, these feelings of sadness during the holidays are temporary and don’t impact ability to function. If, however, you feel so sad that you’re losing interest in or withdrawing from regular activities, experiencing a lack of energy, inability to concentrate, or a change in your eating or sleeping patterns, consult your physician about the possibility of depression.
      
Clinical depression, which can also be caused by bio-chemical changes in the brain, interferes with performing the simplest tasks, erodes self-esteem, and can cause the affected person to question the value of life.
      
The good news is that treatment, including behavioral changes and medication is highly effective, dramatically so among seniors. Treatment should be carefully monitored and results vary, but there is marked improvement in 4-12 weeks.
       
Talk therapy is also beneficial. Surround yourself with supportive people who understand and sympathize, and seek out a good therapist. Contact the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP) at 301-654-7850 or visit main@aagponline.org to request board-certified experts in your area.
      
Be kind to yourself, even indulgent. Buy that new outfit or bauble you’ve been wanting forever, have a spa day (manicure, pedicure or massage—perhaps all three), and invite a friend to go out with you to a new restaurant. You’ll feel special and will be adding new memories to your holiday recollections, perhaps even creating some new traditions.
      
Make sure you don't drink alcoholic beverages in excess. Alcohol is a natural depressant, and though you may have that occasional glass of wine or laced eggnog just "because" it's the holidays, over a period of time, too much alcohol will add to the problem.
      
Get out of the house and surround yourself with other people. Go to the park, see a movie, or go to a shopping mall for some people watching. Consider volunteering at a soup kitchen during the holidays. Helping others in greater need gives us perspective and reason to be grateful.

If you don't belong to a church, choose one. In addition to the inspiration and source of hope, churches often have groups and activities for single people. There will be others who will understand and empathize with your struggle.

Or, if you have a group of friends, organize a holiday meal for others who will be alone too.  It is far more difficult to focus on the negative when you are involved in doing something nice for others.

Give Me A Call

Dear Linda:

       My mom’s an ailing widow. Until now, I’ve been able to call everyday to make sure she’s okay, but I’m being deployed and won’t be able to for the next year. She wants to remain in her home and is well enough for that, but she needs to be checked on. The problem is that all her other relatives and friends have passed on. What can I do?

A Concerned Son

Dear Concerned Son:

       Your mother must be very proud. To have a son care so much about his mother and his country speaks volumes about the job she’s done raising you.

       Before you leave, be sure all her legal (i.e. Last Will and Powers of Attorney), medical (i.e. Insurance and Living Will and Directives), and financial (i.e. Trusts and Bank Accounts) documents are in order. Put all her important papers in a fireproof box. Make duplicate copies for yourself in case you need to confer about them long distance.

       Develop a Care Plan to accomplish her Activities of Daily Living (like trips to doctors, pharmacy, grocery store and hairdresser), and identify any special needs she has. Then ask for help from people in the community—her neighbors, her church, members of civic and social organizations. Contact the National Eldercare Locator (800-677-1116) for help in identifying local service and aging agencies.

       Her level of independence should determine the amount of support she needs. There are in-home agencies that handle housekeeping and meal preparation chores, personal care and grooming needs, and therapy and nursing requirements.

       If all she needs are phone calls, there are agencies that provide only that service. No special equipment is necessary. Any touch-tone phone can receive agency calls, and you should be able to choose call times—generally made twice a day. Follow-up calls should be made if Mom doesn’t answer, and the agency will need a contact list for emergencies. Contact Senior Caring Call at 866-396-4588 for information.

Getting Off the Couch!

Dear Linda:

     I used to be a ball of fire, but the older I get, the more sedentary I've become. I'm only 75, but I'm tired and uninterested in doing anything but watch TV. What's happening to me?

Unhappy couch potato

Dear couch potato:

     An inactive lifestyle impacts physical health adversely in four areas-strength, balance, flexibility and endurance. Being sedentary also puts you at risk for a variety of diseases and disabilities.

      Exercise is the prescription for maintaining good health. It improves lung, vessel and heart systems, increases muscle strength and bone density, and keeps the body limber. Those who exercise often look younger, have more energy, sleep better, and have fewer medical visits. They also have a positive attitude, because exercise produces endorphins and relieves depression.

      Begin with a complete physical exam, so other causes of your lethargy can be ruled out. Discuss exercise with your doctor, who can suggest the perfect program for your physical condition. Even small changes in your level of activity can be beneficial, like adding regular gardening, heavier housework, or chasing grandkids. Start slowly, but build to 30-40 minutes at least three times a week.

      Aerobic activity, like walking (with a goal of 10,000 steps daily), swimming, cycling, and dancing, improves overall health and builds stamina, enabling seniors to handle daily tasks and maintain their independence.

     Weight training builds lean body mass and increases strength, (promoting self-reliance), and it jumpstarts metabolism (keeping weight and blood sugar in check). Tai chi and yoga are effective for balance and staying flexible (avoiding falls and injuries).

      Call the National Institute on Aging, 800-222-2225 to order their exercise video with guidebook ($7.00), and visit www.nihseniorhealth.gov for exercises to try and free information.

      Exercise is vital in slowing down and even reversing the impact of the aging process. Greater physical strength is the best medicine for protecting health, staying independent, and keeping that zest for life.