Toothless Wonder

Hi Kim

Sorry that I've taken this long to respond to your posting. I've recently been promoted and have subsequently taken on a lot more responsibility that I previously had. So to cut a long story short, my life has not been my own for a while, hence the tardiness.

As Yos advised, I had decided on going the 'traditional route' of waiting for my gums to heal post extractions. Looking back it was rather difficult and quite an adjustment, but no more than some of the other medical experiences I've had to endure. I had cancer of the lungs some years ago and the subsequent chemo led to my teeth weakening considerably until I was left with very little choice but to have them pulled. Not an easy one, but in the greater scheme of things not altogether insurmountable. I was 35 when I had all my teeth extracted and due to financial constraints and the limited resources of my medical aid, elected to wait for my permanents rather than go the routes of immediate dentures. Also, my dentist advised me that I would ultimately have a better fit as most of the initial resorbtion would have taken place. I was told it would take about 4 months for this to happen.

Still, nothing prepared me for the shock of my drastically altered appearance once the teeth were yanked. I cried like a baby. However with the support of my wonderful husband and my circle of friends and colleagues, I was left with very little time to feel sorry for myself and soon learnt to accept my situation. The best part was that I finally could look forward to life without any pain - NO MORE TOOTHACHE!. My husband offered me constant reassurances and told me that I had lost so much more in the past, these were just teeth and certainly didn't alter his regard for me as a woman. He even went as far as saying he thought I looked really beautiful and may face had taken on a softer look. My colleagues went out of their way to protect me and took on quite a bit of my work load, especially the parts that involved dealing with the public. One client in particular did happen to see me in my toothless state and told me how glad he was that I had finally done something about my "bad teeth".

As we were always a very social couple, and with my husband's insistence, our lives continued as normal. Dancing and dining out in the beginning proved a bit of an ordeal as people can be really cruel. The s******s and people staring was so annoying. I soon developed a skin thicker than a Rhino's and just let it roll off.

Time has a way of passing really quickly and I can't believe that its been more than seven months since having had my teeth pulled and some four months of wearing a complete set of dentures. I must admit adjusting to not having teeth proved to be that much more easier than adjusting to dentures. I still find myself wanting to ditch them at the first opportunity. Bit like work weary feet wanting to kick off their shoes at the end of a busy day. My teeth fit real well though. Waiting for the gums to heal proved to be the best decision for me. Would I do it all again if I had the choice. ABSOLUTELY! To be free of pain, to have a new found confidence, to be able to smile without worrying what people thought of my disgusting teeth, to have a husband that loves me that much more for having been brave enough to take the situation in hand, the list is endless.

So take heart and remember this is just a moment of time in your life, and as always it will pass. Do write and let me know more about your particular experience. If I can be of any further help, please let me know. I may not respond immediately, but will as soon as time allows.

Cheers and all the very best
Charms