Getting teeth pulled and new dentures!!!!! - Dental Health Message Board

Lady50 · 07-10-2004, 11:30 AM

Well Thursday the 15th I get all of my 18 teeth pulled out.
Don't know if I will get gas to numb it or just shots.

If anyone has had all their teeth pulled, can you tell me what you were able to eat? Also, did anyone get sick after getting that many extractions. I have a little dentist phobia. I mean when I lay back in the chair what goes through my mind is IS HE GOING TO HURT ME???????

Come on now I am almost 51 grow up a little right? I think it is about time.

Betty

Sandybeech · 07-10-2004, 08:46 PM

Hi Betty,

Anxiety is normal with any procedure as intense as the extraction of the rest of your teeth. If you have a chance to talk to the dentist before you are scheduled to go in it might be a good idea to discuss your fears of being sick after the extractions. It might also be a good idea to discuss the type of anesthesia he/she will give to you. They may even prescribe valium ahead of time just to get you there. Hopefully you have someone who will drive you to and from and stay with you for a while.
This is not an easy thing to do. Good luck and feel free to post your questions. Also, check back over the posts from the past few months, they may answer many of your questions.

JackOfHearts · 07-10-2004, 10:26 PM

As someone who had a dentist phobia as recently as 4 months ago, I can help you be a bit more at ease.

As Sandy said, definitely talk to your dentist regarding your fears. If your dentist is good, he/she has been through this before with other patients, and will be able to help you through your fears.

I had 22 teeth pulled in April, and was given immediate full upper and lower partial dentures right afterwards. The nurse first gave me some nitrous oxide, which really helped me to relax, and then the anestethia (sp?) was given to me. I feel asleep, and before I knew it, the process was over. If you are getting 18 teeth pulled, are you having an oral surgeon do it? It may be worth going that route.

As far as foods I was able to eat - soft foods work best. I ate lots of mac/cheese, cooked pasta, and stuff like that. At first, you will find it VERY weird to try to eat with the new dentures. Heck, ask the others on this board. They dealt with a few panicky questions from me a few months ago. After time, you will feel more comfortable eating your normal foods as you adjust to eating with the new dentures.

I never really got "sick" after all the extractions. I just felt woozy from all the painkillers I had to take for the next 4 days as I recovered from my surgery.

Facing your fear is the first most important step. No one really enjoys going to see the dentist, however you can work with your dentist to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Keep in mind, that any temporary discomfort you go through during your extractions, will be worth it!!! It certainly was for me. I have a wonderful smile now, and it really makes a difference!!!

Please don't hesitate to ask any questions about dentures. We can all try to help.

npille · 07-11-2004, 07:11 AM

Dear Betty: I just had all my upper teeth pulled and two implants started.
No, you will not be in pain during the procedure. I am subject to panic attacks so I had a miserable time. I had gas and didn't think it helped much although I was completely frozen.

Because I formerly had a bridge (most bridges last longer than 10 years but I have complications of Diabetes II) and got a serious infection underneath.
I don't want you to be scared off because you may not have the experience I had.

Here is what you must look forward to:

1. Probably your dental surgeon will put in the denture immediately.

2... Facial swelling and at least four days to unfreeze completely. A liquid diet:
- soups, ice cream, mashed potatoes, yogurt, etc. (This diet will not leave you hungry. I have had to be on a liquid-soft diet for three weeks. but that period of time included before I had my bridge removed and upper teeth pulled.So it may not be that long for you.)

I had pain for several days, and more at night. I was on anit-biotics and tried pain pills with Codeine (not too strong) but I vomited the first night on and off. I took Tylenol - extra strength) and broke a Valium in three parts.
The dentist had given me four. I had never used Valium before - you must be very careful if you use it.

3.You might want to use ice packs. You can put ice cubes in a plastic bag and wrap it in a towel or washcloth.

4 You may have problems with your sinus cavities. You will probably not be able to blow your nose for a day or two. Use a nasal spray sparingly

5. Your jaw bones will ache from being held open plus the denture will need to be adjusted. (only takes a few minutes)

4. Make sure your new denture fits - I have made two trips to the dental surgeon and the second time he adjusted the denture, it helped immensely.

5. Please, if you get depressed, e-mail me. I felt like the "Man In The Iron Mask" but it has been three weeks and I am getting better. It is a shock to your system but you will survive and feel better.

I am some older than you but I was always very vain about my teeth which were quite beautiful but gum disease got me. I still work so try to stay neat and attractive - and I must say this denture is nice looking

Best of luck to you and maybe your experience will be better. Whatever, be prepared for at least a week of adjustment.

Neydine

Lady50 · 07-11-2004, 11:38 AM

Thank you so much for all of your replies.It will be nice to have some pretty teeth. That is what I can't wait to get.

I have to go to Osceola Mo. to get mine pulled. It is about 40 miles away. They are going to pull them. Then I go back in a month and pick up my dentures.

I think I will give them a call tomorrow and see what kind of anesthesia they will give me.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR REPLIES. YOU SURE DID MAKE ME FEEL MUCH BETTER!!!!!!!!

Betty