T
Traveller
Junior member
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2012
- Messages
- 8
7 extractions + bone grafts + implants + immediate dentures NO pain or discomfort!
Folks – my name is Traveller, and I used to be petrified of dentists following a bad experience 30 years ago.
I have a good local dentist but my problems are deep-seated and I was fighting a losing battle to keep my teeth. A year ago I decided I HAD to get this under control and was referred to a specialist dentist. After several deep cleaning sessions with a lovely hygienist, and a couple of examinations and planning chats, we decided on a course of action. First, some gum flap surgery – and hey, that didn’t hurt a bit! Unfortunately, the most recent stage involved extracting 7 upper teeth, including the front ones, and bone grafts and immediate temporary dentures pending implants.
I was freaked out about the extractions and the dentures. I’d had extractions under gas and twilight sleep years ago which were fine but never under a local – this was the stuff of nightmares! And dentures – eugh – will they hurt all the time, will I be able to talk and eat ok? This forum was superb in giving advice, good vibes and support for this, and the hygienist and dental practice had been great so far - so I decided to just man up and get it done.
I have never been so scared in my life as when I walked into the surgery two weeks ago.
The dentist started by numbing with topical gel, then a round of injections, rubbing the gums, then more injections and rubbing. Ten minutes in, and my upper jaw was completely numb. I wasn’t even aware of the first tooth coming out, but the nurse could see me probing with my tongue and said, with a smile in her voice, “Yes that one’s gone.” That made me feel so much better – perhaps I wouldn’t be in agony when the others came out?!
I had two crowns, and there was a “pop” when the plastic was removed from these. Apart from that, I only felt one tooth come out – this felt like firm pressure around the tooth for half a second, then it was out – no pulling and no pain!
There was some rootling around, presumably to clear out the sockets, before the bone grafts went in and were stitched up. I was aware of the “proddy thing” being used but again it didn’t hurt so had no problems.
The dentist did some drilling on the front teeth area and then I heard a sound like a ratchet socket drive (yes I had my eyes shut tight throughout!). I asked what he was doing (“Og ar oo ooing eeze”) and he smiled and said he’d just popped an implant post in. That hadn’t hurt either!
The immediate denture went in and seemed to fit pretty well – there was a bit of refitting and adjusting and then I was out!
I plucked up the courage to look at my new teeth in the car before I drove home. They look so good! I did cry at that point – it was such a relief to be out, unhurt - and now I can smile without being embarrassed.
I finished the antibiotics and painkillers, but have had no pain or discomfort at all. I’m still retraining myself to speak properly, but as long as I take things slowly it’s ok. I am having some problems chewing and can’t bite – but these are only temporary dentures, and my teeth were so bad before the work that I was only eating soft foods anyway! I have my two-week appointment tomorrow so maybe we can sort something out.
I found a good dentist. I faced my fears, and feel so much better. It really didn’t hurt.
Huge thanks to my dentist, and to this website!
My name is Traveller, and I am no longer petrified of dentists.
Folks – my name is Traveller, and I used to be petrified of dentists following a bad experience 30 years ago.
I have a good local dentist but my problems are deep-seated and I was fighting a losing battle to keep my teeth. A year ago I decided I HAD to get this under control and was referred to a specialist dentist. After several deep cleaning sessions with a lovely hygienist, and a couple of examinations and planning chats, we decided on a course of action. First, some gum flap surgery – and hey, that didn’t hurt a bit! Unfortunately, the most recent stage involved extracting 7 upper teeth, including the front ones, and bone grafts and immediate temporary dentures pending implants.
I was freaked out about the extractions and the dentures. I’d had extractions under gas and twilight sleep years ago which were fine but never under a local – this was the stuff of nightmares! And dentures – eugh – will they hurt all the time, will I be able to talk and eat ok? This forum was superb in giving advice, good vibes and support for this, and the hygienist and dental practice had been great so far - so I decided to just man up and get it done.
I have never been so scared in my life as when I walked into the surgery two weeks ago.
The dentist started by numbing with topical gel, then a round of injections, rubbing the gums, then more injections and rubbing. Ten minutes in, and my upper jaw was completely numb. I wasn’t even aware of the first tooth coming out, but the nurse could see me probing with my tongue and said, with a smile in her voice, “Yes that one’s gone.” That made me feel so much better – perhaps I wouldn’t be in agony when the others came out?!
I had two crowns, and there was a “pop” when the plastic was removed from these. Apart from that, I only felt one tooth come out – this felt like firm pressure around the tooth for half a second, then it was out – no pulling and no pain!
There was some rootling around, presumably to clear out the sockets, before the bone grafts went in and were stitched up. I was aware of the “proddy thing” being used but again it didn’t hurt so had no problems.
The dentist did some drilling on the front teeth area and then I heard a sound like a ratchet socket drive (yes I had my eyes shut tight throughout!). I asked what he was doing (“Og ar oo ooing eeze”) and he smiled and said he’d just popped an implant post in. That hadn’t hurt either!
The immediate denture went in and seemed to fit pretty well – there was a bit of refitting and adjusting and then I was out!
I plucked up the courage to look at my new teeth in the car before I drove home. They look so good! I did cry at that point – it was such a relief to be out, unhurt - and now I can smile without being embarrassed.
I finished the antibiotics and painkillers, but have had no pain or discomfort at all. I’m still retraining myself to speak properly, but as long as I take things slowly it’s ok. I am having some problems chewing and can’t bite – but these are only temporary dentures, and my teeth were so bad before the work that I was only eating soft foods anyway! I have my two-week appointment tomorrow so maybe we can sort something out.
I found a good dentist. I faced my fears, and feel so much better. It really didn’t hurt.
Huge thanks to my dentist, and to this website!
My name is Traveller, and I am no longer petrified of dentists.
![[smiley=jumping.gif]](/forum/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/dfcsmilies/jumping.gif "Jumping [smiley=jumping.gif]")
Apologies for the delay in getting back to you; I've been in "work mode" which leaves me little free time. 
