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All teeth pulled, dentures at 34. Scared stiff! Please read and help me. I can't take anymore

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Blackrose

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Jan 9, 2010
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All teeth pulled, dentures at 34. Scared stiff! Please read and help me. I can't take anymore

I'm not sure if this site is still active or if there are any UK members here? I'm sorry for the really long post but I really need to say all this.
Preferably looking for someone my age in the UK in my area of Newport South Wales. I know all countries and dentists etc do things differently and everyone has different experiences, even at the same age. However I'm absolutely terrified and I although it won't change anything I am looking for support and those who have been through the exact same thing.

Im nearly 34 and long story short I hadn't many full teeth left. Most are now broken so they are level with the gumline or just left in the gum. The ones that are left are broken off and sharp. Last year I got pregnant and of course my teeth and gums got even more sensitive, and half my front tooth fell out. Now the other one is almost the same.
Im sick of not being able to laugh, smile, take pics or even talk without embarrassment or covering my mouth. I hate going out because I know friends is people I don't know, even cashiers etc, will easily notice. I also often get swollen painful gums. I am feeling angry, depressed and nearly crying every single day all the time. I want to enjoy my baby, especially while she's so little (only nine weeks) and I wanted a baby forever. But this is overtaking my life and I'm so so scared. I know it needs doing but I have such an intense fear of pain, needles, dentists etc and hate people going in or around my face and mouth. I have a very low pain threshold too.
It took years and my dad persuading my dentist to put me back on the patient list to get me going back there after years and finally had a checkup couple years ago. And then an xray where you bite down on strips. He was a lovely dentist who seemed to understand and even said to relax I could bring my own cds in. He said I need to go to hospital for a more in depth xray. Something like a device you sit in the middle of he says and it xrays around you. Anyone know about this one? Do you need to take earings or anything out for it?
Anyway by the time the waiting list got to me I was newly pregnant and also my nerves were again shot so I didn't go. My dentist had probably struck me off again by now and doubt I'd find another one as nice. I can't afford to go private.
I am too embarrassed to talk to my partner or family about it. They don't know the extent of the damage done or what the dentist conversations were with me.
I phoned the dentist when I got pregnant and asked to talk to the dentist to discuss my worries and nerves as a stepping stone before coming back to the surgery, but was told by the receptionist that I'd have to make an appointment and go there, so that was that. I couldn't bring myself to go.
Any but of confidence or happiness I get is quickly shot down.
I'm scared of what would need doing befits having my teeth pulled. A deep clean with a needle? I was told I'd need a clean but not sure if it was normal clean or deep clean. Probably a deep one with a needle. I'm then scared of the surgery itself. I have to have all teeth pulled and I know they're gonna have to cut into my gums too. A lot of my gums have receeded and I'm not sure how far up or down they'll have to cut open and how flappy and horrible it'll be afterward.
I read you can have immediate dentures. I'm not sure if I can or not and don't want to be toothless. I'm scared of what I'll see when taking then out at night or to clean. Do they put immediate ones in while youre still asleep? Do they need to inject you in the gums at all afterwards for any reasons at checkups or when getting the perminent dentures?
I am mostly scared of the needles, wether they are numbing needles in the gum of wherever, iv in the hand or arm, the anesthetic itself too. Does the anaesthetic go into the iv? It'll be a general I think id be having. How long roughly would the whole surgery take of pulling all teeth and then fitting the dentures? Would I have a tube down my throat for breathing? Would I have any metal things attached still to my gums or side of my mouth when I wake up?
I'm allergic I think to penecilin so unsure wether they use that or anything similar for anything during any processes or anaesthetic? The dentist noted in allergic to it when he referred me so that's why I'm unsure why it was mentioned in case. Can I use emla numbing cream previous to the iv cannula like I did when I was in labour. I didn't feel anything but pressure then, no pain. I suppose it also depends on who does it. I have anxiety and depression and am quite chunky which I know may be a factor in increasing any risks for surgery etc. I have heart palpitations too a lot and feel weak but that's due im sure to my anxiety. During gum numbing injections etc is there any gel or cream to numb it? They're supposed to really hurt and people without needle phobia don't understand the pain and fear of even the anesthetic needles. Even my dad says it hurts and he is used to it and even injects everyday with his diabetes.
I am also mainly terrified of complications and not waking up. I know the statistics show those chances are extremely small but it nevertheless still does happen. And I have just as much chance as anyone else if being that percentage that does. And my weight may be a factor in increase too. I find it hard to lose weight as I'm so tired from the baby and of sleep. Ive never slept well. And aiart from when I went anorexic I have always been big like all my family.
I want and need to be here for my baby girl. Please help me!

And I know a few who have gone under and had trouble. My mum almost died but I'm not sure what the problem was. Obviously tho as she's my mother it may increase my chances of problems or death. My ex went under and he woke up as he was breathing in the gas. I've read people don't get put under properly or long enough and still feel pain. Or they don't wake up when supposed to and out of longer with decreased oxygen getting to the brain, some wake up and feel all the pain and everything but can't move or say. I'm labour I had gas and air which didn't work and I don't think I used it properly, probably because of my teeth. What if I don't breathe it in properly again when they use the mask? Especially if I'm anxious which I will be, terrified, it may only put me out a bit or drowsy
 
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Re: All teeth pulled, dentures at 34. Scared stiff! Please read and help me. I can't take anymore

Hi Blackrose :welcome:, yes you are in the right place, DFC is actually UK-based (though obviously, people from all over the world visit and post on this forum). It's great that you've found the courage to post here :respect: - that can't have been easy. I'm not sure if there's anyone else from the Newport area here right now, but you never know :thumbsup:.

Understandably, you've got a lot of questions about what might lie ahead of you, but really the first step would be to find out what your options are and how a dentist might be able to help you (by the way, the x-ray that goes around your head is a panoramic dental x-ray, also known as OPG, which captures the whole mouth in one image and is useful for providing details of the bones and teeth. You would need to remove any metal objects such as earrings and glasses which might interfere with the x-ray images. It's very quick and easy).

From a quick google search, it would appear that Newport actually has a community dental service which caters to anxious or phobic people. To access it, you would need a referral from another health or social care professional - so you wouldn't have to visit a dentist - I presume a GP referral would do the trick. You can find more info and contact details here: [out-of-date link removed].

The dentists there are trained in helping people with very high levels of anxiety/phobia and other special needs patients. This is what they specialise in and do all day long. They often have patients with extensive treatment needs, and they should be able to reassure you and answer all your questions.

One disadvantage of the community dental services can be long waiting lists, but this varies from area to area and I don't know what the situation is like in Newport.

Do you think this might be worth looking into? As I said, I have no idea how bad the waiting lists are, but if private treatment is not an option, it may be worth investigating :)
 
Re: All teeth pulled, dentures at 34. Scared stiff! Please read and help me. I can't take anymore

I wanted to send some encouragement. Good luck. Keep us posted.
 
Re: All teeth pulled, dentures at 34. Scared stiff! Please read and help me. I can't take anymore

Thank you so much. I will look into that link when I get the chance as I definitely would like to know more
 
Re: All teeth pulled, dentures at 34. Scared stiff! Please read and help me. I can't take anymore

Best of luck and keep us posted :grouphug:
 
Re: All teeth pulled, dentures at 34. Scared stiff! Please read and help me. I can't take anymore

Thank you. I'm only at the stage atm where I talk to others about their experiences. Can anyone please tell me if as far as they know there are any needles of any type in any place in the whole process (such as having dentures fitted or adjusted, etc) except for the actual iv cannula in my hand or arm for the general anaesthetic. Any that you know of
 
Re: All teeth pulled, dentures at 34. Scared stiff! Please read and help me. I can't take anymore

Hi Blackrose, no. No needles when getting dentures fitted etc. I know there are a lot of scary thoughts and voices in your head now and it's just all terrifying, but remember one thing: you only go one step at the time. As far as I got it, you do not have an appointment yet and are not sure what exactly needs to be done. So the very first step is to get an appointment and have a chat. Nobody won't attack you with any instruments when you hit the practice - on the contrary - there will be lovely kind people who understand how hard this is and how terrified you are and they will work very hard to make you feel comfortable.

Also remember, that you are the one to give consent to anything that will get done so the control is on your side. They will ask you before even looking in your mouth. You are a customer (no matter how scared). This might help you to get a little bit more distance to the scary thoughts about what they would all do.

Sending you good wishes and vibes, we all know how hard this is and you are doing great so far. This forum is great to get questions answered and to get support so whenever you worry or need to vent, feel free to post, we are here for you. You are being very courageous!

All the best wishes and keep us posted
 
Re: All teeth pulled, dentures at 34. Scared stiff! Please read and help me. I can't take anymore

First off take a deep breath, you're going to be fine! Second good job starting to take steps toward a healthier mouth you will be happy you did.

Now on to the teeth. What they mean by a "deep clean" is extremely like a regular cleaning. The only difference is they numb you (with a needle. Literally 2 seconds you barely feel it trust me). The reason they numb you is because they use an ultrasonic scaler to gently go below your gum line and clean out any gunk that has accumulated there over the years. What this does is reduce your gum pockets and get your gums back to a healthier state. It is nothing to be afraid of honestly, it's just a clean you won't feel a thing.

Now about your teeth. it honestly all depends on the condition of your teeth as to whether they can save some or all your teeth. It may be possible to save most of your teeth and fit you with a partial denture, or save all of them, or save none of them.

But let’s go ahead and assume you need a full denture. Think about how you feel right now. You have a mouth full of broken teeth and I'm sure you have constant pain. Getting those out, getting your mouth cleaned up, and getting yourself a full denture will be like a new lease on life for you. Imagine how much better you will feel with no more pain and broken teeth. To boot you get a brand-new smile! And down the road you can always save up some money and get implants.

It won't be nearly as bad as you're thinking. Go get checked out and get your mouth straightened out, you will be so happy you did. Good luck!
 
Re: All teeth pulled, dentures at 34. Scared stiff! Please read and help me. I can't take anymore

Thank you. I'm only at the stage atm where I talk to others about their experiences.

No problem, I wasn't sure how urgent the situation was (with your baby daughter etc.) :).


Is it needles in general you are terrified of, or mainly dental injections?
 
Re: All teeth pulled, dentures at 34. Scared stiff! Please read and help me. I can't take anymore

Thanks. It is pretty urgent. I just don't want any needles at all. I'm also partly breastfeeding and pumping (not enough milk to store away) and my partner works. It's all needles wherever they are, especially dental ones. Just the idea of a needle going into my gum or cheek etc. Not looking, or distraction doesn't help with needles. Only way I had my iv and blood tests was emla numbing cream. Can't they skip the clean or deep clean or do it when I'm asleep
 
Re: All teeth pulled, dentures at 34. Scared stiff! Please read and help me. I can't take anymore

If you're able to tolerate the IV with EMLA cream, then you should be fine :).

Actually, have a look at AMETOP - it's supposed to be even better than EMLA (you don't need a prescription for it, but most pharmacies would have to order it in).

You can also take an oral anti-anxiety pre-medication or nitrous oxide, depending on what is on offer.

Unfortunately, I have no idea what ABUHB Community Dental Service's protocol regarding IV sedation and/or general anaesthesia is, and which procedures they offer. In any event, it's all a bit speculative at this stage, without knowing what your options actually are!

Certainly a cleaning could be done under IV sedation, if that would help.

Here's a link to our needle phobia page - of course you don't have to look if you feel it would be too much: https://www.dentalfearcentral.org/fears/needle-phobia/
 
Re: All teeth pulled, dentures at 34. Scared stiff! Please read and help me. I can't take anymore

Thank you. The dentist already said I could be put under with GA, though sedation would be safer he said which is worrying if I go for GA instead. Can't they do the deep clean while I'm asleep under GA before extraction in one go? I don't know yet if I'll be having instant dentures or waiting toothless six months. What does that depend on? I really don't wanna be toothless, especially going out
 
All teeth pulled, dentures at 34. Scared stiff! Please read and help me. I can't take anymore

This is not really my field of expertise- maybe you could head over to the “Your Dentistry Questions Answered” Forum and ask there? I ‘m sure Gordon would know.
 
Re: All teeth pulled, dentures at 34. Scared stiff! Please read and help me. I can't take anymore

Thank you, I will do so tomorrow
 
Re: All teeth pulled, dentures at 34. Scared stiff! Please read and help me. I can't take anymore

I don't know yet if I'll be having instant dentures or waiting toothless six months. What does that depend on? I really don't wanna be toothless, especially going out

Hi Blackrose,

I had a bunch of upper teeth pulled 4 years ago and was 32 at the time. I made a point of discussing with my dentist that I did not want to be left "toothless" and was assured that they would no way let me leave the surgery that way and would be fitted with immediate temporary dentures. I think that's quite common practice but worth checking and requesting.

It is all scary I know, but 4 years later I can say it was the best decision I've made. It's all worth it.
 
Re: All teeth pulled, dentures at 34. Scared stiff! Please read and help me. I can't take anymore

As someone who suffered with terrible teeth and a lot of pain for 10 years i can honestly say the sooner you get it dealt with the better. I am living pain free for the first time since i was a teenager since i got my bad teeth pulled. My life is changed. The crooked ones are gone. I don't get mouth ulcers anymore. Food tastes completely different. My mouth doesn't taste like shit in the mornings.

I can recommend sedation if you are scared of general anesthetic. I would certainly much rather have it than a general. Its much safer and the after effects aren't as bad. No need for a mask or a tube down your throat. Its like being half asleep.

When i had it they put a canula in my arm and put some of the stuff in. It didn't feel like much at first. Next thing i know I'm off with the fairies for a couple hours, if it could do that to a fat bastard like me it must be lights out for most people! It was like going from a few beers to 8-10 beers in seconds. I have very very scattered memories of it and i was so out of it i didn't care what the dentist was doing to me. Next thing i know the dentist had tapered my dose off was finishing some of my fillings off. I was still numb under local anesthetic he had given me. I felt very out of it. Had a sleep when i got home and woke up pain free. I had the work done private as the NHS dentist around my parts isn't that well thought of.

The X-ray you go into hospital for and sit in the middle of sounds like a CT-scanner. My understanding is its used to give the dentist a much better picture of the state of your jaw bones and see what bone loss (if any) there is.

I'm not aware of any needles needed for putting dentures in. You should have a look on YouTube. I watched several channels on there of people who had documented their experiences having dentures because i thought i was going to loose all my teeth (i only lost 6 as it turns out).
 
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