could do with support - GA on Thursday to have 3 teeth out - scared witless

[randomwimp]

Hi all

I know compared to many on here my situation is mild, but it doesn't seem to stop me worrying about it. I hate the dentist, hate my teeth and feel embarrassed and ashamed that at the age of 46 I have to have 3 out. My dentist (who is lovely and tries hard) suggested I have them out 2 due to chronic absesses and one as its a crown and next to one of the ones coming out and she doesn't think there is enough of a real tooth left to support it.

My husband doesn't understand why I am so upset. I just can't seem to get a grip on myself. The worst thing is definitely the shame, and the worry about pain afterwards.

I'm not so worried about the GA - I have a hearing problem and have had operations since being a child on my ears (20+ now).

I already have a hearing aid, now I'll have some false teeth - all I need now is a walking frame!

feels better just having somewhere to write it all down. My husband just thinks I'm making a fuss over nothing.

phew. and breathe...

 

[JazzyJ]

Re: could do with support - GA on Thursday to have 3 teeth out - scared witless

It's nothing to be ashamed of, but at the same time, I'm sure everyone here understands and knows it's not an overreaction. My mum's younger than you and she's had quite a few teeth taken out and has dentures, and it's given her loads more confidence that her smile looks better and etc. You can't change your circumstances or what needs to be done, you can just change how you feel about it now, and it certainly isn't easy to get over any shame or embarrassment you may feel, but it isn't worth feeling down about when it could be worse. My cousin is 17 and has had to have six teeth taken out, so don't think you're on your own in being young and having to lose a few teeth. I can't comment on the pain because I haven't been to the dentist since I was a kid, but I'm sure they can give you pain-relief?

 

[lissysue]

Re: could do with support - GA on Thursday to have 3 teeth out - scared witless

I am so sorry you are feeling down. This too will pass Last fall I had to have my very back molar out and I understand what you are feeling. I was so upset about the whole thing, I made myself sick with worry which was truly worse than the actual procedure. My oral surgeon's staff were great tho, they assured me this happens all the time, were supportive and comforting, gave me a warm blanket and then in a moment that rendered me speechless, the oral surgeon who happened to have perfect teeth told me one of his upper front was an implant! Just goes to show you these things happen to everyone! Honestly, the sedation was a breeze, I was so busy telling the surgeon he wouldn't be able to start the iv, no one can but I never got to finish the sentence as I was already out. Never even felt it. I have found that if you are phobic about needles, let the staff know and ask to have someone ( another nurse perhaps) you can look at and talk to while this is going on, really focus on that conversation and your responses. Helps everytime I woke up in recovery all ready to go home without remembering a thing. If I ever had to have a tooth out again, I'd want to be sedated, it was so easy peasy.

 

[carole]

Re: could do with support - GA on Thursday to have 3 teeth out - scared witless

Hi randomwimp to the forum.

Don't feel ashamed, we cannot always control the infections we get. I have always looked after my teeth and I got infections even though I was seeing a dentist at the time. It does make you feel terrible apart from the pain it is embarrassing, although it shouldn't be. I felt like I wasn't cleaning my teeth properly and just felt as if I had a dirty mouth despite brushing, flossing and using interdental brushes too.

Sometimes these things just happen. I was told it was work done years ago just getting worn out and needing to be replaced. You mention you have a crown involved in your problems, so there you go.

I understand how you feel about having a denture but it has to be better than the pain you have with an abscess. Try not to feel bad about it, it is just so good that you can get the treatment and you will get used to the change in your mouth, even though you might resent it. It is a good thing

I wish you GOOD LUCK let us know how you get on.

By the way I understand how you feel, it isn't a fuss over nothing and will take time to accept it and get used to it. But you will in time You will feel so much healthier when you get rid of the infections too.

 

[lillyh]

Re: could do with support - GA on Thursday to have 3 teeth out - scared witless

Please do not feel bad about losing some of your teeth...I'm 52 and so far have had a ton of bad luck with my teeth all of a sudden..I've had nine teeth extracted since Jan of this year..Three were failed root canals, two had infected roots, 4 decayed wisdom teeth ..Oh and one tooth with a hole in the root ..I have a lot of bone loss so will lose my bottom 6 teeth next year(I'm out of insurance money till Jan 2014) and a full bottom denture put in..I also am very upset that it has come to such tooth loss but I too, brush, floss and use mouthwash twice a day..It didn't seem to matter...My sister has almost the identical missing teeth as me so I think a lot of it is genetic..I was at my dentist today and told him I thought another tooth was infected and I said to him that he must think I take horrible care of my teeth and he said "I'm not here to judge, I just listen" He is amazing...I've had G.A. once for extraction of 4 teeth and twilight sleep for 5 teeth...It was fine..It is not scary at all..they talk to you, make sure you are comfortable, give you a toasty warm blanket if you want one, give you an I.V which didn't hurt and then you wake up and you are done...It will be oaky...And like Carole said you will feel better when your teeth are extracted and you start to feel healthier without all the abcesses...Good luck...

 

[ScaredyCanine]

Re: could do with support - GA on Thursday to have 3 teeth out - scared witless

I had 5 teeth (3 wisdom teeth and 2 molars) out a little over 2 weeks ago and I'm 32, I completely understand how you are feeling, it really bummed me out before the procedure, but I really do feel much better now that they are out. I feel better physically and mentally. If i can do it, I know you can!

 

[nixnax]

Re: could do with support - GA on Thursday to have 3 teeth out - scared witless

Aw please don't feel bad about losing them or embarrassed. I had 5 teeth removed 4 years ago (I was 24 at the time...I have been thrown the bad end of the deal with my teeth all my life unfortunately) I was ridiculously nervous to the point of shaking and my knees knocking together! I was also embarrassed as 2 of the teeth had broken away almost to the gum line. The dentist assured me that this kind of stuff happens allll the time and there was absolutely nothing to be ashamed or worried about. I got put under completely and as the i.v was linked up to my arm the aneastatist (sorry not sure on spelling!) was having a chat to me next thing I knew I was lying in the recovery area with a warm blanket over me and the tv on in the corner. Next day I felt toally fine except for swollen chipmunk cheeks hehe! I followed all the after care directions to a tee, ice packs, gentle saltwater mouthwashes and everything healed up nicely. Honestly you will be so glad and proud of yourself that you did it and you'll be glad once they have gone. All the best and remember to relax and breathe

 

[randomwimp]

Re: could do with support - GA on Thursday to have 3 teeth out - scared witless

Hi all

back at home - all done.

Firstly - thanks so much a) for this group being here and b) for those who posted such supportive comments for me - really, really, really helped.

Secondly - I looked up some breathing exercises before I went in and this is the first GA ever (I've had over 20) that I wasn't in tears for as I went under. This site made me loose some of the guilt and shame, and that then had a knock on effect improving my confidence about the anaesthetic too - all good.

Thirdly - one tooth was a bugger to get out apparently, and if I had been at the dentists, they would have stopped and taken me in to knock me out anyway - so I now feel totally justified in having the GA anyway - AND the problem they had with it was due to the tooth roots, which explains why I am harder to numb - therefore it hurts, therefore I get scared cos they don't seem to believe me and so on and so on. SO am feeling great that its over, great that I made a good choice with the GA and great that I'm not a total wimp but have been RIGHT not paranoid in the past when I kept saying it still hurt!

Will stop there cos possibly on a painkiller high and could ramble for hours... Oh but pain relief appears excellent so far - only just home so not counting my chickens, but I have my drugs, the timings and a list - and have just managed soup without too much difficultly.

SO THANK YOU ALL - next, the recovery!

X

 

[carole]

Re: could do with support - GA on Thursday to have 3 teeth out - scared witless

Well listen to you now how good do you feel. You will feel much better after you have healed too with all that pain and infection gone.

CONGRATULATIONS

I am putting a link here for you that has what to eat after extractions

Soft Food Ideas

Lots of soft food ideas for recovering after tooth extractions or other dental procedures, or when you have dental problems.

www.dentalfearcentral.org

 

[randomwimp]

Re: could do with support - GA on Thursday to have 3 teeth out - scared witless

I'm eating quavers!!!!!

Just had soup today again cos couldn't really think of anything else and then I get your wonderful post and find out I can eat quavers which we have and I am very happy!

And will make some of the recipes tomorrow too - think the sausage one to start with...

Soooo glad I found this site - and soooo loving the quavers!

x

 

[carole]

Re: could do with support - GA on Thursday to have 3 teeth out - scared witless

You see, and now the day after you had the extractions, WE MADE YOU HAPPY

I bet you didn't think you would feel like this did you. I am so pleased for you. Happy Healing, don't forget to rinse, let the salt water rinse dribble out of your mouth don't spit it out.

If you discover anything not in the food threads please feel free to add it on, it all helps.

 

[randomwimp]

Re: could do with support - GA on Thursday to have 3 teeth out - scared witless

H
ubbie said he'd get me soup tonight - I said 'no', I'm making a curry! It was lovely - just what I needed to taste.

easing off the painkillers now, and doing ok.

Just a huge sense of relief that the teeth are out and its got to be better all the way now.

Haven't dared look in my mouth yet - might have a look tomorrow and see whats what.

x

 

[carole]

Re: could do with support - GA on Thursday to have 3 teeth out - scared witless

I never look, but it's down to personal choice. It's scary in there for me. I am pleased that you were able to make a curry and enjoy it. Well done you

 

[Deejay]

Re: could do with support - GA on Thursday to have 3 teeth out - scared witless

Hello I'm Deejay well done getting your teeth sorted, just thought I'd let you know a month ago I had 11 teeth out over 9 days after that I had an immediate denture put in, skips crisps are quite good to eat cause they melt on the tongue, trifle, soup, custard, jelly, mousse, ice cream all good to start with, then on to mashed potato, baked potato with cheese and pasta bakes and omelettes, these are things I have been eating comfortably and will do again when I get some bottom ones out
Well Done hope your healing goes well, Good Luck

 

[McHobbit]

Re: could do with support - GA on Thursday to have 3 teeth out - scared witless

I'm glad you had a good experience with the GA and are recovering well now.

I was 11 when I had two permanent teeth out. It didn't bother me then but now in my 20's it does make me really sad. I know someone who has only one filling at 23- he's a smoker, constantly drinks soda and admits that sometimes he "forgets" to brush his teeth at night and he certainly doesn't floss. Bottom line- genetics are unfair. Beyond unfair. There'll always be people who don't take such good care of their teeth who have great teeth and people who can do whatever they want and still have problems. I'd hope that dentists nowadays are aware of this too.

I did look when I had my wisdom teeth out (once I could get my mouth open wide enough to see) and was actually surprised that it didn't look as bad as I thought. I found it easier to take care of my mouth when I knew what exactly I needed to watch out for. But that's a personal preference.