denture advice wanted please

[just popping in]

feeling depressed about having dentures

Hi first of all sorry if this is in the wrong place.

through my own fault my teeth are in a terrible state and ive been told i need a complete extraction at my local hospital then i will need to go back to my dentist for my false teeth.im really worried what they will be like people keep telling me horror stories about NHS teeth,and how they fall out sometimes when you talk and not being able to eat properly.

my concern is i have decided to get my life in order after going through a rough patch,and im going to college to learn and hopefully go onto university from there.

do false teeth look good and whats the best fixative to keep them in with,and when you smile can people tell that you have false teeth,thanks for any advice.

im starting to feel pretty depressed over this,i know its my own fault,could someone please put my mind at rest.is it true that your jaw can shrink.....?,and what are NHS dentures like,thank you.

 

[Gordon]

Go back to the first line, who exactly told you that you need all your teeth out etc? Was it a dentist? If not, then your first port of call should be to see a dentist and get the facts.

 

[DrMike]

Hi there- Gordon is right-you must get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan from a dentist before jumping the gun - but in the meantime- some quick responses which may help you and others reading this post.

"people keep telling me horror stories about NHS teeth,and how they fall out sometimes when you talk and not being able to eat properly"- Many people wear dentures successfully without them falling out, and can eat ok etc. I remember hearing a statistic that in Scotland 40% of 18-65 year olds have one (dont know if that stat is accurate though). So you wouldn't be alone in having denture. Yes- some people have issues, but these are in the minority. I wouldn't be overly excited about the prospect of having to wear a denture if I'm honest- but I know that I would be able to if there were no other options. You would manage ok with dentures, although it is true that they are not like having your own teeth.

"do false teeth look good" - yes they can look very good and in most cases will drastically improve people's smiles in a very short space of time. Usually you would get a chance to see the teeth setup in wax before committing to the final appearance. This isn't always possible for immediate dentures however. Certainly by considering getting private dentures you could get more natural looking teeth etc.

"and whats the best fixative to keep them in with"-there are a vast number of products on the market- you will be able to try a few out and make your own mind up.

"and when you smile can people tell that you have false teeth"- not usually-

"is it true that your jaw can shrink"- it does change, especially in the 1st 3 months after the extractions which is why the denture would probably be relined at that time. The ridges change shape then over the years- but it is a slow change.


Hope this helps

Regards

Dr Mike

 

[just popping in]

Hi Gordon and DrMike,thank you both for your help,i am one of those with a phobia about dentists,and stupidly stayed away until know.i did see a dentist about my teeth who said i have a bad case if gingivitis,and a lot of my teeth had fallen out before i went to the see him.he referred me to the hospital for a full extraction of whats left.

i only have 3 teeth left in the bottom of my mouth and about 5 in the top,but my front 2 are loose,and the rest are just roots,i wish i had done something about it earlier.i look at photo's of myself when i was a few yrs younger and i had a good set of teeth.

when i was a young child i had a bad experience with a dentist,back in the early 70's and i think that is what caused my fear though im not sure.