• Dental Phobia Support

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Full mouth implants, bone grafts, sinus lifts, the WORKS! Scared stiff!

A

Anxious76

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 18, 2017
Messages
312
Location
Austin, Texas
Hello all, I am brand new here. I felt I had to get some support from people who understand dental fear so here I am. I Just had my 41st birthday and in exactly one month, I will be having what's left of my teeth extracted to make room for full mouth dental implants. How I got here is I was a broke single mom for long time and I couldn't even afford regular check ups, let alone the treatment for advanced periodontal disease with bone loss. My teeth started to leave one by one...it was sad of course but they were mostly teeth that werent visible so I somehow managed to deal with it. I also managed somehow to deal with gum infections that would come and go in various areas, toothaches, eating my weight in ibuprofen, and living in some bizarre form of denial that it wouldn't get any worse and I could handle it. Deep down I knew what was eventually coming but didn't want to face it . Then, it happened. Out came a tooth on the top right in my smile line. More denial. I bought a temp tooth kit online and filled the gap that way...no one could tell. I spent hours obsessively constructing a fake plastic tooth so I could fool others and mainly myself that it wasn't such a horrible thing.

Since tooth loss is a domino effect with poor gums, the tooth next to my imposter eventually loosened and fell out. Damn. I had no choice anymore and made an appointment with the dentist after some 20 years of avoiding that chair. I told her my anxiety that stemmed from all sorts of issues when I was a kid at the dentist and she was kind. She took X-rays and then punched me with it. She said all my teeth had to come out at once and I had to have immediate DENTURES put in. How that word sent me spinning. Since I was making a move across country in the next month with my new husband, I told her I couldn't have major surgery and asked for a temp partial to make me look better in the meantime. That's what I got. Poor lousy fitting flipper that I have to use polygrip with to even hold it to the roof of my mouth, it comes loose when I chew, but it's SOMETHING and I can still smile. Hence more denial.

Skip ahead a year to June 2017...a couple more teeth came out in places not obvious but my four bottom teeth were really wobbly and I knew the charade was almost over. I cried and had panic attacks and then called around and made an appointment to talk to a dentist about getting dentures. I had such a hard time gettting in that chair. I told the handsome dentist with the beautiful gleaming smile about my issues and my anxiety and depression and he took X-rays and then proceeded to tell me I had the worst mouth he has ever seen in 25 years as a dentist. :cry: I wanted to crawl inside myself. Then he told he would pull all my teeth but I wouldn't be able to have dentures for at least a month because he didn't feel he could do impressions on me without the rest of my teeth falling out. He made horrible shocked and ugly faces and said "I don't know what to tell you but I would call around because I don't know what else to tell you. I wish you luck." I couldn't get out of there fast enough and I went out to my car and sat there for over an hour just staring at the building unable to move. Panic and terror and hopelessness swallowed me up. I truly can not believe a dentist could be so heartless and cruel to someone who came to him for help.

So long story short I started reading about all on 4 treatment and went to an implant specialist. Had the CT Scan and was sure he would be able to help me since he has rave reviews. Nope. He dismissed me saying I should go see an oral surgeon for a second opinion and then come back to him if I were cleared for the procedure. I felt in my bones he wasn't the right person and didn't have a clue and was used to seeing patients who already have dentures and wanted a clean surface to work with. I was adamant, I will not be without teeth in my mouth for any period of time and want interim dentures at the very least. This entire summer, I was so nervous and anxious and depressed and sick over my teeth I didn't enjoy myself at all. I could barely eat I was so stressed. It took so much to get back to a dentist to discuss dentures and then I was dismissed.

I finally got the courage to try one more time. The fact that I can't hardly chew anymore and can't stand how I look being my motivation. That and I lost my bottom front teeth and although no one can tell it's getting to me big time. I need to fix this. If you're still here reading, my third dentist was the charm. He is a board certified Prosthodontist and has much experience with mouth reconstruction. I was worried I would be told I'm a lost cause again. He said I have severe bone loss so will need bone grafting and sinus lifts to be a candidate for implants and may need more than one surgery but he will do it. Healing will be slow but I will have teeth in the interim and on my way to a beautiful mouth. The financial cost is massive and I know I should be grateful we can afford it but I'm really terrified of the entire thing. I will have IV sedation but the surgery is 6 hours so I'm scared I will know something. I'm scared of the pain after it's over and all that could go wrong including dying while now under. I'm scared of dentists and anything medical and have cried all the way to all my appointments. My husband is awesome but I don't want to burden him with my constant fears so I hide them and cry alone. Has anyone else been through this? I don't know what I'm looking for exactly but my surgery is in a month and I feel like I'm walking the plank. Thank you for listening.
 
Wow, a bunch of views and zero replies. Looks like I picked the wrong place to get some support. How unfortunate.
 
Anxious.. Hi, so sorry.. I'd be anxious too. I just saw this I've only had one implant and in process right now.. have had dentures since 30, i'm 48.. anyways It IS scary.. It is even more discouraging when you run across jerk dentist who don't know how to talk or empathize with patients . I'm glad the third one was a charm. Sometimes you just have to get the right person.

Thanks for sharing all you did and having went through all you have and having the courage and resiliance to try that third dentist is amazing!!! Please keep us up to date on your journey,, people do care and understand..
 
Anxious.. Hi, so sorry.. I'd be anxious too. I just saw this I've only had one implant and in process right now.. have had dentures since 30, i'm 48.. anyways It IS scary.. It is even more discouraging when you run across jerk dentist who don't know how to talk or empathize with patients . I'm glad the third one was a charm. Sometimes you just have to get the right person.

Thanks for sharing all you did and having went through all you have and having the courage and resiliance to try that third dentist is amazing!!! Please keep us up to date on your journey,, people do care and understand..

Thank you so very much for replying. I have done some reading around here and have noticed that most people have not been through what I'm having done, so that could be one reason I haven't had any responses other than yours. That being said, we all have the anxiety and fear in common so I am hoping for at least a little interaction with other members along the way. This waiting is awful...I want it over with on the one hand but I wish I could put if off forever on the other. Praying constantly for the strength and courage to get through this is all I've been doing.

P
 
Anxious.. its scary enough to just do implants. sounds like a lot What exactly is a sinus lift.? I went back for my appt on Friday, I was supposed to get my healing abutment and my dentist said it was not ready it wasn't "dense enought" and "integrated enough" i'm really worried its not going to work but i'm going to take it day by day, he said to wait for 6 more weeks and see if it gets better. I really hope so..i really want this to work , not sure what will happen if it doesn't ..

It sounds like your guy really knows what he is doing.. thats great..:)...

Best of luck keep the reports coming its nice to compare notes.
 
Anxious.. its scary enough to just do implants. sounds like a lot What exactly is a sinus lift.? I went back for my appt on Friday, I was supposed to get my healing abutment and my dentist said it was not ready it wasn't "dense enought" and "integrated enough" i'm really worried its not going to work but i'm going to take it day by day, he said to wait for 6 more weeks and see if it gets better. I really hope so..i really want this to work , not sure what will happen if it doesn't ..

It sounds like your guy really knows what he is doing.. thats great..:)...

Best of luck keep the reports coming its nice to compare notes.

Hi Kr,

A sinus lift is a bone graft to the upper jaw in back where the molars are. Mine have been missing for quite some time so there has been bone loss. So between the floor of my sinus and where the teeth are supposed to be there isn't much bone at all. The doc needs to basically raise the space between the teeth and the roof under the sinus space and do a bone graft there to hold an implant. I'm grateful he knows what he's doing cause it's all still confusing for me, even though I've had it explained a bunch and have researched it on my own. The healing time will be long anywhere from 2-9 months in which I'll have to have soft foods and many appointments to check progress and such. If this doesn't cure me phobia wise I don't know what will.

Did you have a bone graft before your implant was placed? That may be why extra healing time and integrating time is needed. I'm glad your doc is taking his time with things and not rushing it along. Seems he is committed to get it right the first go. Worst case I think would be another bone graft if you've had one or your first one if you haven't if the implant doesn't integrate, but I wouldn't go there in your head. Give it time and I'm sure it will work out. Keep me posted please!
 
Anxious.. so I did not have a bonegraft the first time , I guess I'll find out if I need on in 6 weeks the new guy didn't say I did but just to wait and let it heal more. I'm so glad he's careful!! I have faith in him, but still in the new patient stage so to say.. so hope all continues to build on the excellent care he's given already..
 
lol you are probably right.. All this work ,, may help cure the phobia... I know everytime i go in it gets just a little easier..


Hi Kr,

A sinus lift is a bone graft to the upper jaw in back where the molars are. Mine have been missing for quite some time so there has been bone loss. So between the floor of my sinus and where the teeth are supposed to be there isn't much bone at all. The doc needs to basically raise the space between the teeth and the roof under the sinus space and do a bone graft there to hold an implant. I'm grateful he knows what he's doing cause it's all still confusing for me, even though I've had it explained a bunch and have researched it on my own. The healing time will be long anywhere from 2-9 months in which I'll have to have soft foods and many appointments to check progress and such. If this doesn't cure me phobia wise I don't know what will.

Did you have a bone graft before your implant was placed? That may be why extra healing time and integrating time is needed. I'm glad your doc is taking his time with things and not rushing it along. Seems he is committed to get it right the first go. Worst case I think would be another bone graft if you've had one or your first one if you haven't if the implant doesn't integrate, but I wouldn't go there in your head. Give it time and I'm sure it will work out. Keep me posted please!
 
Anxious.. so I did not have a bonegraft the first time , I guess I'll find out if I need on in 6 weeks the new guy didn't say I did but just to wait and let it heal more. I'm so glad he's careful!! I have faith in him, but still in the new patient stage so to say.. so hope all continues to build on the excellent care he's given already..

The more time he gives it to heal properly before putting the permanent tooth on, the better the outcome. It's so hard to put trust in another human being, especially a dentist. I am still a very new patient with mine too. It's so weird, I meet the guy for the first time he does X-rays is all up in my personal health business and then a month later he will be performing surgery on me? Can't we go on a few dates first? LMAO I'm kidding of course, but it's just so odd to be putting such faith in a stranger and going on reviews and just how you're treated in those first moments. What sold me was when he said "If you ever feel mistreated by me or my staff in any way, I ask that you please come and talk to me a about it immediately so we can address it. I want you to feel well cared for here." This was probably due to the fact that I told the dental assistant about what that first horrible dentist said to me and she mentioned it to him. I still can't believe there are health care professionals who treat patients that way. It's actually very sad and scary. I am determined if I ever come into a large amount of money I am going to open a dental clinic for people who have dental anxiety and also need help financially. It breaks my heart that people need to suffer in this country of ours because they can't afford to have their teeth fixed. While they're fixing health insurance, they need to include dental! If you can't chew, you can't digest...and there are many other issues attached to poor dental health. It just makes me so upset to think if I couldn't afford what I'm about to have done I would be gumming my food for the rest of my life. It's not right.
 
Anxious.

You are SO RIGHT.. very very hard to put faith in someone , and someone new and a dentist lol.. Mine got me real quick too because he got down on my level and wasn't in a hurry and seemed he really wanted to understand. he had a sense of humor and was super patient... it also seems he is very honest and has my best interest at heart which I think in my experience is rare. my last dentist didn't .. he just wanted to push implants all the time. cookie cutter dentistry. and also speedy shove the drill up your jaw quick dentistry before you can think about it.. all scary.. i had to switch. I got a good gut feeling about this guy immediately because he is pretty chill. yeah .. lol a few "dates" before the big surgery day would be nice.. i know the first time my dentist said "I 'll get to trust him after we "hang out" a few times.. thought that was kinda cute. so to say. Yours sounds VERY nice and compassionate!! sounds like a keeper I really hope all goes well for you !! and.. I really like your idea about starting a clinic for anxious patients and ones who can't afford.. I've always thought myself I'd have a dental fund for people who can't afford , like a scholarship if I win the lottery.. just because I know how it is and yeah it is SUPER EXPENSIVE.... You're awesome Anxious!! :)
 
Anxious.

You are SO RIGHT.. very very hard to put faith in someone , and someone new and a dentist lol.. Mine got me real quick too because he got down on my level and wasn't in a hurry and seemed he really wanted to understand. he had a sense of humor and was super patient... it also seems he is very honest and has my best interest at heart which I think in my experience is rare. my last dentist didn't .. he just wanted to push implants all the time. cookie cutter dentistry. and also speedy shove the drill up your jaw quick dentistry before you can think about it.. all scary.. i had to switch. I got a good gut feeling about this guy immediately because he is pretty chill. yeah .. lol a few "dates" before the big surgery day would be nice.. i know the first time my dentist said "I 'll get to trust him after we "hang out" a few times.. thought that was kinda cute. so to say. Yours sounds VERY nice and compassionate!! sounds like a keeper I really hope all goes well for you !! and.. I really like your idea about starting a clinic for anxious patients and ones who can't afford.. I've always thought myself I'd have a dental fund for people who can't afford , like a scholarship if I win the lottery.. just because I know how it is and yeah it is SUPER EXPENSIVE.... You're awesome Anxious!! :)

Thank you, I hope all goes well for you too! I'll probably be posting more as dooms day approaches...LOL I have got to stop with the negative and fearful attitude. My husband is such an optimist he's actually talking up the procedure telling me how great its all going to be and turn out. So we are on opposite ends of the spectrum, but I know God put me with an optimist on purpose.

I can't believe I haven't asked you the billion dollar question! Did your implant hurt like hell afterward? What was it like and for how long? Since I'm about to have 16 of them I'm wanting to know what I'm in for. My dentist doesn't seem to think it will be too horrifying for me considering the pain I've already lived through, and says my pain can and will be
managed with anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen) meds and Vicadin if I need it. I'm imagining being in so much pain I'll wish I could cut my head off! How's that for positive thinking? LOL
 
Thats great your husband sounds like a great encourager and motivator!!! awesome! My implant/extraction site, which was next to implant site hurt for about a week. honestly I couldn't tell what was what and what it was actually from , but they drilled pretty far up there.. omg.. don't watch.. close your eyes..The pain was definately manageable with the vicodin.. and I only took a third of what I was supposed to because it kind of makes me nautious.. but it was fine with that and Ibu! I did need to continue the ibu for about a week though. I really wish you the best.. !!

Thank you, I hope all goes well for you too! I'll probably be posting more as dooms day approaches...LOL I have got to stop with the negative and fearful attitude. My husband is such an optimist he's actually talking up the procedure telling me how great its all going to be and turn out. So we are on opposite ends of the spectrum, but I know God put me with an optimist on purpose.

I can't believe I haven't asked you the billion dollar question! Did your implant hurt like hell afterward? What was it like and for how long? Since I'm about to have 16 of them I'm wanting to know what I'm in for. My dentist doesn't seem to think it will be too horrifying for me considering the pain I've already lived through, and says my pain can and will be
managed with anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen) meds and Vicadin if I need it. I'm imagining being in so much pain I'll wish I could cut my head off! How's that for positive thinking? LOL
 
Why would you have16 implants?
 
Just read the thread and wanted to offer my support too. Two years ago I took myself to the dentists in shame after 20 years of being too scared to confront it. Over the past two years I've had a lot of work - massive clean, fillings, crown and two implants (one with bone graft and one without). I had all my work done under sedation and it helped me enormously. I've now had my implants for a year and can honestly say they have been great. Maybe a bit of pain in the first week but no problems since. I've also started to get over my fear and have attended three hygienist appointments since then with no sedation. Please keep us updated on your progress. Be brave and stick with it - it will be so worth it in the end. Having the right dentist really helps too - glad you found a good one. Good luck!
 
Just read the thread and wanted to offer my support too. Two years ago I took myself to the dentists in shame after 20 years of being too scared to confront it. Over the past two years I've had a lot of work - massive clean, fillings, crown and two implants (one with bone graft and one without). I had all my work done under sedation and it helped me enormously. I've now had my implants for a year and can honestly say they have been great. Maybe a bit of pain in the first week but no problems since. I've also started to get over my fear and have attended three hygienist appointments since then with no sedation. Please keep us updated on your progress. Be brave and stick with it - it will be so worth it in the end. Having the right dentist really helps too - glad you found a good one. Good luck!

Thank you so much for your kind words and support. I really really appreciate it, as my appointment gets closer and closer. I'm scared stiff but keep telling myself that it will be healing pain and it will start me on the path toward being able to chew and smile again with confidence. Thank you again so very much!
 
That's a lot to go through. I don't mean just now, but everything that brought you to this point. You're going to feel like a new person after the dentist's done. It'll all be worth it. Just keep focusing on that. No more being self conscious, no more stress, able to enjoy food without worry. ?
 
That's a lot to go through. I don't mean just now, but everything that brought you to this point. You're going to feel like a new person after the dentist's done. It'll all be worth it. Just keep focusing on that. No more being self conscious, no more stress, able to enjoy food without worry. ?

Thank you very much for your kind words! It's supportive comments like this that make me feel better and help ease my anxiety. My appointment is in five days and I plan on spending the time until then relaxing and thinking positive thoughts. Its really unbelievable how much power our thoughts can have. I still can't believe mine allowed me to suffer as long as I have and how I can still talk myself out of having this done if I'm not careful. But no, this is a new day so I'm being positive and I will be happy I did it when all is said and done just like you said. ?
 
UPDATE FROM YOURS TRULY:

I Had my surgery today and it was breeze. I'm on plenty of medications to prevent infection and manage pain (which I would call minor discomfort) and I feel SO ABSOLUTSLY RELIEVED I DID IT!

The last three days before the appointment I was crying and having major anxiety and was outright terrified to the point of not thinking my legs would carry me into that office this morning. It ended up being just the bone grafting and sinus lifts, so now I will need to wait a few months to heal before the implants and bridges can be installed but I am SO HAPPY ANS RELIEVED!!! My temporary dentures look better than what I had so I don't even mind Hallelujah, I highly doubt I will need to consider myself a dental phobe from this point on!
 
:jump::jump::jump: So happy to hear this!!! AWesome news!!
 
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