New dentures

[Bailey01]

Hi I’m 43 and not seen a dentist for 10 years because of being so scared , My teeth have become lose and have gaps in them they are a real mess , eventually I went yesterday and was really not expecting to be told I needed every teeth out because of my gums and bone I’m in total shock the dentist was lovely and said she can do the top first then the bottom .so has this happened to anyone before I’m scared people will know I have false teeth I’m worried about eating and speaking and i really hate the thought of having to take my teeth out to clean them ?Everyone I know have such good teeth I’m just devastated.

 

[Enarete]

Hi Bailey01,

so sorry to read about the news you got. It must be devastating to finally pluck up the courage to see a dentist just to get such news
I don't have experience with dentures myself, but have worked in a dental practice for a while and let me reassure you: nobody has to know that you have false teeth. As I started to work in dentistry, a few of my friends started to talk openly about their dentures and I realized how common it is. When you judge teeth of others, be careful: you have no way of knowing. Good false teeth (as well as crowns and fillings) are supposed to look like real teeth, so there is no way of telling! Having said that, dentures are a possibility for you to finally be able to smile and eat and enjoy life.

With that being said, you may need a bit of a time to get used to them and to adjust. You can find some advice about it here:

Getting used to dentures

Hi, I have visited a dentist as a result of a story I read here. Thanks! I tend to get shaky when I sit in the chair, but after the embarassement I get from my current teeth, I am resigned and actually looking forward to getting treatment! 1994 was the last time I visited...Perhaps this is a...

www.dentalfearcentral.org

Dentures FAQ

Top tips for new denture wearers! Find out about different types of dentures and how to deal with "teething problems".

www.dentalfearcentral.org

Hope this gives you a bit of reassurance. It is ok to feel shocked and to need a bit of time to process the news and all the input, so if you can, give yourself the time and stay kind to yourself ? and feel free to vent and write here as much as you like, we are here to listen

 

[Bailey01]

Thanks so much this has really helped me ?I’m still struggling with the idea but I do think that is normal.I’m glad you said that about people not knowing about me having false teeth that is my main worry and I hope that when I get my teeth out and get the dentures in straight away I so hope they look real ??and I’m just really hoping in time that I will be able to get the all on 4 dental implants that’s all that is helping me at the moment.But thanks for your words they have helped more than you know ?