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Terrified of having 14 teeth extracted as dentures are needed. Just had my first consultation!

N

Ncbeechbum

Junior member
Joined
Mar 15, 2025
Messages
8
Location
North Carolina
A bit of my dental history. I am 5 years in remission from cancer. My treatment included chemo which destroyed my teeth beyond repair. Previous to the cancer, I did not see my dentist on a regular basis therefore leading to tartar build up, infections, etc. After my treatment any issues with my teeth were only made worse. This lead to teeth falling out, cracking below the gum line, chipping, many infections, etc.

After having an abcess that would not respond to two rounds of antibiotics over a month, I finally found the courage to make an appointment with a new dentist for a consultation on how to restore my oral health and give me back my smile. The condition of most of my teeth are either damaged, missing or broken. It's been recommended to have 14 teeth extracted and have a full upper denture (Immediate) and lower partial denture.

The thought of having 14 teeth removed terrifies me. My dentist assures me he can complete all work.. My problem is anxiety. He says I was be given valium prior to the extractions but worried that's not enough to relieve my anxiety or sedate me enough. He says there are other ways to combat my anxiety. Is this is done with a combo of oral medications or laughing gas, etc?

I don't want to feel anything. He says I will be completely numb and will make sure of it. Again stating there are other things he can do to make sure of that.I did have a terrible experience with an emergency dentist to remove an infected tooth. I was given 3 shots of novacaine however I felt the entire extraction. It was awful. The dentist didn't care.

So my questions are 1. Do dentists use valium with other sedation medications or methods? IV sedation is not available.
2. I'm worried about the pain and swelling after. I have a lower tolerance for pain. I was told tramadol would be given. I cannot take any nsaids due to my medical history. Anyone use tramadol before? Is it strong enough to control the pain
3. Are all teeth removed at the same sitting?
4. What if the novacaine isn't enough to numb prior to extractions
5. I also worry about infection since so many teeth will be extracted.

I know I have alot of questions. I guess it's because I have alot of anxiety. I swear I wasn't as afraid of my cancer treatments as I am of this. My next appointment is March 27th for a deep cleaning of the lower front teeth that will remain. And at that time to discuss my extractions. The abcess tooth I'm assuming will be removed first?

Thank you for at least taking the time to read the long thread. I've sat up nights worried over this and have started a list of questions to ask the dentist next time I see him. But my biggest fear is being able to endure the extractions and pain afterwards. Any advise??
 
I had 14 extractions in one sitting 3 years ago. I was terrified of the numbing injections. I was given valium an hour before my appointment and another valium when I got to the office. Honestly I felt nothing!!! I had numerous injections including a paletal injection. Felt nothing at all. 14 teeth were extracted and from the time I walked into the office until I walked into my home was only 45 minutes. Keep your eyes closed. You don’t need to know what is coming because you won’t feel it so don’t work yourself up. I also played music on earphones so I didn’t hear anything. Never had serious pain after either but I did take my pain med exactly at the time I was supposed to. I even set an alarm to take it during the night to stay ahead of the pain. If you have any other questions I would be happy to answer them for you. I was absolutely terrified and it all went very well. Please keep me posted on your progress and good luck. I am a real baby so if I can do it anyone can!!
 
@Ladydi1724 Oh thank you for your advice. I am terrified. Your words are very kind and encouraging. Again, like I said in my post, I worried valium will not be enough lol and the pain afterwards. Hoping my experience goes as well as yours did. I will keep you posted.
 
The Valium is not to reduce pain. What it did for me was give me an I don’t care attitude. As terrified as I was after the valium I had no fear whatsoever.
 
Yes I understand Valium effects. I was concerned about how sedated or relaxed I would be. Thanks again for your thoughts. Appreciated!!
 
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