My question is about getting dentures?

I despertly need to have dentures made i am miserable because i dont like to talk to people or smile becasue the way my teeth are right now , but my fear is so overwhelming that when i even think about going to the dentist office i feel like i am going to faint-i know this sounds crazy but i am really afaid-i have heard so many horror stories about dentures and also i am wondering how long does it take before you get them? i hear alot about immediate dentures but is this something all dentists can do or do you have to find one that does? i appreciate any help-i dont know why i am so scared but i have not been able to overcome the fear and i know i need to go and get it over nad done asap.thank you all-oh also does your face or mouh look really noticably differnt?many people say they whistle when they speak and i am afraid of this as well am i just br overly worried about these things?

My question is about getting dentures?
I was like you, panic attacks, tears etc just at the thought of going to the dentist. I was so bad I couldn't even make my own appointment, my daughter in law did it for me. She found a dentist locally that specialized in sedation dentistry, they were forewarned about my fears. When I got there they were so wonderful. Anyway, I had to have dentures. My top teeth were pulled and an immediate denture put in, the following week my bottom teeth were pulled and again I had an immediate denture. It's been 3 months since all that was done. My top denture is very comfortable, I did have to go back and have it trimmed a few times and I also need to use a denture adhesive to hold it properly. The dentist explained that my gums will take about 6 months to settle back down at which time I will go back and have either a complete new set of dentures made or the existing ones re-lined so they will fit better. My bottom set are a different story. I have had all kinds of difficulty with them. My dentist did warn me that the bottom set are the hardest to get used to, so I am persevering and determined that I will overcome the problems of discomfort and difficulty eating with them. If I leave them out I am able to eat absolutely anything - T-Bone steak included- without too many problems.


As far as appearance goes, I don't look any different when wearing them-apart from the fact that I smile a LOT more now. I did feel like my mouth was "full" for about a week after I first got them but that was just getting used to them. My work colleagues said they didn't notice anything different about how I looked. I don't whistle when I speak but a friend of mine who also has dentures does. I have found that if the dentures aren't sitting on the gums properly then I will have a slight whistle so I always use the denture adhesive and press the denture firmly in my mouth after cleaning them.


Please don't be scared, I know that's easy to say, but I truly do know what you are going through. If you can find a sedation dentist your whole experience will be much easier, there will be no criticism just a lot of understanding and compassion. If sedation dentistry had been around 20 years ago I would not have dentures now! You can e-mail me if you have any other fears or questions.


Good Luck
Reply:I have had my top dentures for about 18 months now. I would advise you to see a reputable dentist. Its major work to get them and the first 3 months was a pain. I was dying for a nice steak.





Now, i have nice white teeth that are even. I also use a denture paste to hold them firmly in.
Reply:Dentures can be daunting and they need to be made right. Shop around first and see which dentists do alot of dentures. The other alternative is to go to a specialist prosthodontist as they deal only with this part of dentistry and should be able to give the best treatment. It may be a little bit more costly, but well worth it.
Reply:I suggest talking to friends and relatives about their dentists and their comfort level with them. Getting dentures should not be taken lightly and you need to find a dentist who can put your fears to rest as well as provide you with a first class set of dentures and will support you as you transition from your current teeth to a new smile.





I am sure you have heard only the bad things about wearing dentures, as with anything, you only hear what went wrong. There are millions of satisfied denture wearers out there. Chances are you know people who have dentures but do not know they have them- the sign of good dentures.





Once you get the dentures and learn to wear them, you will be able to function normally and will smile a whole lot more. It takes time and a positive attitude.





Feel free to e-mail me if you have other concerns.





Sandy