Letting go of my teeth for dentures

Hi all, looking for reassurance that I am making the right decision to have full mouth extractions and replacement with dentures. Had a lot of problems with gum disease and lost most molars and some of my remaing teeth are now loose. Dentist recommends taking the rest out asap. Am finding it difficult to decide if I should go for it or not or wait for as long as possible. Not sure how I feel about dentures, that’s the thing. Any advice?

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Corsair · 80-89, M

You can have improved health by getting unhealthy teeth removed. Gum disease can lead to serious infections which, in turn, can lead to sepsis or other potentially life threatening conditions. Most dentists want to save as many teeth as possible, so the fact that your dentist recommends removal is significant.

You can get immediate dentures, so you won't have to be toothless while dentures are fitted and made. Getting used to having dentures may not be easy, but it can be done, with patience, practice, and perseverance, while you go about your normal life routine. You'll have to get used to having dentures, including having a much improved smile and self confidence.

Go for it! If you do, contact me for help in going through the process. I have had dentures for over 20 years. I'm happy that I did it.

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EthanM · 51-55, M

@Corsair thank you this is really helpful. I am going to make a list. I am not sure what relines means? It is all new language for me. But I am sort of looking forward to getting rid of my last teeth. I counted 16. I think it will hurt but I am curious how my bare gums will look.

Corsair · 80-89, M

@EthanM Congratulations! First of all, after your teeth have been removed, part of the healing process is closing over of the holes. At the same time, the swelling will gradually go down over a couple of weeks. While that is happening, the dentures will become loose and may require adjustments. You may want to use denture adhesives to help hold the dentures in. As time goes on, adhesive won't work well, because the healing process includes "shrinkage" of the bones and gums. After there has been a bit of shrinkage, it may be necessary to have relines of the dentures. That's where the dentist puts a plastic material in the "gum grooves" of the dentures, and your gums will go in to change the surface so that the dentures fit the changed, or relines, surface.

When the teeth are first out, the gums look kind of nasty with bloody holes where the teeth were. After the bleeding ends and the healing starts, the bare gums look much better. It can be both a shock and a thrill to see your new mouth with your dentures out! It will take some getting used to, but many of us actually like the looks and feeling of bare gums. It's best if you go into this process with a positive attitude, looking forward to the change of having a great smile, better breath, no pain and infections, and improved self confidence.

Best wishes to you. Please feel free to contact me and to keep me posted about your progress.

EthanM · 51-55, M

@Corsair thank you! I do feel more positive now and I just want to get it done. I have my list of questions for my first appt this week.

exexec · 61-69, C

I have a good friend who had extractions and full dentures. It wasn't without problems, but he is happy with the results. He certainly looks better.

Corsair · 80-89, M

@exexec It can certainly be a good experience, although it will take patience, practice, and perseverance to get used to eating and talking with dentures. I have had them for over 20 years and wouldn't even think of going back to having my natural teeth.

Wannabetoothless · 70-79, F

Hello Ethan
I had my remaining 11 upper teeth removed under local anaesthetic a month ago and an immediate denture placed
I couldn’t be happier
The whole thing was painless for me and my new smile is natural and most friends and family can’t tell the difference
I love being at home without my teeth in
My speech with the denture is good but when I’m gummy I’m ridiculous 😜
I hope to have my bottom teeth out next year and then I’ll be totally edentulous which I look forward to
I encourage you in this journey 😊👍😬

EthanM · 51-55, M

@Wannabetoothless thanks for the encouragement! All sounds great.

Wannabetoothless · 70-79, F

Thank you Ethan.

All the best with your ongoing dental future. Mine was uneventful and a great outcome. I wish the same for you @EthanM

EthanM · 51-55, M

I managed to get a cancellation appt at the dentist today. He has talked me through the process and taken impressions. He said I’ve made the best decision as 8 out of 16 teeth are loose and will fall out in the next year and 4 of the remaining 8 have infections that have been treated but not going away. I will have all 16 removed in 1-2 weeks time when the immediate dentures are ready. I am feeling much better about this thanks to all your kind words and advice here. I am also looking forward to seeing my clean gums.

Corsair · 80-89, M

Hi Ethan! Do you have a timetable for your extractions and getting your dentures? It's an interesting time for you, I guess, partly excitement and partly anxiety. After you have had impressions taken, you can select your teeth and actually help to design your smile. Color selection can be fun, but your dentist might want you to have slightly yellowish teeth to fit your age. I'm glad that my dentist went along with my choice of white, but not bleached white.

I hope that all goes well for you. Please keep us posted on your progress.

EthanM · 51-55, M

Does anyone have photos of how their gums looked right after extractions then once they were finally healed, so I know what to expect?

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Wannabetoothless · 70-79, F

EthanM · 51-55, M

@Wannabetoothless thank you for sharing! The holes look bigger than I expected. Is it a problem when you eat and do you have any pain?

Wannabetoothless · 70-79, F

@EthanM Ive had no pain Ethan you just need to rinse your mouth with warm salty water after eating
Soft food and soups to begin with

Musclebuzx · 56-60, M

I feelLike I should have done it years ago. I’m discovering more and more people I know have dentures thst I would never have guessed wore them.

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