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.

EthanM · 51-55, M

@Corsair thank you- I feel reassured. I have decided have the extractions done. I have made an appointment with my dentist for the first step next week. Any advice on the process appreciated. I feel relieved now I have decided to move forward with dentures.

Corsair · 80-89, M

@EthanM The first step is really important, so that you and your dentist can make plans. You'll want to discuss shape and color of the teeth and have questions answered about the process and timing. Make a list of questions you have about everything, including whether relines of the dentures, and getting "permanent dentures " after healing is complete and "shrinkage" has stabized, will be covered in your payment plan. It usually takes about a year for you to have stability, so that your "permanent" dentures will be good without frequent adjustments or relines.

There are some good denture support groups on Facebook, where you can get help and learn about the process. Contact me, if you need recommendations.

Best wishes, and welcome to the gummy world!

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.