IMMEDIATE DENTURES

I am scheduled for IMMEDIATE DENTURES this week.  I am somewhat UNEASY from all the information I have read thus far, especially reading about all the RE-LINING, ADDITIONAL CHARGES every time and TEETH BEING NOT CENTERED!!  Maybe it's just Fear of the Unknown.  Also, I have 16 teeth that must be EXTRACTED.  Wow, I just have a lot on my mind.  I guess you're wondering WHAT is my question?  I guess I'm just looking for some kind of CONSOLATION in this whole process.  If you have anything you are able to offer to my concerns, I would appreciate it.  If not, I understand.  I know I just have to WALK THIS WHOLE THING OUT!!  Thanks for listening :)


This discussion is related to Immediate Dentures.

[rockinmom1]

HEY, I TOTALY UNDERSTAND YOUR UNEASY FEELING. I TOO AM GOING TO HAVE AT LEAST 9 TEETH EXTRACTED VERY SOON AND HAVE AN IMMEDIATE DENTURE PUT IN. I AM ONLY 28 YEARS OLD AND HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH "SOFT" TEETH ALL OF MTY LIFE. I AM VERY NERVOUS OF WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN WHEN THIS TAKES PLACE. I THINK IT'S JUST A WAITING GAME, AND THE BEST THING TO DO IS TO FOCUS ON WHAT THE OUTCOME WILL BE. I AM SO NERVOUS BUT EXCITED AT THE SAME TIME. I CAN'T WAIT TO HAVE A PRETTY WHIT SMILE AGAIN.

[Skayda]

Hey, you two, here's a couple of big hugs from a stranger in the same situation first. I know how confusing, scary and frustrating it can be.

I went to "Affordable Dentures" in Spokane, Washington to have mine made. Even for being affordable they were quite spendy. My mother put most of it on her Care Credit insurance and the other half she paid for with her debit card. I'll tell you about my experience so far, k?

First a little history; I am a 34 year old white female who loves to write, draw, play online and spend time with my niece and nephews.
I've always had bad oral health due to neglect and improper oral education and care as a child and teenager. It's so true that the habits we learn as a child stay with us and affect us in the long-term as adults. Not to mention the fact that my parents and grandparents really didn't know much about good oral hygiene when I was growing up and thought it was "cute" and "okay" to give an toddler a bottle full of Pepsi-cola.

My Mother's oral health was in the same condition as mine so she had her teeth extracted and dentures made before me. After that she offered to pay for mine as an early birthday present. (May 13 is my birthday and May 12 is my Mom's).

Anyway...At Affordable Dentures they don't do appointments. It's pretty much a first-come, first-served type of service. Although they do have certain times in which they do stuff like 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 is for relines, repairs,  2:00-4:00p.m. is for extractions, etc.  

I arrived late the first day since I didn't understand the receptionist correctly when she said; "Just show up in the morning." It turned out that I could have had everything done in one day but since I showed up at 9:00 in the morning rather than at "before 8" my appointment had to be cut into two different days.

At my first appointment they went over what I wanted done and which package I wanted. I had a choice between the "Economy Denture", the "Custom" Denture or the "Premium" Denture. As you can probably guess, the Premium package is the most expensive and the best you can get. That is the package I choose.

I had a mold taken of my mouth, both my upper and lower parts. I was worried that they wouldn't be able to get a good impression due to the fact that I had only two front teeth, two upper molars and eight lower, one lower molar left in my mouth. But they were able to and the next day I was told to come in around 2:00p.m.

I had all of my remaining teeth extracted that afternoon. The doctor was very skilled at applying the Novocain so that there was as little pain as possible. He gave me the shots in quickly, like...boom, boom, boom. Rather than putting the needle in very slowly and pushing the plunger so slowly. I think the slowness causes it to hurt worse. No, I didn't use any "gas" at all in case anyone wonders. I got through it all with just Novocain and the kindness, care and sympathy of the dentist and his staff.

I went home wearing my immediate denture and now it's been about five days. The first night was horrible. I was drooling all over the place and wouldn't stop bleeding. Not to mention I couldn't close my upper lip over my front dentures so I looked like I was constantly confused or disgusted at something.  The top dentures kept wanting to fall out of place, too.

I also have the problem of, when I close my lips, I look like I have a wad of chew in my lower lip due to my swollen gums and the pink part of the denture, right below the teeth, the part that looks like your gums, being rounded and sticking out due to my swollen gums. Also my cheeks are puffy, too, do to the swelling.

Well, it's gotten a lot better, let me say. Except for the "wad of chew" look, but that'll get better in time too. I can feel my gums healing up and I had them relined once a few days ago. I am going back tomorrow for another reline as the bottom front of the denture keeps rubbing against the inside of my bottom lips and causing it become red and inflamed. I think they just need to put a soft liner there for padding or adjust the denture so that the edge isn't so thin and rough.

I don't have to pay for any relines/adjustments as they are all included in my package.

The best part is that the dentures I have now, my immediates, aren't the final product. I know they look good and everyone tells they do, but I just can't get over they don't look like "me". I've always had naturally small teeth since my mouth is fairly small and these are, well, they aren't really big-big, a little too large for me.

In a few month after I've learned to talk all right, my gums are all healed up and, as the dentist said, "You can eat popcorn again" (Popcorn?! Is he serious? hehe), I will come back in and get to sit down and help design a denture to my satisfaction. I'll get to do the wax try-in where I can see how they'll look and make any changes I want. I am going to bring in a picture of myself the way I looked before all my teeth really went south and I still had all my upper front teeth so the dentist and lab techs can see what my teeth looked like naturally and work from there.

I was scared at first and thought that the immediate denture was going to be my permanent one but they laid my fears to rest when they told me that with the Premium package it's a "two denture" deal; your immediates and then your custom, permanent dentures. Almost the Premium dentures are made with better material and look more like natural teeth and stand up against the ravages of time better.

I'm getting better and better at talking. I still have trouble with my "S"'s but I can do "F"s pretty well. Reading out loud to yourself once or twice a day really helps speed the process along. Also, I'm lucky enough to not need the strips or gel to keep my dentures in place. If I have a good suction going I can usually hold my top one in place pretty well on its own and the bottom one stays in place okay, too. Unless I play with it with my tongue and then it will become dislodged, but it's easy enough to push it back into place.

I hope when my gums are fully healed and I get my permanent dentures that I'll still be able to hold them in place without the help of adhesives. My grandfather's had the same set of dentures for over 30 years and never has to use adhesives either.  

My grandma seems to think that I, too, will be able to have the same set of dentures for 30-some years like my grandpa. I tried to explain to her how unrealistic this is and that Grandpa probably really should have gotten a new pair a long time ago as our mouth keeps changing as we age, etc. I can't believe he's had no problems with his denture in 30 years.

I'll leave you with a positive thought: All the pain and agony and frustration, confusion, fear, etc that you will go through will be rewarded very handsomely when you have your permanent set of dentures and look in the mirror and smile and think; "Wow, is that actually ME?!" and think of all the compliments you will get on your new beautiful smile.

There are people who are going through same thing and I am one of them. If any of you need to talk, to share advice and experiences, or even to just vent to, feel free to send me a line. I have two email addresses, both are fine:

***@****
alan_rickman_so_lustful***@****

Oh and my name is Ami.

Take care!

~Ami

[cyma123]

hey guys... i will have to get partial dentures too coz i have periodontitis.. i am only 24 years old.. i am freaking out myself. i really want to get dental implants but i do not have enough bone for it so i have to go thru a crazy process which is extremely expensive and it is something i cannot afford right now.

question, why arent you all getting implants or something? is it coz of the price as well?

[tobesmartt]

Wow, every sounds apprehensive as I too was when I got my upper dentures.  I had my extractions done at the dental clinic in Baltimore Md. These dental students are very expierenced and almost 1 year shy from being a full dentist. They are in tip top shape with knowledge and clinical procedures. There is always several professor dentists all around and you are very well checked and rechecked. If you don't mind this then I would highly recomend this .  It also is much cheaper and they do take any kind of insurance and they work out a payment plan with you.    I get lots of compliments about my smile.

[TWinDC]

First let me say I was so afraid about getting teeth pulled and getting dentures put in and I found so much comfort in reading all of the discussion comments. It really helped me get through all my fear and understand that I’m not alone in this journey. I just felt so compelled to write about my recent denture experience for anyone else that may be going through it too.

First, let me say I’m a 28 year old woman and because of a terrible dental experience as a child I hadn’t been to the dentist for YEARS (never been in my adult life). So when I finally mustered up the courage to find a dentist and actually put the dental insurance I pay for to good use I was terrified. I found a dentist two blocks away from my house and just gathered all of my strength and made the appointment. When I went there she took a look at my teeth and did x-rays and came up with what seemed to be the only solution for improving my smile. Let me back up a bit, I sucked my thumb as a child so due to that, lack of dental care, and a tongue thrust issue I had a huge gap between my two front teeth and a severe overbite. In addition to that my gums receded so much on my front four teeth and three bottom front teeth that the roots were exposed. Once she took a look at the damage, her recommendation was that I have the four top and bottom three teeth removed and immediate partial upper and lower dentures put in. I felt like it was the end of the world…”what would I do without teeth, I’ll look like a monster” I thought. It’s like I knew that was the solution but it didn’t become real until the dentist told me. My dentist even referred me to an orthodontist to consult with to see if there was any way to save my teeth. And honestly I would caution if your dentist doesn’t give you that option for a second opinion. It said to me that she wasn’t “extraction happy” and was willing (if necessary) to loose that money to the orthodontist if in fact they can fix the teeth without having to remove them. Anyhoos, braces weren’t an option and my dentist and I went through the process of preparing me for the “big procedure”.

I have dental insurance through my employer but it still would cost $119 for the extractions ($17 a tooth) and $500 a pop for the partial dentures….yikes! The good news was that my dentist let me setup a payment plan for my $1,119.00 bill. First we did the molds for the lab to make the dentures and within a week and a half I got the call that the case (my teeth) had arrived at the dentist’s office. I was having all 7 extractions and the dentures put in the same day! I got the call on 12/30/10 on a Thursday I drove home from work early I had to be there at 3pm and talked myself up the whole way home (I work in DC and live in Baltimore). I made a stop at the store to get all the denture supplies I needed (I highly recommend this because you don’t want to be in public drooling from the Novocain trying to pick out denture creams). I got to my dentist’s office at 2:45 and she took me back to the “big chair”. I didn’t hesitate the entire process before the extraction day to let her know how terrified I was and she was very understanding. I brought in my iPod so I can have a distraction and sat in the chair and closed my eyes. I wasn’t put to sleep as I seen some people have been she just used the “numbing stuff” . She rubbed a bit of numbing gel on my gums where she was going to put the needle for the Novocain in. I felt a bit of a tingle and she began to administer the Novocain with the needle. That I will say was the most painful and it wasn’t that bad at all. There were a couple of pricks that I felt but the pain is over in seconds. Think about it…..you feel the ***** but the ***** is what will numb you so the pain goes away immediately. Anyhoos, once she did that she started the extractions. Now I’m the type of person that watched extractions on YouTube and tried to imagine day and night what it would be like so I had to keep my eyes closed real tight because I didn’t want to hear ANYTHING. Literally I sat there and by the time 2 songs finished on my iPod I hear her say …”extractions are done!”. I looked over and sure enough all 7 teeth were just sitting there like 7 little shark teeth staring at me. She put in the denture at the bottom and then put in the top and I was ready to see my new smile! I had to use a SeaBond Dental adhesive pad for the top because it was a bit loose but other than that it was great and I loved my new look. I took 2 Extra Strength Tylenol when I got home before the numbing wore off (and sent a million pictures to my family and close friends) and I was off to sleep. The first couple of days I had to keep the denture in 24 hours because the denture is acting like a Band-Aid for the extraction sites. There was a drooling issue on the first night and there was some bleeding here and there but nothing I couldn’t handle. I was afraid that the pain would be terrible by day 2 and day 3 like other people said but I felt nothing (and I consider myself a sucker for pain) so I was pleasantly surprised. I took another 2 Tylenol on day 3 because there was a slight throbbing but that was it.

So far it’s been a week and I feel great. I still have my insecurity about looking at ppl in the eye and smiling but that’s because I’ve had such an ugly smile for years I’m not use to having a normal one. I have no doubt that that shall pass over time. I’m practicing my talking and working on my “f” and “s” sounds but I’ve been told that that will get better over time. I am so excited to start my new life, new year and go out and socialize more than before.

Sorry for such a long story but hopefully if anyone out there is looking for comfort in going through this experience I hope they would read and it would help them along. And THANK YOU SO MUCH to all the people before me who had such kind and comforting words to read, it helped me more than you could ever know! I felt like I had a second “special” family of people I don’t actually know but they helped me through this as my own family would.  

[Karatewoman]

I have to have four teeth removed and a lower Partial fitted.
Im scared to death I wont like the look of the teeth the Denture wont fit right. Basically the whole procedure.
I go tomorrow for my impressions to be done so im only at the early stage for my journey.
Be glad when its all over.

[Chreey]

I am a 29 year old female with 4 kids. My teeth started falling apart after having kids. I am also a pop drinker and a smoker. I was very worried about the whole process. I started having a few teeth taken out at a time the ones that were the worse. And my last two visits for extractions i got 7 taken and then 13. I only had novicain. It was pleasant but nothing that was unbearable. Once you get the infected teeth out you will feel so much better. My first day with my dentures i bled for 3.5 hours. And due to all novicaine i couldn't feel anything so i was drooling and bleeding and constantly had to whipe my mouth. The first week was my worst. I was able to hold dentures in to talk but I couldn't eat anything except like pudding and yogort and mashed potatoes i eventually was able to eat mac and cheese cause i could pretty much swallow it. I developed a few sores mainly on bottom plate. Went back to dentist and he adjusted it some. And im am now two weeks having my dentures and i can eat just about anything now with or without my teeth as long as i cut it up first. To take a bite out of something still put to much pressures on gums. And i have to use adhesive. I tried a couple but found that polygrip has worked best for me. I would also like to note that every day its gets a little easier at first i felt like a child again wearing the fake vampire teeth cause the feeling of a forign object taking up your space in your mouth. But now its getting better and there slowly becoming a part of me. I keep mine in all day long cleaning them in the morning. And sleeping with them at night cause once you put the adesive on its not coming off for awhile.

[roniblue]

Thank you so much for your story.....it has put me so much at ease !!! I am due to have my front upper two teeth removed in a week and an immediate denture put in and have heard some horror stories.....that nearly made me cancel my appointment.....but due to having peridonitis and reading your story i am quite looking forward to the whole procedure and out come ....thankyou so much !!!!

[ChaosReigns]

I had my immediate denture put in yesterday. I chose to only go with the top one. I have had a horrible smile my whole life and have dreamed of having this done.
With much apprehension I made the appointment. My apprehension came from fear of pain. My first appointment was on a Thursday. The dentist took a panoramic x-ray and went over with me everything that was wrong with my teeth, top to bottom. My bottom teeth it turns out are more expensive to fix ( needs a partial and and some repairs) than the dentures for the top. My next appointment was Wednesday, a little less than a week from my first appoint. On this day I had to come in twice. At 7:30 am for teeth impressions and at 2:00 pm for extractions and placement of the denture.
The extractions were uncomfortable but not unbearable. The shots were the same. I woke twice the first night in a slight bit of pain. I've been practicing speaking and surprised that it is not coming that difficultat all. I can still taste food. All the things I feared were nothing to worry about at all.
My biggest obstacle is trying to learn to smile naturally. I've spent my whole life trying not to smile and now to have a beautiful smile, I want to show it off.
I would say to anyone worrying about this procedure to ask questions. Every doctor does it differently. I do believe though you will be happy with the results. I know that I am!

[SMinnie]

I went and had molds made of my upper and lower I am going to get immediate denture on the top still have6 teeth remaining in front top and a partial on the bottom will have 7 of my own teeth there and will have 4 removed in the front from the bottom with what was done today the dentist said they will call me in about a week for a bite impression after the trays come back from today how long after that does anyone here think it will be before I get the immediate denture and partial put in I am so ready to have a beautiful smile again. This is such a wonderful site and so helpful.Thanks to everyone who is sharing their stories it really helps for all of us just starting the process.                       Sminnie

[Cricket511]

I just had the remaining 6 bottom front teeth extracted 0n 11/2/2012 got the partial denture in the same day very painful had to sleep with the partial in my mouth could not do it bottom gums are very sore.

[Kharli]

It's so comforting to hear others having similar struggles and adjustments as I have had.  It's curious to me that I never got any other Denture after the IMMEDIATE DENTURE.  I thought I was told by my dentist that I would receive a PERMANENT DENTURE after healing, etc, but it never happened and I've since left seeing that Dentist.  So, I've had my IMMEDIATES since my initial procedure back in 2009!  Anyway, I'm now on another journey:  I have embarked upon the ALL ON 4 DENTAL IMPLANT PROCEDURE.  I've only had the bottom done and this is a whole new experience.  No, it hasn't been all bad, but, it's been... interesting.  Again, I'm in the healing phase and checking for osseointegration before I receive permanant prosthesis, so I can't really offer any information on what the Final Outcome will be like.  Has anyone here tried the All On 4 Dental Implant Procedure?  If so, please share.  Meanwhile, I still have my upper IMMEDIATE DENTURE in and I have never used Polygrip, etc., so I'm thankful for that and continue to be HOPEFUL with this new journey I'm on.  I do know DENTURES  should be changed every few years, depending on individual changes.  I'm sure 30 years is not recommended.

[Terese0630]

Hello Ami,  Its been a long time since you've written this but I am hoping you will see this, its been 4 years so I m sure your totally use to your dentures. I am having my upper teeth replaced with a full denture and scared to death but reading your article helped ease my fears a little bit, its funny cause my mom is helping me as well cause I have no insurance and I cant get a job with the public with the way my mouth looks.  I don't think anyone would want me looking like this! I work in the medical field as a phlebotomist but have been out of work due to a daughter with epilepsy plus she just had a baby its truly been a rollercoaster but I need to get back to work so I have to do this, thanks for your encouraging words and thank you for listening  I am also going to affordable dentures  sincerely Terese