Those Who Have Dentures, HELP PLEASE!

[Ripvanann]

Lesley,

Thank you for both of your posts. I'm very, very sorry you are going through this. I'm also sorry that you're reading my posts and not those of the many others here who've gotten dentures and never looked back. Yes, the first few days, weeks and even months were not ideal, but were also relatively smooth and uneventful. They will all tell you that it's better to just have them pulled than to fuss with (and pay for financially and physically) teeth that will do nothing but give you pain and trouble. These people are the norm. As I stated earlier, I'm living proof of Murphy's Law.

As for what caused my rapid decline in dental health? It was SjS at first. I had beautiful, healthy teeth up until about 10 years ago. It began with a few cavities, then 4 years ago, needing crowns and root canals after never having so much as a cavity. Finally, last July I needed 2 teeth pulled. Went back 3 months later to have 2 root canals and ended up needing 4 more teeth pulled. 9 months later, I needed 14 teeth pulled, with the other 8 all needing extensive work. Those 8 teeth were not guaranteed to last more than 3 years with the extensive work they needed. That's when all of my docs, my dentist and 3 oral surgeons agreed that they should all come out.

I too, have other illnesses that made my teeth decay rapidly. Cushing's Syndrome being the biggest culprit (I lost 2 1/2 " off of my spine in less than a year due to it). Also a hysterectomy and thyroid issues. I'm 42 years old, and had great oral hygiene. All the docs agree that disease did this.

Honestly, once I realized what was going on, I wanted the teeth out. I still am glad they're gone. I am just really going through it right now and just want some teeth that will stay in and not have me looking like a freak. It will happen. Otherwise, I figure that they're teeth, who cares in the big scheme of things? I'll have a new body one day anyway. =)

It will take some time to process and sort of mourn and then you'll find yourself ready and over it. Do searches on these boards for "dentures" and you'll find many bright stories. Nothing like mine. In the mean time, I pray that your remission is permanent and that your journey with SjS is a light one after the teeth.

Grace and peace to you,
~Andrea

[ellieas]

Andrea-Thank you somuch for your kind words. I just spoke to my oncologist's nurse.She is beyond amazing. She spoke with the University dental administrator and they do have a dentist who works with chemo patients and other health issues. I have to decide what to do as far as dental insurance.I think this would be a good person to do an evaluation. I hate the thought of losing my teeth, but I have invested thousands of dollars over the years and don't want to go through that again just to have it fail.

The weather in NY is horrible and I haven't been out in 2 days. This has made me become more obsessive about the dental stuff. I will make myself get to the gym soon, today.I haven't told my family or friends because it is too upsetting to me. So glad that I can vent to you guys.

Hugs,
Lesley

[bina1]

I am one of those that was back to work on day six. Not by choice. I really could have used another couple days more off cause I was so tired and still had a bit of pain. I managed though.But remember that I only had UPPERS removed. I did have a bruised eye for 5 days. I had a long root that would not come out and they had to dig and ended up hiting my sinus cavity. I swelled bad by the third day and it started to go down after that. I took my pain meds for a week.
I am sorry your bottom denture is so big. Keeping my upper in really did help. But the taste in my mouth was AWFUL!
I hope you are doing better now... Take care

Christina

[ellieas]

I got an appointment in 2 weeks for a consultation with the specialist. The secretary was sooo nice and said that everyone n the office loves this dentist. She has alot of experience. Also, got dental insurance that isn't great, but anything will help.I just paid over $300.00 for 2 visits to the last dentist.Luckily, they had no problem with sending the xrays and exam results that they did last month to the new dentist.
So, now that I have the appt. and insurance, I have to just wait to see what they say. I am trying hard to not stress over this, but my stomach is a wreck. I  finally decided that if its thousands of dollars to do a reconstruction, then I will just go the denture route.. Just found out that my best friend in Florida, a 3 time cancer survivor, is going through the same thing.
Thanks for letting me vent.Sorry to complain but nobody else know except you guys. Irish, you are so helpful with your experience.
Feel better, Andrea

Lesley

[Katybarstool]

Ellias

How did your appoint,ent go?

Kathyx

[ellieas]

Hi Kathy-had one appt. with the dentist(specialist)-a different one than I planned on because this guy has more experience. He took CAT scan of my jaw. I go back tomorrow to make decision. He didn't have much hope for my teeth. I am too afraid of implants with my immmune system,so we'll see. Thanks for asking.

Lesley

[Katybarstool]

Hi Lesley

Thanks for the update. Will be interested to hear how today's visit goes

Kathyx

[ellieas]

Hi Kathy-well-all the uppers have to go. There are abcesses under crowns that I don't even feel yet. That will be done and a temp denture on 3/26. He wanted me to go for the implants but with my health issues I am too afraid. The few teeth that  I have left on the bottom, with a partial, only need 2 cavities filled and one crown-keeping the partial.He is optimistic that they will last awhile with some new hygiene instructions. So, I am glad the decision is made. Not too scared anymore. If I can deal with chemo, I can do this
hugs,
Lesley

[slccom]

You'll get through this. Hang in there! At least you don't need both top and bottom. I'm glad to hear the semi-good news.

Sharon

[ellieas]

Thanks, Sharon. I feel a little less panicky just having a plan!Irish or anybody, is it hard to get used to the upper denture? I do not want implants.
Thanks and hugs, Lesley

[Katybarstool]

Lesley

I found the upper denture easier to control/keep in place than the bottom ones. Try not to worry too much, having your teeth out is uncomfortable for a few days, but in my experience, nothing near as bad as having abscesses.

I'm glad that you know what direction you are going in now.

Hugs
Kathyx

[irish]

I have to first say that everyone is different in how they view dentures. I am one of those people who just does what needs to be done and lives with it. Not always the best way, but it saves me a lot of grief in the long run. My teeth and infections were so bad that I did not bat an eye about getting them pulled and have to admit never gave a thought to how I would cope or how I would look. I was so tuned into the fact that I could end up with brain infection at the rate I was going.

For some reason my vanity went out the window long ago. I never know if I should apologize for this or brag about it because this is just the way it is. When you have so many health issues and family has health issues there is no time to look in the mirror and wonder "what if".

Just go get the teeth pulled. Know that your mouth will taste like the bottom of a bird cage for a couple of weeks. When teeth are pulled there is a lot of granulatioin tissue or tissue that has to fill in the holes. WE have to rinse with salt water a lot and drink plenty of fluids to help keep these tissues moist. THe ded tissue needs to slough off and it is better to keep this hydrated as the tissue won't crack or bleed as easily. Any healing his sue has an odor and gum tissue is very, very distinctive.

Also, know that your dentures will be uncomfortable for quite a while and you will have to take them out a lot. GEt some of those masks from your dentist that have the cartoon smiley face on them and talk openly with people when they stare or ask you questions. Keep a sense of humor also. I had my bottom 4 teeth pulled at one time and had to go without them for 9 months. MY boss always teased me unmercifully as I looked like a cartoon character. I would just give him the big smile and keep on keeping on. They are only teeth and the mouth will heal and the dentures will go in and fit. They may not fit the best, but remember that these can be relined when the swelling goes down. Use past when you need it and remember that a little past goes a long ways. I had my teeth in so tight a couple of times I thought they would never come out.

Do not agonize over the decision to get your teeth pulled or the need to wear dentures as nobody really looks at us that much and most people around us don't reallyt care what is going on with our teeth. This is a decision made to improve our health and many times may have saved our lives. It also saves us worry and money in the long run. Do not even give second thoughts to the implants as the possibility of bone infection is greater in people with autoimmune or immune disease.

The only thing I can say is that our society has gotten so hung up on looks and how our teeth look that it is not emotionally healthy for us. Just do what has to be done and keep on living your life. A little pain here and there (and sometimes a lot of pain) is part of the ordeal and it is basically how we perceive the problem and choose to deal with it that makes the difference in our attitude. Good luck all. Irish

[ellieas]

Kathy-thanks for the support!
Irish-always enjoy your posts. I am really not afraid of dealing with the extraction pain. I have had bone marrow biopsies and spinal taps,and 2 natural childbirths, so i can handle pain.  I was more like in a grief mode.I am 66 so it isn't like I am too young. I am going to have a positive attitude and know that this will work!Will I eventually be able to eat our amazing New York apples? Anyway, i will do as you say and just do it. I am hoping it will help some of my health issues.
Take care.
Hugs,
Lesley

[irish]

You just reminded me that I can't bite into an apple but I can cut it into pieces and eat it which is generally the way I have always eaten them. I can eat corn on the cob though but have to avoid caramel candy. I can't think of anything else that I can't eat. Where there is a will there is always a way. It is amazing what a little patch with denture cream will do when it comes to healing sores on the gums and preventing the dentures from sliding around. I know that you can do it. THe rant of mine was just my personal opinion---no reflection on your thoughts, etc. Hope you did not take it personally.

Oh, just remembered that I can eat all the berries, but the raspberries and blackberries seeds can get under the dentures and are painful. That doesn't stop me though. I eat raspberries everyday on my cold cereal. Good luck. Irish

[ellieas]

Thank you,Irish. No, I was not offended by your remarks. You are always helpful. I guess since, at first, my prosthodontist wanted me to go with implants, he said it would be harder for me to eat certain things. But , no implants for me! I already have a bottom partial that is no big deal if a seed or something gets under it. I just take care of it. I will do this and as I said, if I can get through chemo, I can do this.
Hugs,
Lesley