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Tooth extraction imminent

(36 Posts)
Drama Sun 08-Jun-25 10:30:01

The day is almost here! I'm feeling very nervous.
Having 2 lower front teeth extracted due to abscess under one and bone loss under both.
I'm having a new partial immediate denture to replace the one I have now, which has all my back teeth on it. The existing one is a metal one but I'm having acrylic now, so that teeth can be added in future if necessary. A big difference in feeling I know.
I'm really worried as my private dentist won't make a follow up appointment for 3 months when she'll check the fit.
I thought I would have a follow up for adjustment after a few days. She just said I can make an appointment if necessary for denture sores. The problem is that 10 days after the extraction, she is going on holiday and the surgery will be closed.
I'm expecting sores as my existing one took a lot of adjusting at first. I will probably end up not wearing it and will stay home for months so that no one will see me.
Any advice to help with sores? Saltwater I know but can I use bonjela or anything straight away?
Thanks

rosie1959 Sun 08-Jun-25 10:45:17

I have had various additions to my plate I find that if it is going to rub any where I know after a couple of days then I call my dentist and he makes any adjustments
I need polygrip or similar with mine to hold it steady this tends to avoid any sores by them moving
Must admit I am probably not the best denture wearer and will leave them out when at home

Drama Sun 08-Jun-25 10:51:53

Did you use polygrip within a couple of days after tooth extraction? I know, obviously not round the extraction site but maybe I could use it at the back within a couple of days?
I have already got sore gums on one side and am trying to heal them before the new denture goes in. I think the abscess has made the rest of my bottom gum sore.

LadyGracie Sun 08-Jun-25 11:22:26

When I had my partial denture straight after tooth extraction the dentist used polygrip when fitting. He told me not to remove the denture for 24 hours.
He checked my denture was fitting correctly and made a slight adjustment, I have never had sore gums and only take it out when going to bed.

Drama Sun 08-Jun-25 11:58:31

Thanks for the reply. I think my gums get sore initially because I have all my lower back teeth on the denture. Once adjustments were made, the existing one was fine, but I will now have two front teeth on it as well. Plus, being an acrylic instead of metal, it will cover a larger area of gums.
I'm really dreading it. My last extractions were done in hospital, so I was fast asleep!
I've no idea what to expect with local anaesthetic.

Sparklefizz Sun 08-Jun-25 12:02:38

Drama Is your dentist just going on holiday and leaving all her patients in the lurch with no backup? Doesn't she have a locum or a phone number you can ring for a dentist at another practice?

rosie1959 Sun 08-Jun-25 12:17:19

I use polygrip straight away never had a problem but my teeth tend to fall out rather than have to be extracted.
I did have one removed at the front must admit my dentist is excellent he can inject the front of my mouth without me even feeling it.
Never had a problem with an extraction much quicker than a filling

LadyGracie Sun 08-Jun-25 12:47:28

Once the anaesthetic injections are done you won’t feel a thing, honestly.

Drama Sun 08-Jun-25 12:57:01

There isn't another dentist at the surgery. There is an emergency number, but that surgery is too far away as I don't drive and I don't have anyone to take me there
Bus would be two buses and take about an hour and a half.

LadyGracie Sun 08-Jun-25 13:20:54

Do you have a local dental technician ? I broke a tooth off my denture and had it refixed within an hour, they also can do adjustments to dentures.

Drama Sun 08-Jun-25 13:50:57

Yes, we do. It is an option if the sores are really bad. I don't know what they would charge.
I'll try to get into my dentist in the week after the extraction, before she goes away as it would be free but she said she won't do any adjustments for at least a week. Understandable I suppose, while it's in the first stage of healing.

BlueBelle Sun 08-Jun-25 13:51:06

I m looking for a back tooth removal thats been playing up for months I m a nervous patient around dentists and the last one at our practice was so horrible rough and rude to me that I put a complaint in, months later I got a reply from him completely turning the tables saying I was demanding and I shouted at him 🙄 !! but anyway I refused to see him again and I now know of three other people who have complained about him
Anyway I asked to be put on another dentists books and they did I had a check up with the new chap and he was nice very easy going so I wasn’t nearly so nervous, when it was time for another check up with him I trotted along only to find he’d left and now I have no dentist again (I know they ll put me on someone’s books ) but I don’t know who and I m most likely going to need an extraction pretty soon!!!
Can you imagine how I feel
Sorry I m not helping you Drama

Drama Sun 08-Jun-25 14:25:55

I feel for you. BlueBelle
I was terrified of the dentist's after a bad childhood experience, so my teeth were in a shocking state.
It got to the point where i just had to go and a friend recommended my dentist. She is really nice and after 2 visits, i felt fine going back. She is private, though, so costs a fortune.
It's just that i am now facing extraction and immediate denture. I think not knowing what the front will look like is freaking me out in case i look awful and can't wear it.
Also i know there will be a lot of pain for weeks, what with extractiin ans sore gums.
I hope you find a nice dentist. If you can afford to go private, maybe you can ask around? I can't face changing to NHS even if i could find one as i am also worried about what they would be like, even though friends have got lovely ones.
Do try and go, though. I wish i had plucked up courage earlier and i might not have lost a lot of teeth.

BlueBelle Sun 08-Jun-25 14:41:10

Drama 🤗
I saw a private lady as a one off last time, it cost me just over £200 I can’t afford to have her as my dentist full time, but I m going to see if she would help me again but I don’t know if she will without me going on some private plan
I really feel for you and sending some positive vibes for you across the internet

Madmeg Sun 08-Jun-25 17:40:50

I had a partial denture for several years (at the front lower jaw) and never had an issue with it. But during oral cancer treatment in 2023 it wouldn't fit. So in 2024 I had a new plate but cos my teeth had moved (a) it only has two teeth instead of three) and due to changes in the slope of the other teeth it doesn't fit as well. It often comes loose such that I am afraid I will swallow it!

My dentist said I should wear it at least 50% of the day, which I try to do, but have just bought some poligrip to try. It works wonders for my appearance.

Drama Sun 08-Jun-25 19:18:18

I've had a partial with back teeth on both sides for 8 years without a problem but the 2 teeth that are being extracted at the font have severe gum recession, so the denture will just sit in the sockets with no false gum in front, just a flange at the back. I'm dreading how it will look.
I also have the opposite problem to you with spacing, there are large gaps between my natural teeth, so my dentist suggested having 3 teeth at the front instead. She assures me it will look fine as it will be centered. !!!! I think i will never leave the house again. I am so upset.

Madmeg Sun 08-Jun-25 19:48:40

I can't get a plan as my problems are many and permanent, and there are no NHS dentists now for miles. Plus I have every confidence in him over the 20 years I have been with him so to me it is worth every penny. On top of that, it was at a routine check up that he spotted the oral cancer - so I could say he saved my life which was far more important than a couple of plastic teeth (or lack of).

During the year of cancer treatment I could not wear a denture so I (and everyone else) just got used to seeing me with a gap. I became quite proud of it!

Drama Sun 08-Jun-25 20:06:26

I totally understand that. You have been through a lot.
It's just vanity and embarrassment with me. I wouldn't change my dentist for an NHS one now as she accepts how nervous I am and is kind. I don't have a plan either. As long as I can afford it, I will stay with her.
In the scheme of things a gap is so important.
I had coming cancer 3 years ago and wasn't as stressed by that as I am with a stupid tooth problem.
Fortunately, I didn't need chemo, just surgery. I'm due for my 4th year blood test now, so fingers crossed.
Wishing you continuing good health.

Drama Sun 08-Jun-25 20:09:42

I really should check my replies before posting !!
I meant a gap is so unimportant and that I had colon cancer

Madmeg Sun 08-Jun-25 20:33:08

Oh, it's not at all stupid Drama - it is natural to want to look at least normal, if not better.

Good luck with your upcoming blood test.

welbeck Mon 09-Jun-25 00:28:06

How about giving your attention to making lists of foods to buy or prepare for afterwards.
Things that will be easy to eat while the mouth is settling down.
I find soft and slippery foods are useful during any kind of unwellness or discomfort.
This would be something positive to focus on.
Reward yourself with something a bit luxurious.
Can you get food delivered?

Drama Mon 09-Jun-25 14:32:40

Thank you, Wellbeck.
Yes, I'm preparing soft meals and snacks. I can get supermarket deliveries, but most have a minimum order and as I'm on my own, I can't reach that.
I'm well stocked in the freezer though

Hil1910 Mon 09-Jun-25 17:17:59

After an issue with a failed bridge I opted for a new metal partial denture. I had to wait awhile to have it fitted and was extremely grateful to be able to still wear a mask outdoors. It was very much a lifesaver so don’t worry too much it’s always an option for you.

knspol Mon 09-Jun-25 17:23:17

Dentist visits make me so nervous so I understand your feelings, always say to myself that "this time tomorrow it will be over and done with" and it helps a little.
Regarding your dentist going away I would ask her what action you should take if you do have sores/discomfort etc while she's away and if you're not happy then maybe postpone your visit until after her holidays.

AuntieE Mon 09-Jun-25 17:36:54

Glycerin usually helps with blisters in the mouth, but I suspect you should not use it if you have open sores, or until the gum has closed properly after the extraction.

Ask your pharmacist about this, please.

I hope your new dentures do fit without any bother.