AIBU to feel unable to cope with an immediate denture? Any suggestions?

[EezyOozy]

I’ve had a front lower tooth pulled out today. Not because of decay or anything but because it had a hard knock a few years ago and hasn’t been right since. It’s risen up snd been shaved down, it’s been very wobbly, and had a recurrent infection around the apex. It had also gone greige. Two root canals couldn’t save it.

I can’t afford an implant (£5 grand) so I’m going for a Maryland bridge, which I can’t have for 6 months apparently.

so I’ve been given an immediate denture today and it’s awful. It was so tight and cutting into my gums so the dentist shaved it down in a few areas. But it still doesn’t fit well. It’s quite a thick lump of hard plastic and it’s making me want to gag. It moves about a bit. I cant bear the feel of it when I’m eating and I can’t talk properly.

there is no way I can cope with this for 6 months.

would a flexible denture help? Any other ideas to help me survive? I don’t think I can socialise or anything until I get this sorted out. And I know I won’t get used to it. I can’t bare it.

thank you. 🙏

I also dont really think an implant is necessary for a lower incisor. Theres unlikely to be the space to place it, or bone if youve had recurrent infections. A maryland bridge works really well for lower incisors, is a lot cheaper and less invasive, and is essentially reversible

Thanks everyone so helpful. I have an appt on 7/10 so am going to ask if any more of the plastic can be sanded off. I will ask about an immediate bridge as well. I’ve read online that 2-3 months is long enough to see how gums settle but my dentist was adamant it had to be 6 months ! If it’s at all possible to get one sooner, even with the risk of a small gap at the bottom, I’d much rather that. Maybe it’s an NHS rule that you have to wait 6 months?

@XmasCrackPies can I asked what you used to file the hard plastic? I need to file a few areas one of which is the inside of a horseshoe shape so I think I might need a round file… thank you

@EezyOozy I used a nail file meant for false nails I think 180 grit? You can then use a buff and shine file to smooth it out.

I promise you it will get better. Please please persevere, I had 3 out and a denture, it hurt and was uncomfortable, dificult to eat and slipped as I healed, I hated it and was very upset and ashamed!! I have had a tooth out on the other side and have a new denture, and I’m fine only remember it sometimes I wanted implants but I’m happy as I am.

What Minty has said .
I hated mine with a passion but it'snot uncomfortable in any way now .
But ..mine is to replace 2 front teeth and on the upper jaw .
I think it's harder to keep lower dentures in place .