So worried - dentures at 27?? 😔

[Rose499]

I had a terrible experience with a dentist when I was very young (not using enough anaesthetic) and have been terrified of the dentist ever since.

Following two pregnancies, a fall causing teeth to break and limited dentist visits due to fear I’m worried that I now need all my remaining top teeth removed.

I have several lose fillings, one being at the front which is causing me to not eat properly and just generally feel low. It’s shameful but I can’t even brush them properly for the worry of them falling out and not getting to a dentist. I’m worried it will fall out before my long awaited appointment (COVID) and look worse than it already does 😔

I feel so embarrassed that I will probably need dentures so young. Has anyone had all top teeth removed, do they fit a denture straight away even with severe gum disease? I’m so ashamed for my children and husband 😞😞 will I even be able to kiss my husband properly and eat etc?

TIA xx

Not personal experience but I supported a man who had awful teet due to circumstances, fear and lack of care so needed all his top teeth removed and most of the bottom ones. They planned to give him temporary dentures until his were ready. They weren't great but they were better than what he had and the permanent ones he got were amazing, changed his face and he had no problem eating etc.
Good luck with it all.

Hi OP, I went through something very similar and was absolutely shit scared and thought I would need a full row of implants.

If you're too scared to approach the dentist first, call the GP and say you need some CBT, and explain why. CBT will help you through the process of addressing your fears. You can also ask the GP for some diazepam (vallium) due to the fear involved. They will prescribe a few tablets for the visit to the dentist only to help keep you calm (not to be taken longer term!!).

You might also find that when you phone the dentist, say you're a nervous patient, they will be extra understanding.

When I went expecting all my teeth to need removing (I could feel them moving about due to gum issues) I was told that I needed a deep clean and scale, a filling and some braces to get them back to normal. They are fine now, I am extra careful with them. I paid for an implant for one missing tooth. It was worth it. You can spread the cost if you can't afford it.

Hope you're ok OP feel free to message me if you're super worried. I've been through exactly the same as you and thought I would not have any teeth but I have a full, functioning and healthy set these days despite avoiding the dentist for ages and having horrid gum issues.