You're bang on, Kitty. Hit 2 weeks today and for the first time, I feel almost like the old me! Like you, the last 2 weeks are right up there with the hardest time of my life! I felt every bit of that removing the denture to rinse and you're right, you really do have to psych yourself up to do it. I thought it was Christmas, the first time it just sort of fell out while I was rinsing, instead of having to yank it out!

I've been back to the surgeon once so far, I thought I might have an infection and panicked, but it's all good. The prosthetist said to give him a call when I need a reline, he thought the first would be about 4 - 6 weeks. I have another appointment for the surgeon booked for 2 weeks.

I can't imagine that your enjoyed your fish and chips very much, you poor thing! My 'milestone' moment to date is being able to eat a banana last night, whole and not mashed up. Oh the things we take for granted

Despite all that, I wholeheartedly agree that having nice teeth is worth going through this. I've wanted to do this for a long time, and I'm already pretty chuffed with how the temps look :-) Might need to psych myself up a bit to have the top four implants done, but since there are no extractions now I reckon it'll be a breeze.

Cheers for the yarn, has been really good to talk with someone who's had the same thing

Glad you are feeling much better Spouse



It won't be long before you'll have a grin to match this fella!

Ah, you're a love Molly, thanks!

There are a few people I'd like to bite with those teeth

Oh my goodness, you have been so brave - I was nearly weeping at your description of the procedure (I'm a bit of a wimp about teeth). You've made it through the really tough bit now as you are beyond two weeks and hopefully it's the home run for you

I had an infected sinus once and now with every cold I get a tiny twinge that puts the fear into me, plus I had a quincy last xmas so I know what that is like too but I can't imagine the pain of an abscess that invaded sinuses - no wonder you wanted an end to all that! Here's to no more

Sorry for the late reply bourbon - I'd almost forgotten about this thread! Thanks for the lovely encouragement, and having been through the wringer yourself with infected sinuses and quincy, you're well across thow bad the pain is when something goes awry. I hope you never get anything like that again

OH has just got his new front teeth in time for Christmas!!

Truth in reporting - I promised at the start of this thread that I'd pass on the good and the bad, in the hope that it might be useful to anyone thinking of having dental implants now or in the future.

My treatment to date has consisted of having all my teeth extracted under general anaesthetic, and during the same surgery having titanium implants screwed into my lower jaw. A temporary prosthesis was fitted to my lower jaw, and a denture to the upper (with the upper implants to be inserted at a later date). I'll be getting the permanent porcelain prosthesis fitted to the lower jaw in February and will then start planning for the upper.

The good - a healthy mouth - pretty priceless, this one. The medication I'm on for RA leaves me very susceptible to infection, and any tooth not in good condition was a magnet. I actually feel healthier and have more energy.

I enjoy not feeling as though I have to hide my teeth when I smile. The extra confidence it has given me is enormous, even though I only have 'temporary teeth' at present.

Another positive thing has been being able to work so closely with the dental technician, who spent hours with me sorting out 'the look' I wanted.

The not so good - the pain for the first two weeks or so - mainly caused by having to remove the upper denture several times a day. There's no getting around it, this 2 weeks is horrible.

I also intensely dislike having the roof of my mouth covered by the upper denture. I didn't feel like eating anything for quite a few weeks, but that's settled down now.

I'm still getting little chips of bone working their way up through my gums, which I was forewarned about. It's a bit disconcerting to have to yank bits of your jawbone out! But this too shall pass.

Today, I have no upper teeth at all and you can imagine how that makes me feel (and look!). Went to the prosthesist today to get the upper denture religned - as the swelling from the surgery subsides, the denture becomes loose. He's had to keep it for 24 hours, so I'm currently feeling as though I should have a corn cob pipe sticking out of my mouth and the theme from Deliverance on the stereo. If anyone knocks on the door I run and hide in the bedroom

Overall, I have no regrets about taking this path. However, people contemplating full jaw reconstructions do need to see through the advertising hype - it's not a case of a couple of painless hours in a dental chair and walk out showing off your new grin. There are risks, and there is some pain, and it's expensive. But for me, so far so good!

What a great Chrissy present, Caroline! I hope all goes well for him.

He still has to have 2 implants at the back and another crown at the front, but his mouth is looking so much better, and as you say it is healthier. He seems to have got over his fear of dentists now, after having spent so many hours in the chair having the prep work and root canals done. He has a very small mouth which makes it harder for the dentist to work.

I went through a similar problem as you when I was put on beta- interferon for MS. Caused my teeth to crumble because of infections under the crowns I already had. I came off the meds due to terrible skin reactions and an extremely low white cell count, but then had to have root canal, implant and crowns on 5 teeth. I also managed to get dry socket, which was very painful.

So no, it isn't a quick and easy fix if you have to have major dental stuff done. I am thankful that at least they left my jawbone alone!!