u/rcooper97

Heyo. Not sure where to start.

I have been looking into getting dentures for about 10 years. (F28) I have had terrible teeth my whole life, (little to no enamel, calcium deficiency, cavities, root canals, failed crowns and caps) I finally decided to pull the plug on getting this done, as a present to myself for my 29th birthday.

I found a wonderful place to get this done, honestly, they exceed my expectations. I’ve always been put to sleep for my dentist appointments, even just basic fillings/cleanings. I just found out I won’t be able to finance for my full sedation for this process.

I AM ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIED.

I want to back out, but I know I can’t. I’m asking for any and all advice to someone who has always been sedated and has to stay awake for this.. they prescribed me 2mg Xanax to take before my procedure. I’ve never taken that before. They told me I’d be very numb but awake and alert. To hire a dental anesthesiologist is $1000/hr and out of my reach.

I truly do trust my team and they make me feel very safe and comfortable but I don’t know how I will make it through this.

I am getting full extractions, a removable denture on the top, 2 implants on the bottom placed for a snap in denture. I will be in temporary/immediate dentures for my healing process with the implants placed.

I want to mention I am on the spectrum which really affects my sensory issues, which is one reason I have struggled so much with my oral health and dentists. I have sensory issues that are mostly prevalent with taste, smell and noise.

I have told my doctors about this and they assure me I am not the first person they have worked with. In fact, my dentist/surgeon said he’s only ever had to stop/couldn’t make it through one patient out of almost 700 he’s had over 9 years.

I guess im just looking for help. Coping, what I can do to help me, distraction strategies.

I am very proud of myself for going through this journey as far as I have made it. Going to the dentist(on my own), paying for it, designing my smile, asking questions etc. I am just not sure how to make it through this part. I know it will be worth it but it’s more than that to me for the moment. This will be the most difficult thing I have been through before.

Thank you to anyone who has any suggestions. I can’t wait to look back a year from now and be in a better place with myself but right now I’m just afraid of what’s to come bc I wasn’t expecting to be awake.

My date is July 27. Today I stopped smoking/ingesting cannibas and nicotine to prepare as well.