# Denture Journey: One Month After Extractions and Adjustments
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Chapter 1: A Month of Change
Tomorrow marks four weeks since my teeth were extracted and I received my immediate dentures. It has been quite the experience, filled with unexpected emotions and challenges.
The extraction process was surprisingly quick and less painful than I had anticipated. Including the bone grafts and two implants, everything was wrapped up in just 45 minutes. Once the new dentures were placed, I was sent home with gauze in my mouth, grappling with the reality that I would no longer have natural teeth.
Adjusting to this new situation has been emotionally taxing. It took me a full week before I could look at myself in the mirror. For that week, I had to navigate life without any teeth due to swelling, attending classes and participating in online writing sessions without my dentures.
While the physical aspect hasn't been too traumatic, the mental and emotional toll has been significant. I'm also relearning how to speak and eat, which feels like starting from scratch. It's exhausting.
Section 1.1: The Reality of Dentures
Have you ever chewed gum until your jaw felt tired? That’s how I feel all day long. My jaw muscles are constantly engaged, making it hard to adjust. My brain still hasn’t fully accepted that these dentures are now my teeth, leading to a heightened awareness of them.
When I look in the mirror, I hardly recognize myself. The fit of the dentures is off; they’re too long, causing me to clench my teeth throughout the day. The amount of gum visible when I smile is different from what I’m used to, and sometimes I feel like I’ve just put on a set of novelty teeth.
Section 1.2: Embracing the Change
I'm beginning to adapt, which is encouraging. A few weeks ago, I was unsure if I would ever feel comfortable with them. Losing all my molars added to the dramatic shift in my appearance. The dentures do fill out my jaw, but I wish they weren’t so long or bulky.
Talking has become a new challenge. There’s little room for movement, leading to a ventriloquist-like effect. I even have developed a slight lisp, which is common for those newly adjusting to dentures.
Chapter 2: The Eating Experience
The first video provides an update after one month of full extractions and immediate dentures, discussing challenges such as bone spurs and the use of Cushion Grip to enhance comfort.
Eating with my dentures is a work in progress. The upper denture holds well, but the lower one often feels loose. It tends to bounce around when I talk or eat, making the experience frustrating.
I'm relieved that the swelling in my gums is subsiding quickly, but this has made the dentures feel even more oversized. I’ve been using a product called Comfortgrip to help secure them, but they still feel bulky.
In the second video, the creator shares their experiences one month post-extractions, detailing adjustments with complete dentures and the emotional journey involved.
One step at a time, I’m learning to navigate this new reality. I’m grateful to be free from ongoing infections, and I know this journey is worth it.
Shaunta Grimes is a writer and educator, currently residing in Northwestern PA with her family and pets. She has authored several books and would love to share her writing journey with you through her newsletter.