Dear Teresa,

Everyone goes through the fear and nervousness you are experiencing.
This is normal. The valium will help with the anxiety but it is not
meant to be pain control. I would contact the dentist in advance and
ask about the pain control methods he employs.

There will be some bleeding but since you are getting immediate
placement of the dentures, it will be minimal. Or it should be. Your
mouth will be sore, your jaws will also be sore. This is to be
expected.

Do not look back! You are doing something that will improve your
appearence and health. There will be highs and lows with this new
experience. You can do it.

As far as how my husband reacted- he saw me without teeth before I
did. We are partners in all we do, my getting dentures was no
exception. He was there for all of the procedures and he wanted to
help me get right both physically and emotionally. We learned about
dentures together, we explored them together. I am not ashamed to
have my teeth out in front of him, I am not ashamed to have them out
in front of my children either. I do not want this to be something
they are embarrassed about or that they know about and have to
secretly try to see my dentures. I want to be just another mom like
all the other moms they encounter with their friends. You have to
trust your partner- a very close friend and denture wearer told me
that the only people who should be privledged enough to see me
without my teeth are the people who generally see me naked! With the
exception of the dentist.

My husband would tell you that I am the same person I always was.
This is a very big decision and one you must deal with, no sugar
coating- it is hard but it can be a very good thing.

Feel free to ask any questions,

Sandy