http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=236x73122Oh my.
The empressof all (1000+ posts) Fri Jan-01-10 12:43 PM
THE IMPERIOUS PRIMITIVE
Original message
Well I'm starting the New Year off with soft foods
I had half my teeth pulled yesterday. The other half are going on Tuesday. I've fought the good fight for them for the past 30 years but the time finally arrived to say goodbye. So I'm enjoying oatmeal and some homemade cauliflower soup today. I defrosted some of the applesauce I made in September and bought the "good" greek yogurt.
I'm going to make a 15 bean soup with the ham bone today so I thought I probably could puree a bit of that for dinner.
Anyone have any brilliant suggestions for me?
Well, it might help to get the false teeth as quickly as possible.
grasswire (1000+ posts) Fri Jan-01-10 12:57 PM
THE FARMERETTE IN THE WISCONSINIAN DELL
Response to Original message
1. you're such a good cook that it won't be as hard...
...as it would be for someone who has to buy baby food in jars to make it through.
How many days of this, do you think?
Good thing it's soup weather! That helps a lot. If you get meat hungry you could always puree some, I guess. And if you get v****e hungry there's always V-8.
Warpy (1000+ posts) Fri Jan-01-10 01:15 PM
#09 TOP PRIMITIVE OF 2009; THE DEFROCKED WARPED PRIMITIVE
Response to Original message
2. Once your gums heal a bit more
You'll be surprised what you can gum, like v****e and noodle soups. It won't all have to be pureed, although I'd strongly discourage steaks and chops.
The real revelation will come when you don't have a mouthful of bad teeth killing you with pain and expenses.
I fought as long and hard as you did, but with Sjogren's, it's a losing battle. I now have fake ones and it's the best thing I ever did.
If you've got good teeth with just an occasional problem, definitely do the heroics to keep them.
If you've got a mouthful of expensive agony, dentures are not the end of the world.
Wow.
The defrocked warped primitive has false teeth; artificial choppers, man-made snappers, fake ivories, customized chompers, imitation molars, plasticized biters.
hippywife (1000+ posts) Fri Jan-01-10 02:05 PM
MRS. ALFRED PACKER
Response to Original message
3. Aw, sweetie!
I bet you can do those beans without having to puree, depending on how sore your gums are. Bet you can manage some cornbread, too.
I still have my teeth, thankfully, and I am trying hard to keep them. If only my gums will cooperate.
Try to have a good dinner.
Yep, it's a good thing Mrs. Alfred Packer still has her real teeth; if she needed dentures, the stingy tightwad hippyhubby Wild Bill would probably just yank some off the jaw of someone else, and have her use those.
The empressof all (1000+ posts) Fri Jan-01-10 02:12 PM
THE IMPERIOUS PRIMITIVE
Response to Reply #3
4. It's a great excuse to load up on carbs I usually avoid
I'm making Asparagus Risotto tomorrow! I haven't made it in years and although I'll do a bit of suffering afterwards I'm taking pain killers already so I'm going for the gusto!
Warpy (1000+ posts) Fri Jan-01-10 04:22 PM
#09 TOP PRIMITIVE OF 2009; THE DEFROCKED WARPED PRIMITIVE
Response to Reply #4
8. Pasta is also good, especially if it's a bit overcooked
Are your new teeth being fitted right after the last extractions? That's usually the best way to do it, and you'll be astonished by how fast you acclimate to teeth that don't hurt all the time.
EFerrari (1000+ posts) Fri Jan-01-10 02:38 PM
#03 TOP PRIMITIVE OF 2009; DOUG'S EX-WIFE
Response to Original message
5. How are you feeling, empress?
I can't believe you're cooking today.
tigereye (1000+ posts) Fri Jan-01-10 03:36 PM
Response to Original message
6. please feel better!
I remember making lots of fruit smoothies when I had some trouble with my teeth.
Tesha (1000+ posts) Fri Jan-01-10 04:37 PM
Response to Original message
9. brilliant suggestions?
the best thing for you is to take the pain meds... oh, I feel your pain...
smooth and cool was what I wanted when I had a bunch of teeth removed, I think you're on the right track with applesauce and yogurt, italian ice, ice cream or milkshakes (no straws) would be nice too.
Now, what difference would it make for a toothless phenomenon, if she were to use a spoon, or a straw--or even lick it out of the goblet?
What's this "no straws" bit?
Phentex (1000+ posts) Fri Jan-01-10 04:43 PM
Response to Original message
10. Speedy recovery!
I've been thinking about that 15 bean soup lately myself. I was going to suggest a cauliflower soup but you're already there.
Maybe you can live off chocolate mousse for a bit?
cbayer (1000+ posts) Fri Jan-01-10 05:13 PM
THE BAYER ASPIRIN PRIMITIVE
Response to Original message
11. Ouch!!! Hope you are feeling better soon. I recommend grits with cheese - hot, filling and delicious.
Fire1 (1000+ posts) Fri Jan-01-10 05:19 PM
Response to Original message
12. Blended cottage cheese and fruit is always good. Also, baked or boiled sweet potatoes, peeled and blended with sugar, vanilla, a little butter and a dash of cinnamon. Really good.
Jazzgirl (1000+ posts) Fri Jan-01-10 07:33 PM
Response to Original message
13. Empress, did they pull the top teeth first and finishing
Tuesday with the bottom? I had all my teeth taken out many years ago. Something about Springfield, MO and young people....their teeth didn't hold up very well. Anyway, the dentist pulled my top teeth first but he slapped in the top denture. It acted as a bandaid. BTW. your food suggestions should be fine.
On edit: I had beautiful teeth after wearing braces for four years. 10 years later they were all gone......
That's what a diet high in candy and sweets does to the teeth; demolishes them in like a decade.
Warpy (1000+ posts) Fri Jan-01-10 08:29 PM
#09 TOP PRIMITIVE OF 2009; THE DEFROCKED WARPED PRIMITIVE
Response to Reply #13
14. Wow, I managed to hang onto mine for 40 years after the braces came off, but with partial plates of increasing size since I knew root canals didn't work all that well with Sjogren's.
Getting the last ones out was absolutely wonderful. I know we're supposed to be ashamed or something over having fake teeth, but nothing in this world is as bad as a mouth full of crumbling, bad teeth.
On edit: I lived on yogurt and canned pastas for the first couple of weeks, mostly because I was on the road. After that, I was fine and haven't looked back.
Okay, okay, I'm getting it; I hardly claim to be the brightest bulb in the socket.
This "Sjogren's" thngamajig must be one of those exotic ailments primitives like to collect as if they're postage stamps or something.
Jazzgirl (1000+ posts) Fri Jan-01-10 10:04 PM
Response to Reply #14
16. Warpy, I am not the least bit ashamed of my teeth!
I paid a lot of money for them. I have four implants to hold my bottom plate steady. I think of what I felt like before I got them all pulled. Unfortunately, I was one of many people in Springfield that had dental problems. It was weird because I hadn't had a cavity since I was 14 years old. The bone around my teeth began to dissolve. At 28 the dentist told me if he was just looking at x-rays he would've sworn my mouth was the mouth of a 60 year old. At least I don't have to worry about it anymore.
Warpy (1000+ posts) Fri Jan-01-10 10:16 PM
#09 TOP PRIMITIVE OF 2009; THE DEFROCKED WARPED PRIMITIVE
Response to Reply #16
17. I had great gums and great bones and terrible teeth
I use glue but think implants might be in my future. The glue works just fine for now.
But you're right, they're paid for and I'm not ashamed of them. Notice I did say "supposed" to be ashamed. Less than perfection in this country is often unforgiveable.
I'd still rather deal with the occasional idiot rather than a head full of painful teeth.
pengillian101 (1000+ posts) Sat Jan-02-10 01:20 AM
Response to Reply #16
18. Implants with dentures question.
How do implants work with dentures? I never heard of that. Is that for when the dentures don't fit right?
I ask, because I'm due to have my own top dentures very soon and wonder about the fit.
The empressof all (1000+ posts) Sat Jan-02-10 12:42 PM
THE IMPERIOUS PRIMITIVE
Response to Reply #18
24. I decided against getting the metal spikes for now.
I saw two oral surgeons and read quite a bit about all the options. The metal spikes hold the dentures in place and can help to make a better fit. Strangely enough I knew two people who had the metal implants in the past six months who had mega problems with them. Although I'm not normally superstitious I decided to wait to see if I could manage without them. Talk to your Dentist. I think successful and comfortable seating of a lower plate has to do with how much bone you have down there. From what I have learned so far the fit of the plates involve some adjustments and relinings. I've been told it's a six month process.
Jazzgirl (1000+ posts) Sat Jan-02-10 04:51 PM
Response to Reply #18
26. Sorry I'm just seeing this today pengillian.
The implants are made of titanium. It took me two years to get them implanted because of the cost. I could only afford two at a time. Once the implants are imbedded they make a new denture with caps implanted to match the position of the implants in your gums. The denture snaps on the implants and they stay in place. In other words, no accidentally "tonguing" your denture out.
pengillian101 (1000+ posts) Sun Jan-03-10 03:01 AM
Response to Reply #26
28. Thanks for the info.
Ok, thanks I think I understand. Sounds like I'd never do it. I am such a big wimp. I have had so much painful dental work done in my life that I am just white-knuckled about it.
Just the thought of implanting (pounding) metal spikes into jawbone sounds very unpleasant. I think I'll pass, but will wait and see, eh? Gads, why did I let my dental health get to this point I wonder. Oh ya, no dental insurance.
kestrel91316 (1000+ posts) Fri Jan-01-10 09:23 PM
Response to Original message
15. Pureed vegetable soups like vichysoisse and butternut squash soup would be nice.
You could be declasse and crumble cheap saltines into them if they are too toney as is.
pengillian101 (1000+ posts) Sat Jan-02-10 01:41 AM
Response to Original message
19. Best to ya! I'm having similar work done in 2 weeks.
Damn that gum disease and my neglecting it.
My dentist said he thought my lowers were worth saving. Heh - I think it's because he can make more money than just pulling them.
Hey, somebody's gotta pay for that gorgeous new single dental building that he alone (w/his 10-office staff) works out of.
Sincerely, the cost is just outrageous. I don't have dental insurance and tried my best to get the price down as low as I could. Well, if I didn't like the guy and his work so much, I'd shop around more.
Glad you started this thread - it's helpful for ideas. I plan on using the food processor/stick blender for awhile.
I'm such a big baby, he prescribed one valium for me to take before ripping out my teeth. And, of course, I'll use gas. Hope that's enough - I am quite nervous about it.
Jazzgirl (1000+ posts) Sat Jan-02-10 04:54 PM
Response to Reply #19
27. Pen....two days after I had my top teeth pulled my mother, stepfather and brother and I all went to Red Lobster. I didn't have any trouble eating anything there but I did eat lobster which wasn't tough. Of course....there was a tornado that hit while we were there so we spent quite a bit of time under the table.
Warpy (1000+ posts) Sun Jan-03-10 09:29 AM
#09 TOP PRIMITIVE OF 2009; THE DEFROCKED WARPED PRIMITIVE
Response to Reply #19
30. I think dentistry is one of the biggest bargains out there
A lot of dentists are sculptors, really, who make us new teeth out of drilled out nubbins on the spot. In addition, check out the equipment their offices must have, new sterilized gear for every person. Plus, how much would someone have to pay you to spend the day in people's mouths, garlic breath and all?
I resented $200 going to an ortho guy who wanted to fit me with a boot for a non displaced fracture when clogs worked well enough and all I really needed were the drugs to get me through the first couple of weeks. I've never resented the money going to a dentist. Dentists have worked damned hard and the result was always no more pain and a better appearance.
As for implants, I decided against them because I've got good bone on my lower jaw and dental glue works really well on me. I honestly don't think about having fake teeth most of the time. They don't move, they don't clack, and I can eat nearly everything the way I did before, only better because nothing hurts when I do.
The empressof all (1000+ posts) Sun Jan-03-10 12:26 PM
THE IMPERIOUS PRIMITIVE
Response to Reply #30
33. You know if you have a great dentist it's a true bargain
Hurting teeth are terrible. As I was getting mine pulled I was quietly counting the money invested in each tooth as it came out. Pretty much every one was root canaled or had a crown or cap. But like everything in life it's important to shop around and know what you are getting. When I started this Treatment Plan for my mouth I got estimates of upwards to $30,000 for removals and implants. One oral Surgeon would only remove my teeth if I saw a Prosthedondist to make the dentures. The Prosthedondist cost for the plate was $3500 per plate plus the cost of each visit for re-alignment. Add that to the cost of the Surgeon it still out of the question unless I went into debt. I would up going to a Denturist to make the plates and found a regular dentist to pull the teeth. My total cost will be $3000 with another $3000 coming from my insurance. (I timed it so I could get 2009 and 2010 maximum $1500 each year). I'm glad I live in a state that licenses Denturists. My guy is truly an artist. I've seen his work and spoke to many of his very happy patients. My new teeth will look better than my real ones. I'm so excited!
Lugnut (1000+ posts) Sun Jan-03-10 01:46 PM
Response to Reply #19
35. I'm a dentaphobe myself so I understand.
I was lucky to be able to hang onto five bottom teeth in the front. It's just enough to hang a partial on. Maybe that's what your dentist is planning to do.
katkat (1000+ posts) Sat Jan-02-10 07:13 AM
Response to Original message
20. ow yikes I think you deserve some ice cream.
hippywife (1000+ posts) Sat Jan-02-10 11:01 AM
MRS. ALFRED PACKER
Response to Original message
21. So, how'd it go sweetie?
I hope it wasn't too painful and you were able to enjoy something tasty.
The empressof all (1000+ posts) Sat Jan-02-10 12:30 PM
THE IMPERIOUS PRIMITIVE
Response to Reply #21
22. I am surviving the dental extravaganza!
I'm sore and a bit off from the pain meds. I had all of the back teeth removed and will have the front done on Tuesday. I'll have the dentures placed in then. I'm not having any problems with the food. I'm able to do oatmeal, sugarfree ice cream, and pureed 15 bean soup with no problem.
I really haven't venured out at all since Thursday and I can see myself getting a bit stir crazy. I just don't feel too comfortable venturing out and speaking to others without teeth.
hippywife (1000+ posts) Sat Jan-02-10 01:07 PM
MRS. ALFRED PACKER
Response to Reply #22
25. That's understandable.
It can be a big difference to your facial structure, and no one wants to talk to people with the resulting lateral lisp. This is such a big change for you, but thankfully one that will pass. I went through all of this with my husband, so I know it can take some time.
Wow.
Wild Bill lisps.
Warpy (1000+ posts) Sun Jan-03-10 09:33 AM
#09 TOP PRIMITIVE OF 2009; THE DEFROCKED WARPED PRIMITIVE
Response to Reply #22
31. Yeah, the transition sucks
The uppers will gag you a little bit for the first few days. I left mine in at night to get over it, and get over it I did.
However, getting them all out has been the best thing I ever did for myself. It's such a joy to be able to bite down on something without the fear that a tooth will break and/or give me agonizing pain.
Vinca (1000+ posts) Sat Jan-02-10 12:36 PM
THE VINDICTIVE PRIMITIVE
Response to Original message
23. If ever there was an excuse to scarf ice cream, multi extractions would be it.
Go for the chocolate sauce and whipped cream, too, while you're at it. Hope you feel better soon.
Warpy (1000+ posts) Sun Jan-03-10 09:34 AM
#09 TOP PRIMITIVE OF 2009; THE DEFROCKED WARPED PRIMITIVE
Response to Reply #23
32. In my case, it was tons of flavored yogurt because ice cream gives me dire rear. I only get it when I'm constipated.
Hey, it tastes a hell of a lot better than milk of mag!
Lugnut (1000+ posts) Sun Jan-03-10 01:40 PM
Response to Original message
34. Oh, bless your heart.
I went through the same situation a few years ago and soups are always a good bet. I made a big batches of egg salad and tuna salad as well. Feel better soon.
Coyote_Bandit (1000+ posts) Mon Jan-04-10 10:30 PM
Response to Original message
36. For those of you who have made this transition
I'd like to ask if you'd provide some of the links you found helpful in doing your research.
I've had bad teeth since I was a kid. Something that wasn't helped by some sports and auto accidents. I've currently got a couple of teeth that are missing a couple of points, a number of fillings, and two teeth that already have root canals and caps/crowns. I figure the time is quickly approaching when I'm going to be faced with having to decide what to do with my own teeth. I'd like to do a little of the research ahead of time.
Any links to information or comments regarding expenses would be much appreciated.
The empressof all (1000+ posts) Fri Jan-15-10 06:28 PM
THE IMPERIOUS PRIMITIVE
Response to Reply #36
38. I don't have any links
My best advice is to get a set of XRays and shop around. The prices can be astronomically different. You really need some good professional advice as IMO there's lots of money to be made on selling procedures you may not need or want. It's also important to think about what level of discomfort and adjustment you are willing to go through. I was quoted upwards to 30,000 dollars for full removal in the hospital under general anesthesia and semi permanent dentures (Spikes implanted in my jaw to keep the plates secure and stable) I wound up paying 3000 after insurance for complete upper and lowers including the removal of the teeth. I timed my procedure to capture my insurance for 2009 and 2010.
The empressof all (1000+ posts) Fri Jan-15-10 06:22 PM
THE IMPERIOUS PRIMITIVE
Response to Original message
37. Well I'm still on the soft diet...I've been having some challenges
My new bottom plate is needing a great deal of adjustment. I get out of the office feeling fine then the next day it starts to pinch and rub again. I'm still not able to chew anything with much more texture than a muffin.
I really miss vegetables and salads. I'm eating a lot of over cooked shredded cabbage and downing purees. For fruits I can't do more than a chopped banana so I'm downing strawberry or banana smoothies.
It's hard not to load up on the carbs as the mac and cheese and risottos are just easier to chew when I get sick of eggs, tuna, oatmeal and cottage cheese. TJ's makes a meatless meatball that stays pretty soft in the microwave so they've been great. (especially with Mai Ploy) I did some crustless pumpkin pie today which was a nice change.
Any suggestions?
hippywife (1000+ posts) Fri Jan-15-10 06:47 PM
MRS. ALFRED PACKER
Response to Reply #37
39. I'm sorry to hear that empress.
Have you tried sweet potatoes? A little butter and brown sugar, or some butter and bleu cheese or feta crumbles?
Disclosure: franksolich has great teeth, all of them the original biters; he guards them with more caution and care than he protects those things that make him a male, actually.
Not because franksolich is vain--oh God no--but simply because franksolich, who "hears" somewhat by looking at mouths, sees that false chompers cause speech impediments.
It's been many many many years now, but speech therapy was no picnic, and franksolich doesn't want any recrudescence of
that.
