So basically I'm a 30 year old male who's finally decided that its time to upgrade from my natural teeth to dentures. Over the course of the last 15 years or so I've been plagued with broken teeth, abscess and a complete lack of self-confidence thanks to the messed up smile. I've been passed up for several promotions at my job and ended up having to take a position on night crew just for the full time work. The last infection caused my face to swell up, my eye to swell shut, and I looked like I had just lost the heavy weight boxing title.
After meeting with first: Aspen Dental, and then a local dentist; I decided that it was time for my teeth to come out. When you think about all of the missed work, ER bills and ruined vacations (trips, holidays, etc) it makes sense. The day i made the decision the infection in my face had caused my blood pressure to increase to 200/100 and almost put me in the hospital.
Now that i've made the decision and the first step is complete (Impressions are done and the extraction date is set) I have a few questions for the community. Now keep in mind that I have had 'The Talk' with my dentist on more than one occasion and I'm fairly confident with the information he gave me.
The major question involves implants. When I met with Aspen, they were going to do the implants after 6 months and I would then receive my perminate plate with the implant attachments. The dentist I've choosen told me that he won't even consider doing implants for at least 1 year. After a year he'll bring me in to do some X-rays and determin if I have enough bone structure to get the implants. Assuming thats the case I'll also need to have a new plate made up. I'm already paying $1400 per plate without the implants. Would it be reasonable to find another dentist that will do the implants sooner? Also, is it possible to have the original perminant plates retro-fitted for implants?
The next question involves food: What foods should I eat while I still have my natural teeth that I won't be able to eat after I get my dentures? I'm a big meat eater, I love ribs, steak, pork chops, etc ( I can't eat them often as it is thanks to the blood pressure), will I be able to eat these items after? Will I be able to eat crunchy fried foods, like fried chicken, clams and fish?
