Freaking out--a little

You are making too much of it. I have anxiety so bad I've put myself in the hospital with panic attacks. Nobody could be more scared of a dentist than me. Saying that, I managed to get the courage to have all my upper teeth pulled at once. I had nothing to relax me, only novacaine. It didn't hurt that much and the bleeding stopped by that evening. I was fine the next day. You will not need days off of work, in my opinion. You'll be fine. I also had all the bottom pulled a few months later. No pain at all. My mouth was mostly healed within 2 months. I had no pain afterwards with either procedure. It's not as bad as you are thinking it is. If I could do it, anyone can.

I think you might ready to graduate to mashed potatoes and meatloaf or turkeyloaf with gravy.  Take small bites and you will be fine!

I like your spirit.

Thank you, IHaveAGreatDentist and Vkbrobst, for your advice and encouragement for Joasks.  It's great to see that others who have been though the same thing can be so supportive.  Vkbrobst - I know it's rough right now, but it sounds like you did the right thing.  I'm sure it's boring eating the same foods for a week.  It will happen gradually, but you'll be back to eating your favorite foods again in no time.  You're doing great!

Joasks -  I know you were nervous about today.  While I'm sure you're sore, I hope you're doing okay.  It's good to hear your boss will work with you to take off as much time as you need.  Let us know how you're doing!

^Karen  

I know how you feel!!  I am now 1 week into new dentures and I had 27 teeth extracted (most of which here not bad , I just wanted a nice smile!)  Day of the extractions I don't even remember! The pill the night before hepled me sleep without worry and the pills the day of put me out to the point of not remembering anything till home in my recliner snuggled under a blanket with my husband watching over me!  This is going to be tough going for a while, and sometimes I ask myself if this was a mistake, but after talking to several people about it , they all tell me that I won't be a bit sorry I did it! So I'm counting on them to be right!  The jello's and puddings are getting hard to take but at least they have a good assortment out there!!!!!  So cheer up and we will be in this together with many others. I went back to work after 4 days but it was a little hard but still trying!

Thanks for the response.  I appreciate it.  Tomorrow is the day I get the extractions done and the denture placed.  Got to tell you, I'm very nervous. I took your advice and talked to my boss who was great.  He said you take as long as you need. It will be great when I do feel well and comfortable enough to go back to work.  Hope its sooner than later.