Hello everyone, and hello Bryanna,

Hope everyone is having a relaxed Sunday - I have been posting a few times within the past two years, and have followed many stories on here. It is so encouraging to see that I am not the only person struggling with dental issues, that at times, can seem like a never-ending nightmare! Though I wish no ill on anyone, it sure does help to know I am not alone in this.

Now to my reason for posting: after two years of pain, extraction of one cracked molar after the next, attempt of my team of two holistic dentists plus my oral surgeon to save a many of my teeth as possible (and healthy! They know I do not do root-canals), it finally has come to the point where I sat down once more with my dentist, and after extensive talking, listening, studying of my x-rays and MRI (or Cat Scan, can't remember), it has become apparent, that my remaining 8 Molars (also counting in the remaining pre-molars) all have cracks in the root (or down into the root), causing ongoing pain and infection due to bacteria entering these cracks.
I was so relieved when there was finally a diagnosis, as reason for all the pain I felt when eating and chewing, for the lingering tooth aches! It was suspected I may have TN for a while, but I knew in my gut that was not it.
Now, after two years of pain almost every single day, and not being able to partake in life like I used to (not being able to go out with friends, camping, travelling... pretty much, doing anything fun, because the constant pain and discomfort just made me "moody" and depressed feeling), my dentist has agreed that in my case, it may be the best for my health and well-being, to get the remaining, cracked molars extracted. He actually had to have all of his molars removed several years ago as well, they were all root-canalled, which he felt contributed to his health issues. He now wears partials, as he is not a candidate for implants. He also suggested he could make me temporary partials, and I could then figure out in a year or so, whether I can and would like to receive implants (he suggested zirconia, but from my research, I know that both zirconia and titanium have pros and cons, and it may also come down to more personal factors (compatibility) as to which one to choose.
My oral surgeon, who has done all my previous extractions, says I have very strong jaw bone and seem to heal fast, so I could possibly qualify for implants. But that is the next step, right now, I need to focus on getting my mouth pain-free.

My questions regarding the extractions are: my surgeon says, the procedure will be done in one day, and I will need to get IV sedation due to it being mulptiple teeth. I am rather sensitive to any types of sedation, antibiotics, pain meds... so far, I never had to take pain meds after extractions, neither antibiotics, luckily. But what about multiple extractions...? These are all non-root canalled teeth, and there is no visible infections underneath them. I know, every case is different, but I am scared to take antibiotics, as they make me feel sooo sick :-((. Even emotionally, they make me feel "weird" and like I am not myself.
My second question is, how could I prepare myself best for such a big procedure? I am living on a pretty healthy, vegan diet with lots of fresh fruits, smoothies, veggies... . Also, any tips on recovery from the surgery? Like I said, the IV sedation and all the meds they pump into me, always make me feel "blah" for some days, and with this upcoming procedure being much bigger, I am nervous .
Last question in regards to replacing the molars: my dentist said it would be safe and good to wait at least 8 weeks before getting a partial, so the gum and bone have a chance to heal and so the major swelling can go down. Does that sound reasonable? I am so scared that my bite will collaps after surgery, and I will look like I am 100 years old (I am only 30) :-(. But health before looks, is my motto -.

Thank you so much for all you do, and for helping so many people on here.
I am so scared of what is in store for me, and at the same time, I am so excited and almost happy (weird, isn't it?) as these molars have been bothering me so much, and since a long time I had this gut-feeling that the best would be, to have them taken out... I was just very scared of how I would look with partials, and also my dentist wanted to investigate more into what was going on with me, before taking such a drastic step. I just want to be able to "live" again, to work again, to function like a normal person. I know, I still have a long ways ahead of me with partials, fittings, adjustments, sore spots maybe, possibly implant surgery down the road... but I feel I am taking the first step into the direction that is right for me.

Meera