Ouch - that hurt!

So pleased I don't have to speak this.
My top lip and cheeks are completely numb . All this for a 'new smile'. It has to be done and my advice to anyone with dental problems - get it seen to asap. Don't end up like me. Such drastic action and I have been petrified. I'm posting this to reassure those of you out there who are too afraid to visit the dentist. I have always been a nervous (fear of the unknown) patient but have been so lucky to have a dentist who gently processes us cowards. His staff are brilliant too - in fact I nearly squeezed ones hand to a pulp on Thursday. Hope she has recovered by my next visit.
I have another 3/4 visits before my 'new smile will be half complete - the upper half only. Then we start on the bottom ones. Second mortgage comes to mind!
When I was told that my gums would no longer support my teeth I cried and cried. Didn't do any good though. Now I have set my mind to the lengthy procedure and hope that by the Spring I will be able to add a new photo - taken rather closer- up than the one I have posted.
I will keep posting on this subject at each stage and hope it helps another scary-cat make a decision.
Top tip for anyone who has to have an extraction or multiple extractions like myself - salt water rinses. Keep a glass of salt water in the bathroom and use whenever you are in there. Use after brushing rather than the antiseptic mouthwashes on offer. It is a natural remedy and, believe me, it works and helps enormously with the healing process. Not sure if this is why I only used pain killers for 3 days as well as the prescribed antibiotics for 3 days. I have been very pleased with the results as my dentist was when I visited last Friday.
Friday was the day for the impressions, not very pleasant but completely painless. Also the colour of the dentures has been decided and I am really happy with the shade of white. Did not want to end up with an unnaturally dazzling smile. This colour has been matched with my teeth and will be very acceptable.