6 WEEKS - Long

Well folks, I finally hit the six week mark! The days of sleeping in the recliner, eating via syringe, and being unable to blow my nose are over!!!

Wednesday I had three appointments, the Oral Surgeon, the Orthodontist, and the Prosthodontist. It was an appointment day.

8:45 - Oral Surgeon
"My resident" was out of town so I had a new-to-me resident. He was very nice and asked me about my pain or if I had any concerns. My surgeon came in and clipped all the wires to the splint, which took longer than what I thought and it was a bit uncomfortable because I can't open my mouth wide or pull my lips back well. When the splint started to loosen, the smell became apparent. So did the taste of nasty unspeakable things. Ewwwwww. I started to taste the line of yuck that had adhered to my palate, trapped underneath that thing. When it came out, there was such relief. I went to the sink to brush and rinse and was surpised to see blood. Lots of blood. I rinsed with peridex and brushed. The entire roof of my mouth felt numb. My mouth bled the rest of the morning, but I never did identify from where. Also, the bad taste persisted throughout the day no matter what I ate or drank.

The surgeon was pleased with my progress. We briefly discussed the plan for my missing teeth in the lateral spaces. I was always told the plan was implants, but due to the bone loss in this area, I would need bone grafting. They had planned on taking it from my hip, but since I have fibromyalgia and pain issues, I am very against it. He said we may be able to use another source of bone. I also mentioned the possibility of a fixed bridge in this area. He said that he would discuss that with the rest of the team (yes, I have my own team :). I think I am starting to become vain because I really, really want teeth in those spaces. I want to smile :)

Another cone beam CT was taken (more radiation) and 6 week pictures. At least I had makeup on and my hair fixed (for once). I don't go back for a month.

10:45- Orthodontist
The "big guy" wasn't there, but the other Orthondontist thought I still looked swollen. My surgical wire was removed and the surgical hooks as well. It hurt to have the elastics changed because again, my lips are still numb and I can't open wide. I also received rubber bands on the band teeth in a triangle shape. I'm not terribly good and putting them in. I go back every two weeks for the next six weeks.

12:00 - Prosthodontist
My Prosthodontist I like to refer to as "super smiley man". He has a great big perfect super smile. He hasn't seen me at all since prior to the surgery. He thought I looked great. On the drive over I was examining my teeth in the rearview mirror and noticied my midline is waaayyyy off and my front four teeth are tilted. Neither place said anything about it earlier. I mentioned the implant vs fixed bridge issue to him. He didn't know if I could even have implants in that space because the tooth roots tilt inward into the space(if you look at my x-ray you will see what I mean). These roots tilt because I didn't have any laterals and my first Orthondontist when I was in Junior High moved the 1st cuspids over and they ground them down. Mr. Smiley said that he would discuss the bridge, implants and midline issues with my team.

NOTE: Getting the splint out was 100% better than I had anticipated.
It really does get better. I promise!!! So hang in there if you are immediately
post surgery.

I'm really lucky I have such a great team working on my case. I'm so grateful.