Oral Surgery question

[Waffles]

Hello everyone!

After a consultation at a cosmetic dentist about my teeth, we decided to bond the front 6 teeth. To do this the most effective way I will be needing some surgery. On Wednesday, I'm going to a periodontist in Hagerstown to have my gums worked on. This sounds kind of gross, but they will be cutting them back, since my teeth look wider than long right now. (I can't remember the name of the procedure)

Has anyone else had this done before? I'm getting really nervous about the pain and healing process since its the day before Thanksgiving. (I know I won't be able to eat much ) Not to mention I have nooo idea what will happen!! Well, thanks in advance...you guy are great!

 

[jghra]

Can't help you with your question, but good luck with everything.

 

[jfulcer]

Hey, that's two of us having surgery the day before Thanksgiving. At least I'll be able to eat, but I'll be sitting on a pile of ice.

 

[KimRaye]

Sounds like what my dh had. He had worse surgery before that tho. They did his whole mouth, one side at a time. If I remember correctly, your gums will be very sensitive and, also pretty sore but, OTC meds are all they gave him. Hope it goes well for you. How soon after this will they begin the next procedure?

 

[Waffles]

after the surgery, we will wait about 30 days before we start the bonding, I believe. I'm off to bed, but i'll check back in the morning! Thanks!

 

[Disney845]

HI!!

Didn't have the procedure you are discussing, but when I was younger I needed to have retainers (top and bottom) and my bottom gums were too thin. My orthodontist was afraid that when they started moving the teeth that the gums would not hold them so he sent me to a periodontist for gum graphing surgery. They cut gum out of the roof of my mouth and graphed it onto my bottom gums. I had to keep some weird "gum" (like the kind you chew ) thing in my mouth over the graphed area (and the cut out area) for a day or so. That was ackward, and it was a little tender from the stiches. The stiches stayed for about 2 weeks i think, and I think that dissolved...or maybe they were removed, I don't remember. I know that there wasn't A LOT of pain (I would have remembered, I don't deal well with pain!! hehe) Many years later now, I can still feel just the tiniest indentation in the roof of my mouth where they took out some gum, and the graphed gum on my bottom gums is whiter than the pink gum, but it isn't noticeable unless I pull my lower lip down, and I have no reason to do that

 

[mickey65]

I had something similar done this past June. They had to cut the gums to make them longer so my new crown could fit on. I tell you I am the biggest wimp and I was paranoid that it was going to be terrible during and after. It was not bad at all! The worst part was the bandage like stuff they put over your gums to cover the stiches. It reminded me of silly putty. They gums were tender for a day or two and that was about it.

Good luck!

 

[Piglet]

Can't answer your question - but I live soooo close to Hagerstown - where are you from?????

Melinda

 

[nativetxn]

I've never had this procedure, Waffles. I hope it is easy and you don't have any pain. Good luck.

 

[Disney845]

Originally posted by mickey65
The worst part was the bandage like stuff they put over your gums to cover the stiches. It reminded me of silly putty.

Yes Mickey!! This is what I was trying to say when I compared it to actual chewing gum...but silly putty is a more acurate description.

 

[Poohnatic]

Good luck with the surgery, Waffles, from Frederick!

If you want mushy food for Thanksgiving, you can come by my place! I'm doing broccoli casserole, candied sweets and garlic mashed that should be good the day after surgery!

Suzanne

 

[Loubon]

Just make sure you follow the orders of icing it when it is done. When I had it done (first of four) I thought, "Gee, this isn't bad, I don't need ice." Boy did I swell up. The next three times I listened and everything was fine.

 

[KimR]

I had this procedure 2 years ago. It is called crown lengthening and was not bad at all. I had the procedure prior to having veneers put on my 6 front teeth and having the veneers put on was MUCH worse. The worst part was when I had to go back to get the stitches out (ouch!) and also immediately after when the anesthetic wore off...my gums were a bit tender and I could only eat ice cream and milkshakes that first night. After that, I had to eat soft food cut up into small pieces and try to keep food away from the front of my mouth. But I am glad I had it done, it has made a huge difference in my appearance!

Good luck!

Kim

 

[EdiePA]

My biggest hint would be to stay ahead of the pain. If you're given a prescription for a pain reliever, have it filled right away. Ask your surgeon how soon after you get home that you can take that first pain med. I waited too long and it was hard to play "catch-up". Also, for some reason, the first few days, I had pain when I smiled or laughed. I had to ban our "family clown" DS#1 from the room!

Hugs, and be sure to have lots of soft food around!

Edie