Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Went in for an implant, came out with a bridge......

Ok. So......here is my surgery update:


I went in this morning very nervous about what will happen at the end of this surgery. Getting an implant is permanent, as you know, but not knowing how it will shape up with my gum line just weighs so heavily on my heart. I was confident in my surgeon but not confident that the end result would mean no more surgeries.

So just after sitting in the chair and receiving the cotton swab of pre-numbing meds, I ask him "how worried are you that my crown for this implant will have the same problems we did with my flipper?" He paused...and told me quite honestly that it was not a perfect situation and that he was going to do his best work with hopes of a close-to-perfect result but could not guarantee it. That said, he also hinted that quite possibly I would end up having additional gum surgery, post implant surgery, to beef up my gums again to help cover any imperfections. He then discussed the difference in outcomes between an implant and a bridge.

When we initially met back in May, we quickly discussed bridges and he was not wanting to "disturb" the healthy teeth but to fix the problem with the one tooth. That was before we had the additional gum issues. Now that we're facing this obstacle, having bridge work would give him a little more freedom to fill in the "gaps" with the bridge rather than having to undergo additional gum surgery. So as the freezing was setting in, we discussed this more at length. He then said he couldn't guarantee a perfect result, based on the fact that my neighboring front tooth is a crown on a post and it's had a root canal but it would be doable.

I then called Scott. As you know he had to have bridge work done post-golf club to the face, and agreed that this may be the way to go, for me. He knows I just want there to be an end to all of this and knows from experience there is so much more they could do. Besides that he also knows I don't want to face additional surgeries to fix what is appearing to be a perpetual problem. So onto Plan B

In all honesty, since voicing this concerns and having this discussion with Dr. Jeffrey in the chair, I had this overwhelming calm about me. Not typical for someone who has been in and out of Dentist offices/surgeons' chairs for the past 25 years. I instantaneously was at peace with our decision to proceed with Plan B and the nervousness just went away. This is a first!

Or maybe it was the music from the iPod that helped me relax. I know it certainly helped take my attention away from the banging, drilling noises I was hearing inside my head! Or maybe it was the fact that even if the bridge isn't "perfect" I would not have to undergo surgery to compensate for an ill fit instead it would be the bridge being sent back to the lab. I am so much more confident that there WILL be an end to this process. I may have to endure one more root canal (Learned that today.....SURPRISE SURPRISE) but the end is near....and I can finally smile again.



10 comments:

Alyssa said...

That's great that you came up with a solution you're comfortable with! Did you end up having the bridge work done today? Or is that something they have to prep for, and then have you come back later?? I want to see pics of your beautiful smile once it's all done!!

Christy said...

I had all the work done today. I have my temporary bridge in now...and in three weeks will try on my bridge to see how it fits. Chances are it will have to be modified...but I'm ok with IT being modified time and time again, instead of it being ME who has to be modified!

I will post before and after pics later on. I want you all to see the dramatic differences (and torture) I went through! Nice of me eh?

Lisa said...

That sounds like the best solution. Your DDS sounds like a great one!

Anna@Exasperation said...

So in three weeks will they also present you with a diploma from dental school? Because at this point I'm thinking you've earned it! move over Karl!
Also? SO GLAD there is a solution out there. I wouldn't want to be dealing with numerous surgeries, either. It sounds like a great idea.
Can't wait to see your new smile!

Chrystapooh said...

So did a general dentist do it? Or a prosthodontist? You know I have to know which!!! And the guy did let you know that no restoration is a totally permanent solution, right? I mean, a well-done bridge should last you a good 15 years at least if you keep it clean, but will probably need to be replaced eventually. Not to be a killjoy, but just so you're informed...

Denise said...

I am so glad this may be the end (other than the possible root canal, BUMMER)! You have been in my thoughts.

Christy said...

Yes we're aware of the 15-20 year thing. The "permanent" issue for me, is no more surgeries. And also knowing what's done is done...even if that means 15-20 years later I may have to contend with this again...but until then, I'm happy to not have to face another surgery (besides this possible root canal)

Here he is here: (he's a BYI grad so he must be good right? LOL)

http://mydentistinc.com.ypcnproxy.com/profile_jonathon_jeffery.php?wvsessionid=7f30db6c0d284898a23b39e7fe234bc7

Chrystapooh said...

OK, good. Glad you are a fully informed patient.

So BYU, huh? I wonder what year he graduated and if he'd know Karl from any classes there...

Christy said...

I can ask him. I will see him again in 3 weeks to try on my bridge. What year is Karl?

Deb said...

Oh my goodness, girl. I'm going to have to go google all this stuff. Can't wait to see your beautiful new teeth!