Friday, March 2, 2012

Day 65: Can 2 out of 3 Dental Professionals Be Wrong?

I sure hope so. 


In my last entry I noted that my upper front teeth were mobile when they took the splint out. Turns out it isn't just my teeth, it's the entire segment (from canine to canine) that's mobile. I was elastic-ed shut for the past 3 weeks in the hopes that it would firm up, but nothing has changed. 


My dentist and orthodontist are both concerned about it - apparently it is not normal to have your jaw still moving around 9 weeks post-surgery. However, my surgeon says it's completely normal and my dentist and orthodontist don't know what they're talking about. He told me to wait another 3 or 4 months and it should firm up by then. If it doesn't, I will need another surgery. And just for fun, I'm not allowed to chew until it firms up. That will make 5-6 months of not chewing, and potentially 9 months if another surgery is required. I left his office and cried. I made the best of the past 2 months of recovery and not chewing, but I am beyond irritated at the prospect of another 3-7 months of not being able to eat properly. I really, really, really don't want to go through this surgery again, but if I do have to, I'd rather get it over with sooner than later. 


Readers, have you or anyone you know had an upper jaw segment that is still mobile 9 weeks after surgery? Is this really normal? In addition to my dentist and orthodontist believing it is not normal, everything I can find online says it is not normal, so I'm working on finding another surgeon who will give me an honest 2nd opinion. I'm not sure I will be able to find one, though....dental professionals in my town are a close knit group, and they don't like to comment on another's work (even when you don't disclose your current provider's name, which I wouldn't do). I want to believe my surgeon, I really do.........I think he is amazingly talented and dedicated to his patients.but I don't want to let another 4 months go by only to find out that something should have been done right now. 

6 comments:

  1. Wow, that is very strange that's happened! That must be so nerve-wracking to have to worry about that. I think it's a good idea to get a second opinon by another surgeon. Like you said, you don't want to waste any time if something needs to be done.

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  2. Just came on to have a look at your blog. Oh my god that's terrible I can't believe it! Have you managed to find another opinion?

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  3. Hey Baligirl,

    Just started getting caught up with your blog. :) quick question... When you say your jaw is mobile, how mobile is it? I am about 17 weeks post op now ( my third jaw surgery) and my right side feels super stable but my left feels slightly wiggly... Like, microscopic movement. Does your segment move a considerable amount?

    I am pretty nervous... I see my surgeon next week, so I'll know more then, but in the meantime I am freaking out!

    I will keep my fingers crossed for you. :)

    Holly

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  4. Hi Nikki, thanks for seconding my decision to get a second opinion. I just don't know who to believe or trust any more and it's just so disappointing.

    Princess Lealea, I scheduled a second opinion a month from now (the first opening I could get). I'll keep you posted on how that goes.

    Holly, My segment moves 1/2 to 1 millimeter up and down. I'm still freaking out and can't wait until my 2nd opinion appointment. I can't believe you're on your 3rd surgery. I'm so sorry about that. I'm freaking out about the possibility of a 2nd surgery - just when I'm feeling more or less "normal", too. I hope the movement you feel is normal and I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

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  5. Hi, I just found your blog looking up on Google. Because I have similar problem with my jaw movement. I'm 69 days post op now, if you see my blog (http://kikisjawsurgeryjournal.blogspot.com) you can see more details what's going on with me. First of all, sorry that you are going through tough situation. If this make you feel better, I'm in the same boat. My problem is that jaw shifted after the surgery, and now I have tilted front teeth... whole thing moved and tilted. The ortho dentist said that in the case of upper jaw surgery, it happens sometimes because it is like putting plastic easter eggs together. Only small parts are touching, and if that doesn't heal fast enough while not moving, that will shift just like easter egg. Well, I understood the explanations, but how can they fix is the next question. If your jaw is still moving, actually there is a hope, isn't it? can they rubber bands here and there to line up collectedly and wait to heal? I almost regret that I ate normal food too soon. That might have caused some shift. I don't know. Your post actually gave me hope that things still could move. I am worried that now my upper jaw is completely healed in the way tilted. Please keep posting, and good luck to you!

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  6. Hi Kiki, I'm sorry you are having problems with your jaw. It really sucks to go through braces, surgery and a long recovery to have a less than perfect result. I didn't chew anything with substance for almost 6 months (my surgeon was very cautious) and still had problems, so don't beat yourself up. A lot of people are told they can start chewing after a few weeks. I hope they are able to fix it so you can have a good result in the end. Best of luck to you!

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