I just had my second procedure on the same two teeth. My regular dentist did the first one and it didn't take, so I was referred to a periodontist for the second graft.
Take this adivce... ASK ABOUT CONSCIOUS SEDATION!! If your dentist/periodontist doesn't do it, find one that does. I was very worried about it at first, but it was amazing. The sedation just makes you feel like you are sleeping, but you are not completely out. You are coherent and can control all your own functions, breathe on your own, turn your head, etc., but you don't really care or know what's going on. As soon as they take out the IV, you are completely awake... no nausea, a little dizziness, but no driving a car for 24 hours.
I feel completely fine now, 2 days later. I haven't had any pain, just a little swelling, and the stitches in the roof of my mouth are a little annoying... one came out yesterday, eww.
This really isn't that bad and the RX mouthwash really helps with the bad breath. I clench my teeth when I sleep and will most likely have to have this procedure done a few more times in my life... and I am not worried about it at all.
Take this adivce... ASK ABOUT CONSCIOUS SEDATION!! If your dentist/periodontist doesn't do it, find one that does. I was very worried about it at first, but it was amazing. The sedation just makes you feel like you are sleeping, but you are not completely out. You are coherent and can control all your own functions, breathe on your own, turn your head, etc., but you don't really care or know what's going on. As soon as they take out the IV, you are completely awake... no nausea, a little dizziness, but no driving a car for 24 hours.
I feel completely fine now, 2 days later. I haven't had any pain, just a little swelling, and the stitches in the roof of my mouth are a little annoying... one came out yesterday, eww.
This really isn't that bad and the RX mouthwash really helps with the bad breath. I clench my teeth when I sleep and will most likely have to have this procedure done a few more times in my life... and I am not worried about it at all.
This was the most painful thing I've ever been through. The pain for the first 3 days was almost unbearable. Especially the 2nd and 3rd day.
I just hope they take. I had the alloderm. The only bad part was the shots at the beginning of the procedure. Nothing else hurt, but, oh my goodness, the surgery is the easy part. The healing is ohhh not good. And, I've gave birth, had wisdom teeth removed, etc. Nothing compares. This is the worst.
I think because I had so many areas done is why mine is so bad. If you are just having one or two areas you should be fine. The lower bottom front teeth, front and back gums, is what is hurting me so bad. The upper left molars hurt but not near as bad as the front. Throb throb throb nonstop. Be sure to get plenty of narcotics, they do help, and, if you use them up, keep the number handy to call and request some more.
I still have to have the right side of my mouth done but, not going to worry now that I've experience this, nothing can be as bad as the bottom. Still, I would rather go through this than lose my teeth. The worse pain seems to be subsiding.
PS, The first periodontist told me the graft where they take it from your own palate was all he could do for me, so, I got a 2nd opinion and was told they could do the alloderm graft. I'm glad because I cannot imagine this pain plus pain in the roof of my mouth also.
I just hope they take. I had the alloderm. The only bad part was the shots at the beginning of the procedure. Nothing else hurt, but, oh my goodness, the surgery is the easy part. The healing is ohhh not good. And, I've gave birth, had wisdom teeth removed, etc. Nothing compares. This is the worst.
I think because I had so many areas done is why mine is so bad. If you are just having one or two areas you should be fine. The lower bottom front teeth, front and back gums, is what is hurting me so bad. The upper left molars hurt but not near as bad as the front. Throb throb throb nonstop. Be sure to get plenty of narcotics, they do help, and, if you use them up, keep the number handy to call and request some more.
I still have to have the right side of my mouth done but, not going to worry now that I've experience this, nothing can be as bad as the bottom. Still, I would rather go through this than lose my teeth. The worse pain seems to be subsiding.
PS, The first periodontist told me the graft where they take it from your own palate was all he could do for me, so, I got a 2nd opinion and was told they could do the alloderm graft. I'm glad because I cannot imagine this pain plus pain in the roof of my mouth also.
complete pain the first 3 days with the 3rd day being the worst. If you're only having one or two done, probably not as bad as I had 8 areas done.
Throbbing pain very bad lower front teeth, not as bad in upper molars, but, swelling for 2 days. 4th day start to feel better.
Throbbing pain very bad lower front teeth, not as bad in upper molars, but, swelling for 2 days. 4th day start to feel better.
I've seen a few replies on here where the grafts have stayed white and some crumble away. I'm on day 4 and still swollen on one side (had two sides and front done.) My front one was crumbled a ton!! The sides are much better but all are white. I was wondering if anyone who has had the graft come apart could explain what their doc told them and if the whiteness is normal. Thank you!
I had my graft done on 12/08/08 and today is day 4 so far minor pain my donor site is still covered with "gum patch"(what is that called anyhow).
I am mostly hearing that the donorsite is the most pain full can anyone tell me more ? does this "Gum" stay on and or for how long?Will the pain start if I or Perio removes it?
My graft was for lower middle one tooth and my donor site is upper left back side.
I see Dr. mo 12/15/08 she said she will leave stitches in until Jan 5th/09
Can anyone please tell me about the Donar site and what to exspect should I tell her to put new "Gum" after she lookes at it monday?
I know that it is normal for grafted area to look white please do not LOOK at your treated graft sites PEOPLE!!! that is why you have pain or stitches ripping ....also please rest and ICE the areas imitiatly and for at least 24-48 hrs to help with swelling and of course take your Meds start at the dr. office 600grams Motrin before you ever leave the office than go strait home and rest.avoid talking and if you must talk "true your teeth" DONT LOOK AT GRAFT SITE!!!! tisshue is soooo sensitive and can rip or shift and above all DO NOT SMOKE!!!! I must say that if you DID pay attention to your Dr. instructions take meds,do not look,speak or eat hard stuff,use straws etc.ect your graft will heal and be fine just be paitiant it will take 6-8 weeks before you feel more "normal" again.
I am mostly hearing that the donorsite is the most pain full can anyone tell me more ? does this "Gum" stay on and or for how long?Will the pain start if I or Perio removes it?
My graft was for lower middle one tooth and my donor site is upper left back side.
I see Dr. mo 12/15/08 she said she will leave stitches in until Jan 5th/09
Can anyone please tell me about the Donar site and what to exspect should I tell her to put new "Gum" after she lookes at it monday?
I know that it is normal for grafted area to look white please do not LOOK at your treated graft sites PEOPLE!!! that is why you have pain or stitches ripping ....also please rest and ICE the areas imitiatly and for at least 24-48 hrs to help with swelling and of course take your Meds start at the dr. office 600grams Motrin before you ever leave the office than go strait home and rest.avoid talking and if you must talk "true your teeth" DONT LOOK AT GRAFT SITE!!!! tisshue is soooo sensitive and can rip or shift and above all DO NOT SMOKE!!!! I must say that if you DID pay attention to your Dr. instructions take meds,do not look,speak or eat hard stuff,use straws etc.ect your graft will heal and be fine just be paitiant it will take 6-8 weeks before you feel more "normal" again.
I had my graft done 12/12/08. I heard all these terrible things about the surgery so I was really scared going in to have it done. The surgery wasn't too bad except for the pressure from the shot in the palate. I just kept my eyes closed the whole time so I wouldn't panic from all the blood. I haven't had much pain I've been taking Ibuprofen regularly. The palate has not bothered me at all b.c I got the stent (I haven't taken it out yet). I had the graft done on my lower left canine all the way to first molar. Everything looks good pinkish/white gums, some bruising on my lip, minor swelling. The only thing I am worried about is this growth on my first pre molar it looks like a soggy purplish thing is covering my tooth. It doesn't hurt and I've seen other people mention blod cots that will just fall off or that the graft moved...I don't know what it is...PLease help.
Had my graft done on Dec 10th, I wish I had know what to expect! I have a very high pain threshold and usually enjoy going to the dentist , but this was far worse than anticipated.
The surgery itself sucks - CLOSE YOUR EYES - forget the TV on the ceiling, because you will see your dentist coming at you with the scapel to cut the roof of your mouth and you will see him stitching your gum. I had a slight anxiety attack, almost to the point of asking him to stop!
I wish my dentist had told me how invasive the surgery is - you are really food restricted for a few days right after the graft. Take a lot of advil! Thank god I drink alcohol, thats all I can say.
The best advice I would give is to NOT book your surgery around any parties, dinner engagementst, etc. Take a few days off work and REST. Put lots of soup, yogurt, porridge in your cupboards and drink your tea or coffee lukewarm.
The only other thing that I haven't seen written here is I have developed a lot of cankers and mouth sores around the area of the graft, which I assume are caused by the bandages, and they are PAINFUL! Again, lots of Advil, wine and salt water helps the healing.
Good luck - I will know in a few days if the graft was worth it!
The surgery itself sucks - CLOSE YOUR EYES - forget the TV on the ceiling, because you will see your dentist coming at you with the scapel to cut the roof of your mouth and you will see him stitching your gum. I had a slight anxiety attack, almost to the point of asking him to stop!
I wish my dentist had told me how invasive the surgery is - you are really food restricted for a few days right after the graft. Take a lot of advil! Thank god I drink alcohol, thats all I can say.
The best advice I would give is to NOT book your surgery around any parties, dinner engagementst, etc. Take a few days off work and REST. Put lots of soup, yogurt, porridge in your cupboards and drink your tea or coffee lukewarm.
The only other thing that I haven't seen written here is I have developed a lot of cankers and mouth sores around the area of the graft, which I assume are caused by the bandages, and they are PAINFUL! Again, lots of Advil, wine and salt water helps the healing.
Good luck - I will know in a few days if the graft was worth it!
I was told by my periodontist NOT to use ice as it prevents circulation to the recipient sites. About 2 hours after surgery, I bent down to pick something off the floor and apparently that caused major bleeding on my palate. It looked like someone had spilled a red paint can in my mouth, and it was pouring out into the sink. I pressed a teabag to my palate, and the bleeding stopped in under a minute and didn't bleed again. I'm in day 5 now, and most of my graft areas that were white are starting to gain color. Luckily everything was done on the left side of my mouth, so I can chew soft foods with the right side. I really never had any pain at all, just discomfort. My periodontist fitted me with a plastic retainer (kind of like a very thin mouthguard - and it's transparent, so it's impossible to tell I'm wearing it) which protects the palate from my tongue, so swallowing is a non-issue. From what I've read on this thread about packing tissue and stints, I'd recommend the retainer.
Had my surgery on Dec. 11th. on six teeth (3-8). Experienced no pain and only minimal bleeding afterwards. Doc did tell me to take 3 advil prior to surgery and take advils only as needed every 6 hrs there after. However I only have needed 2 advils for the first 2 days (stop inflammation) and has not needed any since. Icing is very important, I have no bruising and have felt little to no pain since the surgery.
Eat soft foods, yogurt, mashed potatoes, shakes and soup is the best and remember to rinse with salt water 2-3 times a day. I must say i was a bit scared prior to surgery but it has turned out to be nothing. It is day 5 and my gum is red, bright red and also white. I have 2 donor sites and they have no problems or pain at all. Go to a periodontist, i think mine did an excellent job.
Eat soft foods, yogurt, mashed potatoes, shakes and soup is the best and remember to rinse with salt water 2-3 times a day. I must say i was a bit scared prior to surgery but it has turned out to be nothing. It is day 5 and my gum is red, bright red and also white. I have 2 donor sites and they have no problems or pain at all. Go to a periodontist, i think mine did an excellent job.
I am getting my gum graft done next Friday and am terrified. I get queasy thinking about the operation and cutting, etc. I asked my periodontist if I could be knocked out for it (to avoid freaking out during it or getting more queasy) and she said she has never knocked anyone out for it and will not knock me out. I'm going to call on Monday to harass her with a few questions about it. Maybe you guys can answer them for me:
Can I drive home or should I have someone pick me up (about 2 miles in the city)?
How long until you can eat solid foods again? A friend of a friend had it done... her recovery was almost a month and she couldn't eat solid foods for that long!
My appt is at 12:30 - should I eat lunch before I go or have an empty stomach?
Anything else I should know/ask before going in?
Can I drive home or should I have someone pick me up (about 2 miles in the city)?
How long until you can eat solid foods again? A friend of a friend had it done... her recovery was almost a month and she couldn't eat solid foods for that long!
My appt is at 12:30 - should I eat lunch before I go or have an empty stomach?
Anything else I should know/ask before going in?
Grafting surgery was not so bad...okay, the numbing shot hurts but it's like tearing off BandAid- only hurts for a second or two. Surgery- I felt a little pressure, not painful though.
When the Novocaine wore off, it felt like I had been slammed in the face with a hammer. Repeatedly.
I have not been able to eat (outside of the Stage 1 baby food/ pudding/ yogurt choices)- and smiling and talking hurts.
I am not a giant wimp when it comes to pain, but this is ridiculous- I think the stitches the dentist put on are too tight, because it feels like the teeth he wrapped the stitches around are in a vise! The stitches are covered with some kind of dental putty (like chewing gum, stuck directly over the grafted area)- it feels weird and thick.
I asked for an upgrade on the pain meds, and was given Loritab, same drug I had for recovery from my C-section surgery.
I envy those people who were able to go back to work, posting "very little pain". (I also had all wisdom teeth pulled at once, last year, and that was nowhere near this level of pain. Some people moan in sympathy when the topic of wisdom teeth comes up, and I had no problems with that.)
Good luck to you, I hope your grafting surgery and recovery goes well.
When the Novocaine wore off, it felt like I had been slammed in the face with a hammer. Repeatedly.
I have not been able to eat (outside of the Stage 1 baby food/ pudding/ yogurt choices)- and smiling and talking hurts.
I am not a giant wimp when it comes to pain, but this is ridiculous- I think the stitches the dentist put on are too tight, because it feels like the teeth he wrapped the stitches around are in a vise! The stitches are covered with some kind of dental putty (like chewing gum, stuck directly over the grafted area)- it feels weird and thick.
I asked for an upgrade on the pain meds, and was given Loritab, same drug I had for recovery from my C-section surgery.
I envy those people who were able to go back to work, posting "very little pain". (I also had all wisdom teeth pulled at once, last year, and that was nowhere near this level of pain. Some people moan in sympathy when the topic of wisdom teeth comes up, and I had no problems with that.)
Good luck to you, I hope your grafting surgery and recovery goes well.
I scheduled an appointment for graft (need to get two lower center teeth done). When I asked doctor if there is anything I should know about the procedure she said "Nothing to worry about" and "We will give you all the care instructions later". Now after reading all this I feel seriously worried. Don't like her attitude and not even sure I should go to her... Wasn't SHE supposed to warn me about all this stuff so I could at least be able to pan days off.... >;)
I had my surgery done 9 days ago. I was worried about the amount of meds prescribed to put me in a twilight sleep for the surgery . . . I was wondering why they wouldn't 'knock me out" . . . it's because if you are in twilight, you can breath, swallow, and follow orders on your on. You function like you're awake, but remember virtually nothing. I remember the shots and a 'plug' the doctor put between my molars to help keep my mouth open . . . and I remember him taking it out : ) So, the procedure was absolutely no problem for me (though the anticipation was horrible.)
But the recovery . . . the worst pain I've ever experienced . . . excrutiating. Like many others on this post, I don't feel I'm a sissy to pain, but this has been absolutely dibilitating. I have missed way more work than planned, because it hurts constantly. And when I sleep, I always wake up to severe pain. I didn't have a stent on patch or anything on my donor site, but had the bandaids over the two receiving sites . . . it didn't overly bother me. I went back after one week and the assistant removed the 'bandaids' . . . and actually my receiving sites quit aching as much. My lower jaw was quite bruised . . . and ached quite a bit until the bandaid was removed. But the worst of the pain has come from the donor site. I have literally cried in pain, it has been unbearable. And like another post, one moment I won't be in pain, and the next I'm brought to my knees in pain. I have taken more pain medications for this than anything I have every experienced . . . to the point they put me in a panic attack! Lidocaine gel has kept me functioning. I would NEVER agree to this procedure again . . . not on a bet. And eating . . . the only thing that doesn't kill me is room temperature water. If anything touches it, it sets off horrible pain. I'm better off eating solid foods than soft foods, because soft foods wash over my palate causing terrible pain. Solid foods I can eat better as it doesn't hurt for me to chew, smile, laugh, cough . . . just don't touch the donor site. People say don't pay attention to what you read on the internet - I'm not trying to scare anybody . . . but I was VERY ill prepared for this.
But the recovery . . . the worst pain I've ever experienced . . . excrutiating. Like many others on this post, I don't feel I'm a sissy to pain, but this has been absolutely dibilitating. I have missed way more work than planned, because it hurts constantly. And when I sleep, I always wake up to severe pain. I didn't have a stent on patch or anything on my donor site, but had the bandaids over the two receiving sites . . . it didn't overly bother me. I went back after one week and the assistant removed the 'bandaids' . . . and actually my receiving sites quit aching as much. My lower jaw was quite bruised . . . and ached quite a bit until the bandaid was removed. But the worst of the pain has come from the donor site. I have literally cried in pain, it has been unbearable. And like another post, one moment I won't be in pain, and the next I'm brought to my knees in pain. I have taken more pain medications for this than anything I have every experienced . . . to the point they put me in a panic attack! Lidocaine gel has kept me functioning. I would NEVER agree to this procedure again . . . not on a bet. And eating . . . the only thing that doesn't kill me is room temperature water. If anything touches it, it sets off horrible pain. I'm better off eating solid foods than soft foods, because soft foods wash over my palate causing terrible pain. Solid foods I can eat better as it doesn't hurt for me to chew, smile, laugh, cough . . . just don't touch the donor site. People say don't pay attention to what you read on the internet - I'm not trying to scare anybody . . . but I was VERY ill prepared for this.
I had the procedure done on Friday. Today is Monday. I had two lower front teeth done using skin from my upper palate. This was taken from under the skin line and then the area was closed up so it's not exposed. The worst pain for me were the injections - ouch!
Next day I really had little to no pain at all and I was back to work. My cheek was swollen up but is now going down. I do have some bruising to my cheek which is now appearing.
Today I still have no real pain, just discomfort from having the stitches. My palate is totally fine with no pain. Eating is okay if I use my good side. I am not taking any pain meds today. Hopefully the worst is over.
My periodontist showed me the site after he finished and then ordered me "NOT TO LOOK AT THE AREA AGAIN!" so I am surprised by the number of people who are peering and peeking. This can rip open the fragile area and expose it to bacteria so I'm not sure why people take that risk. Of course it will take time to heal - this is fragile tissue that has been transplanted.
Seems to be a lot of mixed results on this board. I think those with the most pain had large areas done. I can't see being completely knocked out for only the two teeth I had done.
I look forward to getting the stitches out in 10 days.
Next day I really had little to no pain at all and I was back to work. My cheek was swollen up but is now going down. I do have some bruising to my cheek which is now appearing.
Today I still have no real pain, just discomfort from having the stitches. My palate is totally fine with no pain. Eating is okay if I use my good side. I am not taking any pain meds today. Hopefully the worst is over.
My periodontist showed me the site after he finished and then ordered me "NOT TO LOOK AT THE AREA AGAIN!" so I am surprised by the number of people who are peering and peeking. This can rip open the fragile area and expose it to bacteria so I'm not sure why people take that risk. Of course it will take time to heal - this is fragile tissue that has been transplanted.
Seems to be a lot of mixed results on this board. I think those with the most pain had large areas done. I can't see being completely knocked out for only the two teeth I had done.
I look forward to getting the stitches out in 10 days.
It has been 24 hours since I had my surgery. I'll have to say that the procedure itself was painless - except for the injections. I felt some slight tugging when the sutures were being put in place. Word of advice - KEEP YOUR EYES CLOSED.
I was prescribed antibiotics, ibuprofen (600mg) and the mouthwash. I was able to brush my teeth on the opposite side side of my mouth earlier today - but am staying away from the other side as well as the donor site. I followed that up with the mouthwash.
Overall, I feel okay, but I'm glad I didn't have to leave the house today.
I was prescribed antibiotics, ibuprofen (600mg) and the mouthwash. I was able to brush my teeth on the opposite side side of my mouth earlier today - but am staying away from the other side as well as the donor site. I followed that up with the mouthwash.
Overall, I feel okay, but I'm glad I didn't have to leave the house today.