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Gum grafting
I have receding gums, probably being caused buy undiagnosed, chronic dry mouth and throat problems. Was told I need a gum graft on my front lower tooth. Due to the mouth issues, the continuous discomfort I am in, just cannot imagine how I would get through this procedure, especially the graft area on the roof of the mouth. One of the ENT docs I saw said he didn't think it would heal due to my other problems. Dentist thinks it would be okay. I am miserable day and night as it is and just can't wrap my head around recovery from this. Now, also, my top teeth are loose and have to go to another consult tomorrow regarding those problems. Wish the dental and ENT communities would work together. I've been told I'm stuck in a grey area here. :-(
Anyone had grafting done and, if so, what was your experience in the healing process?
Anyone had grafting done and, if so, what was your experience in the healing process?
In answer to your concerns about the recovery time after the surgery: don't worry about it. I have had two gum graft procedures, and they are not to bad as far as procedures go. I have a very low tolerance for pain and hate even going to the dentist for a routine cleaning, but this surgery isn't that bad. They cover the effected areas with a sort of bandage made of plaster which protects the area fairly well. As long as you are careful, 'baby' the areas for a week or two, and take medication (I'm on 800mg of motrin every 8ish hours) there is very little pain (a dull ache at the most). The pain (or lack of) was not even close to what I had to go through when I had my wisdom teeth out.
As for the dryness, it isn't an issue either. My doctor put me on a liquids diet (soups, smoothies, milkshakes, etc) from the moment I got home. I was also drinking water (I think I've gone through 5 bottles a day for the past week). Although gum would be dangerous, and I believe you are not allowed soda, I have kept my mouth fairly moist with other liquids.
The first time I had the procedure, I was awake and extremely tense the entire time. That one took, but the results weren't very good because it was not a good doctor. I went to a new periodontist this summer, and got IV sedation for the same procedure. I'm only a week out (I had it done last thursday), but it seems to be doing well. He looked at it yesterday when he took the stitches out, and said that it should be fine. And after the appointment to take out those stitches, there is no more followup. As long as it takes, you don't have to go back for anything.
So what I'm saying is as long as you can find a good periodontist, you shouldn't have any problems. I would recommend going through with the surgery. I also highly recommend IV sedation just because it makes it much easier and less stressful.
As for the dryness, it isn't an issue either. My doctor put me on a liquids diet (soups, smoothies, milkshakes, etc) from the moment I got home. I was also drinking water (I think I've gone through 5 bottles a day for the past week). Although gum would be dangerous, and I believe you are not allowed soda, I have kept my mouth fairly moist with other liquids.
The first time I had the procedure, I was awake and extremely tense the entire time. That one took, but the results weren't very good because it was not a good doctor. I went to a new periodontist this summer, and got IV sedation for the same procedure. I'm only a week out (I had it done last thursday), but it seems to be doing well. He looked at it yesterday when he took the stitches out, and said that it should be fine. And after the appointment to take out those stitches, there is no more followup. As long as it takes, you don't have to go back for anything.
So what I'm saying is as long as you can find a good periodontist, you shouldn't have any problems. I would recommend going through with the surgery. I also highly recommend IV sedation just because it makes it much easier and less stressful.
Thanks so much for trying to help. More then most of the doctors I've seen try to do. They don't see anything and don't go much further.
Yes, I drink water often. When I drink coffee, it is decaf. Seldom have any sodas. Yep, use Biotene, GC gel, Oasis, etc regularly, have to. They offer very little help.
Interesting you read the Xanax caused significant xerostomia. Some sites say nothing about it and some say it can cause dry mouth. I had one dentist suggest I stop the med. Problem is, I have been on it for over 4 years now and it helps with the anxiety in dealing with all this stuff. I am basically down to 1/2 of a .5 mg pill a day. That is about my limit right now but will try to gradually wean off it. I am sure I am addicted to it by now.
I was from the Los Angeles area and had very good doctors down there. Here in the Central Valley, not many good doctors that I've run in to. I have done searches or checked on other people's recommendations. Most of the *best* doctors are not taking new patients. I've tried and they won't take anyone new. Add to that, all the insurance issues now and health care is just going down the toilet. Most appts are 10 mins and they are out of there.
I will be seeing my gynecologist this week and will see the endo doc and a new rheumatologist next month.
Thanks again so much. Appreciate someone trying to help.
Yes, I drink water often. When I drink coffee, it is decaf. Seldom have any sodas. Yep, use Biotene, GC gel, Oasis, etc regularly, have to. They offer very little help.
Interesting you read the Xanax caused significant xerostomia. Some sites say nothing about it and some say it can cause dry mouth. I had one dentist suggest I stop the med. Problem is, I have been on it for over 4 years now and it helps with the anxiety in dealing with all this stuff. I am basically down to 1/2 of a .5 mg pill a day. That is about my limit right now but will try to gradually wean off it. I am sure I am addicted to it by now.
I was from the Los Angeles area and had very good doctors down there. Here in the Central Valley, not many good doctors that I've run in to. I have done searches or checked on other people's recommendations. Most of the *best* doctors are not taking new patients. I've tried and they won't take anyone new. Add to that, all the insurance issues now and health care is just going down the toilet. Most appts are 10 mins and they are out of there.
I will be seeing my gynecologist this week and will see the endo doc and a new rheumatologist next month.
Thanks again so much. Appreciate someone trying to help.
Margot49,
Glad that you were tested for Sjogren, was one of the guesses when I asked about illness. I am very happy that you were not diagnosed with it. Very nasty thing to have.
It seems like you have quite a puzzle on your hands. Just for the heck of it I checked out drug handbook I have nearby and it does state that Xanax produces "significant xerostomia (mouth dryness) and changes in salivation".
Even at such small dosage I would still double check it with your physician.
Another thought, have you been tested for diabetes?
You mentioned drinking often, chewing gum. I know it is not much of a help but do you drink water? Coke, pop, caffeine stuff = not good. Ummm, how about artificial saliva? The one I have some experience with is Biotene, people who use it swear by it.
You also mention that none of the doctors seem to be talking/addressing some of the concerns you have.
My mantra is to always be with a doctor who makes you feel at home and answers all of your questions (even the most silly ones). Not much of a help but try looking up (google or any other search engine) "Best doctors in ". See who pops up, give them a call and ask for advice.
Last quick thought, try also posting on doctors' forums on this website and see what the brainiacs will come up with. :)
I wish you best of luck and hope that someone will be able to help you soon.
Glad that you were tested for Sjogren, was one of the guesses when I asked about illness. I am very happy that you were not diagnosed with it. Very nasty thing to have.
It seems like you have quite a puzzle on your hands. Just for the heck of it I checked out drug handbook I have nearby and it does state that Xanax produces "significant xerostomia (mouth dryness) and changes in salivation".
Even at such small dosage I would still double check it with your physician.
Another thought, have you been tested for diabetes?
You mentioned drinking often, chewing gum. I know it is not much of a help but do you drink water? Coke, pop, caffeine stuff = not good. Ummm, how about artificial saliva? The one I have some experience with is Biotene, people who use it swear by it.
You also mention that none of the doctors seem to be talking/addressing some of the concerns you have.
My mantra is to always be with a doctor who makes you feel at home and answers all of your questions (even the most silly ones). Not much of a help but try looking up (google or any other search engine) "Best doctors in ". See who pops up, give them a call and ask for advice.
Last quick thought, try also posting on doctors' forums on this website and see what the brainiacs will come up with. :)
I wish you best of luck and hope that someone will be able to help you soon.
Caliban, thanks for the reply. Very long story but I have probably been to 15 doctors in many specialties over the past 4 years and cannot get diagnosed. I am off all meds except for maybe 1/2 to 1 .5 mg of Xanax daily, really not enough to cause my issues. I do smoke but even the oral surgeon said some time back (of course they tell me to quit and I have cut down) that he has treated many smokers and they still produce saliva. Had blood tests and two biopsies for Sjorgens, negative. It's horrible and life altering. I have appts again with and Endo doc next month and now a rheumatologist. One has to wait weeks for these appts. I have an appt with the only, I think he is called a prosthodontist in our area tomorrow. He works closely with the one that would be doing the graft. He actually referred him. Problem is, the oral tissue is so dry and I am so miserable always having to drink something, chew gum, etc, that I don't know how I would get through the recovery from a graft. :-( Actually, most of my gums are receding now. I also have/had other symptoms nobody can put a finger on, add to that thyroid cysts and nodules that have been biopsied twice. Yes, all thyroid testing has been done. Now, I have been having night sweats for some time and am way past menopause. None of the docs seem to address this or discuss it much. I just don't feel well and it's damn frustrating.
Thanks again for the response. I think I could tolerate the graft on the front tooth, it is the palate issues that I doubt I could get through and don't know if the tissue would even heal properly.
Thanks again for the response. I think I could tolerate the graft on the front tooth, it is the palate issues that I doubt I could get through and don't know if the tissue would even heal properly.
Margot49,
Tough call. I would suggest looking for a good oral surgeon and seeing what he or she may say.
As for the grafts, I have never experienced one, but did have a patient who went through it a few years ago. The patient stated that it was similar to hot food burn feeling. Tissue looked good at that person was taking a good care of their teeth, so no more issue with biofilm and calculus. :)
Just wondering the chronic oral and throat dryness you mentioned. Are they caused by medications, illness or smoking?
Tough call. I would suggest looking for a good oral surgeon and seeing what he or she may say.
As for the grafts, I have never experienced one, but did have a patient who went through it a few years ago. The patient stated that it was similar to hot food burn feeling. Tissue looked good at that person was taking a good care of their teeth, so no more issue with biofilm and calculus. :)
Just wondering the chronic oral and throat dryness you mentioned. Are they caused by medications, illness or smoking?
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