On Monday I did meet with Dr. F. We did discuss the option of a bone graft and distraction. While he didn't say it in so many words, he did seem to think another bone graft would not work.
Today I met with a new surgeon from Dr. S's office, Dr. D. She is wonderful! My sister would even let her do surgery on her. I walked out feeling even more convinced that distraction was the right way to go. She would also like to have Dr. F move my middle tooth a bit before it has to come out, allowing it to pull some bone with it.
Then I can go on a cruise and enjoy myself before they put the distraction device in.
From there it will take a few weeks to move my teeth and the device will stay in my mouth for a few months while the bone behind it grows. After that they'll see how things develop in regards to what exactly they will do. But the bottom line is that a few months later I should be able to get implants put in.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
A bunch of crappy choices
I saw Dr. S yesterday to discuss my next steps. I was given 3 choices.
1. Not really do anything, but have a prosthetic put in place for the missing teeth. I didn't have 3 surgeries so I could get a prosthetic to put in my mouth. That plan is out.
2. Have another bone graft, they'll take out my middle tooth during this surgery. Then hope to have enough bone to do 2 implants and bridge the 3rd tooth in.
3. Have Dental Distraction. What the heck is that? Well they put in an appliance and move 2 of my teeth, which will bring the bone and tissue with it. You can read a bit more about this type of procedure here: http://www.bilodeauorthodontics.com/case6.pdf Pictures are included of the device. I need to go meet with another surgeon in the office who specializes in this area.
When I spoke to Dr. F last time I got the impression he wasn't too kean on the Distraction. But looking at my other options, it seems like it has the most hope. I already had 2 bone grafts that didn't get the job done. I should say the last bone graft did work, it just didn't fill in the complete area that needed bone. But if I had all these issues with the first 2 grafts, I question if a 3rd graft will be the answer.
1. Not really do anything, but have a prosthetic put in place for the missing teeth. I didn't have 3 surgeries so I could get a prosthetic to put in my mouth. That plan is out.
2. Have another bone graft, they'll take out my middle tooth during this surgery. Then hope to have enough bone to do 2 implants and bridge the 3rd tooth in.
3. Have Dental Distraction. What the heck is that? Well they put in an appliance and move 2 of my teeth, which will bring the bone and tissue with it. You can read a bit more about this type of procedure here: http://www.bilodeauorthodontics.com/case6.pdf Pictures are included of the device. I need to go meet with another surgeon in the office who specializes in this area.
When I spoke to Dr. F last time I got the impression he wasn't too kean on the Distraction. But looking at my other options, it seems like it has the most hope. I already had 2 bone grafts that didn't get the job done. I should say the last bone graft did work, it just didn't fill in the complete area that needed bone. But if I had all these issues with the first 2 grafts, I question if a 3rd graft will be the answer.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
I wonder what's ahead of me
I got a call on Friday from Dr. S's office, he wants to see me. My appointment isn't until later this month, but has left me wondering what Dr. S and Dr. F have decided should be the next step....
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