Gum recession and grafting surgery (1 Viewer)

[OC Zed]

Question for Dentist... I had gum grafting done about 8 years ago on approximately 12 teeth (evenly divided between upper/lower and left/right teeth. I think the big reason for the gum loss was based around years of heavy brushing. They told me the grafting was successful and the tissue regenerated. Since then, I've been using a Sonicare toothbrush and flossing daily. I thought I was in good shape until my new dentist told me that I'm having a lot of erosion again. If true, I'm betting it's probably a combination of genetics and night grinding (I've been using a night guard for the last year). He's recommending more frequent scheduled cleanings (include their super expensive "deep clean") to minimize further gum loss. So if I really do have further gum erosion, what can I do about it? The new dentist said another gum grafting isn't really an option, but didn't explain why - does this only work once? Or is he just trying to rape my wallet with the extra cleanings?????

 

[Clayton Gray]

Consult was this morning. Need 24 teeth done. I'm going to start with 6. 3 on each upper side. Have the option to be sedated for an extra $500. Did you guys do this or get a local?

Sedation, GB. Best of luck.

 

[Two Deep]

Never mind from the title I thought this was in regards to labia surgery.

 

[Dentist]

Question for Dentist... I had gum grafting done about 8 years ago on approximately 12 teeth (evenly divided between upper/lower and left/right teeth. I think the big reason for the gum loss was based around years of heavy brushing. They told me the grafting was successful and the tissue regenerated. Since then, I've been using a Sonicare toothbrush and flossing daily. I thought I was in good shape until my new dentist told me that I'm having a lot of erosion again. If true, I'm betting it's probably a combination of genetics and night grinding (I've been using a night guard for the last year). He's recommending more frequent scheduled cleanings (include their super expensive "deep clean") to minimize further gum loss. So if I really do have further gum erosion, what can I do about it? The new dentist said another gum grafting isn't really an option, but didn't explain why - does this only work once? Or is he just trying to rape my wallet with the extra cleanings?????

no one is ever trying to rape you with "extra cleanings"but almost everyone who we recommend extra cleanings to thinks we're raping them.The research consistently shows that removal of plaque and tartar every 3-4 mo. in people with a history of gum disease maintains them better.But since "insurance" only pays for 2 a year, it must be a rape job. Some people only need one cleaning a year, some people are so inept they probably need 6 cleanings a year.. but insurance isn't customizable nor does it respond to any individuals needs.. it's one size fit all.As for your original problem.. do you smoke?

 

[OC Zed]

Question for Dentist... I had gum grafting done about 8 years ago on approximately 12 teeth (evenly divided between upper/lower and left/right teeth. I think the big reason for the gum loss was based around years of heavy brushing. They told me the grafting was successful and the tissue regenerated. Since then, I've been using a Sonicare toothbrush and flossing daily. I thought I was in good shape until my new dentist told me that I'm having a lot of erosion again. If true, I'm betting it's probably a combination of genetics and night grinding (I've been using a night guard for the last year). He's recommending more frequent scheduled cleanings (include their super expensive "deep clean") to minimize further gum loss. So if I really do have further gum erosion, what can I do about it? The new dentist said another gum grafting isn't really an option, but didn't explain why - does this only work once? Or is he just trying to rape my wallet with the extra cleanings?????

no one is ever trying to rape you with "extra cleanings"but almost everyone who we recommend extra cleanings to thinks we're raping them.The research consistently shows that removal of plaque and tartar every 3-4 mo. in people with a history of gum disease maintains them better.But since "insurance" only pays for 2 a year, it must be a rape job. Some people only need one cleaning a year, some people are so inept they probably need 6 cleanings a year.. but insurance isn't customizable nor does it respond to any individuals needs.. it's one size fit all.As for your original problem.. do you smoke?

No, I've never smoked. I used hard-bristled toothbrushes until I was 28 years old (about 8 years ago) when I had my first gum grafting procedures. I'm not sure when I started grinding my teeth at night... maybe a few years ago, but I've tried countering that with the night guard for the past year. Besides that, I brush at least twice a day, floss daily (now flossing twice daily) and regularly use mouthwash. So, if necessary, would a second gum grafting procedure on the same teeth be successful?

 

[Tiger Fan]

I never floss (just lazy), but I've never had anything go wrong. Go to the dentist twice a year and no issues at all. Should I incorporate toothpicks more?

 

[shuke]

Consult was this morning. Need 24 teeth done. I'm going to start with 6. 3 on each upper side. Have the option to be sedated for an extra $500. Did you guys do this or get a local?

Going in tomorrow. Opted for the $8 10mg valium tablet over the $500 sedation charge.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Consult was this morning. Need 24 teeth done. I'm going to start with 6. 3 on each upper side. Have the option to be sedated for an extra $500. Did you guys do this or get a local?

Going in tomorrow. Opted for the $8 10mg valium tablet over the $500 sedation charge.

Should have made the shark move and got 3 valium's for $24

ETA: and snort them about 10 minutes before you drive to surgery

 

[shuke]

That valium really didn't do the trick. My heartrate skyrocketed during the novacaine injections in the roof of my mouth, and I didn't feel that comfortable during the initial cutting on one side of my gums. They gave me a halcion and I was in the clouds for the rest of the procedure. He let me listen to my iphone during the procedure which was pretty nice.

Pain has not been too bad except for when I first got home. I was waiting for my dad to come back from the pharmacy with percoset and it was excruciating as that novacaine wore off.

 

[Dentist]

That valium really didn't do the trick. My heartrate skyrocketed during the novacaine injections in the roof of my mouth, and I didn't feel that comfortable during the initial cutting on one side of my gums. They gave me a halcion and I was in the clouds for the rest of the procedure. He let me listen to my iphone during the procedure which was pretty nice.

Pain has not been too bad except for when I first got home. I was waiting for my dad to come back from the pharmacy with percoset and it was excruciating as that novacaine wore off.

heart increase is from the epinephrine in the anesthetic

you're telling me you stopped the procedure and took a halcion mid-way through? were you on nitrous?

percocet? wow that's a heavy hitter for this procedure

jeebus dude you must be an arm-rest gripper

 

[shuke]

That valium really didn't do the trick. My heartrate skyrocketed during the novacaine injections in the roof of my mouth, and I didn't feel that comfortable during the initial cutting on one side of my gums. They gave me a halcion and I was in the clouds for the rest of the procedure. He let me listen to my iphone during the procedure which was pretty nice.

Pain has not been too bad except for when I first got home. I was waiting for my dad to come back from the pharmacy with percoset and it was excruciating as that novacaine wore off.

heart increase is from the epinephrine in the anesthetic

you're telling me you stopped the procedure and took a halcion mid-way through? were you on nitrous?

percocet? wow that's a heavy hitter for this procedure

jeebus dude you must be an arm-rest gripper

No nitrous. Just the pre-procedure valium. I didn't stop. He took a break after prepping the one side, and I made a comment to the assistant that I'll probably go with the sedation next time, so she offered the halcion.

 

[shuke]

"jeebus dude you must be an arm-rest gripper"

Also, you must be one of those ###hole doctors/dentists who don't know how to empathize with their patients about procedures they've never had themselves.

 

[Dentist]

"jeebus dude you must be an arm-rest gripper"

Also, you must be one of those ###hole doctors/dentists who don't know how to empathize with their patients about procedures they've never had themselves.

i use nitrous on patients and generally try to over-numb them if anything.. I certainly do my best to empathize, or at least fake it well.

but you're probably right that i'm an #######

 

[shuke]

"jeebus dude you must be an arm-rest gripper"

Also, you must be one of those ###hole doctors/dentists who don't know how to empathize with their patients about procedures they've never had themselves.

i use nitrous on patients and generally try to over-numb them if anything.. I certainly do my best to empathize, or at least fake it well.

but you're probably right that i'm an #######

The valium didn't phase me at all. The sensation of the scalpel cutting into my gums and roof was somewhat jarring, although not painful at all.

I only needed the percoset for probably the immediate 8 hours following surgery. I've been fine with advil since.

 

[Dentist]

"jeebus dude you must be an arm-rest gripper"

Also, you must be one of those ###hole doctors/dentists who don't know how to empathize with their patients about procedures they've never had themselves.

i use nitrous on patients and generally try to over-numb them if anything.. I certainly do my best to empathize, or at least fake it well.

but you're probably right that i'm an #######

The valium didn't phase me at all. The sensation of the scalpel cutting into my gums and roof was somewhat jarring, although not painful at all.

I only needed the percoset for probably the immediate 8 hours following surgery. I've been fine with advil since.

you're like my bro-in-law every medication he's super resistant to.. i have to over-prescribe the crap out of stuff for him to get an effect.

Have to do a lot of numbing too.

The thing about the valium is that it works better in conjunction with nitrous. I wonder if the combo would've done it for you.. or if ultimately the halcion was the money play.

For gum grafting i'd write vicodin.. but i'm guessing that wouldn't have worked well for you

 

[shuke]

Going in for round 2 Thursday. Not looking forward to it.

 

[[icon]]

Going in for round 2 Thursday. Not looking forward to it.

Sedation?

 

[shuke]

Nah still going cheap route. Will probably just ask for a halcyon when I get in there.

 

[Dentist]

Nah still going cheap route. Will probably just ask for a halcyon when I get in there.

good luck, take some pain medicine in advance.

 

[VA703]

So - what is the right way to brush your teeth then? I am curious as I chew tobacco as well and have begun to worry about this more and more.

I will brush, floss, then brush again, and then use mouthwash for a minute.I use a soft bristled brush (those electric brushes are best), and then brush gently in a small circular pattern, and then use downstrokes on my uppers, and upstrokes on my lowers, making contact with the gums on each stroke, so in essence the brush goes from the gums to the tooth. I also gently brush the gums. I even brush the toungue.

I used to brush not so gently, and the dentist said that is bad for you.

As I said, since I started doing all of this, my gums and teeth have improved dramatically over the past 6 months. My gums were so inflamed from improper care, and taking just a few extra minutes each night have really improved them.

has this been working for you? ive been told you are suppose to brush into the gums to get food that might be stuck between the tooth and the gum

 

[Apple Jack]

Most of my life used medium brushes and brushed the gumline hard. Last visit the dentist said it's time to go to soft brush and leave the gums alone. It's easier said than done.

 

[Copeman]

So - what is the right way to brush your teeth then? I am curious as I chew tobacco as well and have begun to worry about this more and more.

I will brush, floss, then brush again, and then use mouthwash for a minute.I use a soft bristled brush (those electric brushes are best), and then brush gently in a small circular pattern, and then use downstrokes on my uppers, and upstrokes on my lowers, making contact with the gums on each stroke, so in essence the brush goes from the gums to the tooth. I also gently brush the gums. I even brush the toungue.

I used to brush not so gently, and the dentist said that is bad for you.

As I said, since I started doing all of this, my gums and teeth have improved dramatically over the past 6 months. My gums were so inflamed from improper care, and taking just a few extra minutes each night have really improved them.

has this been working for you? ive been told you are suppose to brush into the gums to get food that might be stuck between the tooth and the gum

Yes, it's been working very well. Gums look the best they've looked in years.

I have learned to kind of "roll" the toothbrush while doing the above. My dentist has been pleased.

 

[Ignoramus]

"jeebus dude you must be an arm-rest gripper"

Also, you must be one of those ###hole doctors/dentists who don't know how to empathize with their patients about procedures they've never had themselves.

 

[shuke]

Round 3 tomorrow.

 

[Binky The Doormat]

Round 3 tomorrow.

Good luck, sounds awful.

 

[shuke]

Good luck, sounds awful.

It's ####ing horrific.

 

[rockaction]

My bottom gums are getting there. It's embarrassing. Right in the front of the gum line. 

Curse this dental issue. 

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Some of you people need to look after your teeth way better.  The older you get, the more important this becomes.  Brushing twice a day and flossing every day are essential.

One of my friends obviously never taught his daughter proper care.  Her teeth look like this.  Yuck.

Good luck, Shuke.

 

[rockaction]

Some of you people need to look after your teeth way better.  The older you get, the more important this becomes.  Brushing twice a day and flossing every day are essential.

One of my friends obviously never taught his daughter proper care.  Her teeth look like this.  Yuck.

Good luck, Shuke.

Much like everything else in science and in life, some of us were given the latest information and stuck with it until we'd permanently damaged our teeth. In my case, it was an old school "watch spot" on cavities, too much sugar, and brushing away the gum line. Now my bottom teeth are becoming exposed, and it isn't pretty. Don't get me wrong; I'm not perfect in the hygiene dept., but I don't think I deserve this bit of nastiness.  

 

[matuski]

"jeebus dude you must be an arm-rest gripper"

Also, you must be one of those ###hole doctors/dentists who don't know how to empathize with their patients about procedures they've never had themselves.

Nothing has ever come close to the pain a dentist put me in as a teenager.

I now get anxious over cleaning/exams.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Much like everything else in science and in life, some of us were given the latest information and stuck with it until we'd permanently damaged our teeth. In my case, it was an old school "watch spot" on cavities, too much sugar, and brushing away the gum line. Now my bottom teeth are becoming exposed, and it isn't pretty. Don't get me wrong; I'm not perfect in the hygiene dept., but I don't think I deserve this bit of nastiness.  

I got my "latest information" in the 60's.  How long ago did you get your info?

The post wasn't directed at you in particular.  And to what "nastiness" are you referring?

 

[matuski]

Some of you people need to look after your teeth way better.  The older you get, the more important this becomes.  Brushing twice a day and flossing every day are essential.

One of my friends obviously never taught his daughter proper care.  Her teeth look like this.  Yuck.

Good luck, Shuke.

That "daughter" has a nice 5 oclock shadow.

 

[kentric]

Just noticed this topic.  I grew up in the 60s and brushing hygiene went through a few different rounds.  The circular motion and the brush back and forth along the gum line to stimulate the gums.  I had a receding gum line which I was told was related to me grinding my teeth.  Got a mouth guard and had a couple rounds of skin grafting.  Just went last week to have bonding at the base of two teeth.  Hopefully it lasts longer than the last time I did bonding (lasted 6-8 months).  

I think that the toothpaste kids use now has done wonders for cavities.  My 17 y.o. plows through candy like l used to and doesn't have one cavity.  I must have had 15-20 by that age.

 

[omally]

Some of you people need to look after your teeth way better.  The older you get, the more important this becomes.  Brushing twice a day and flossing every day are essential.

One of my friends obviously never taught his daughter proper care.  Her teeth look like this.  Yuck.

Good luck, Shuke.

A person can have great teeth and take very good care of them, but that person can also have thin gums. Genetics can be a culprit in recession and so can age. It's not just brushing wrong or not brushing at all, or tobacco use, or whatever else that cause gums to recede.

 

[rockaction]

I got my "latest information" in the 60's.  How long ago did you get your info?

The post wasn't directed at you in particular.  And to what "nastiness" are you referring?

Oh dear. The nastiness is on my teeth, Mrs. Rannous, and nothing to do with you. I should be more clear. Seriously. 

I'd always assumed you brush gums and now my smoking habit has displayed a lovely shade of brown on the lower portions of my lower fronts.  

 

[tonydead]

My gums aren't great and I have some pockets of bone loss from neglect and avoiding the dentist.  The best thing I ever did was find a good dentist I trust that took my wisdom teeth out and now I have cleanings every 3 to 4 months whether I need them or not.  My gums are stable and improving.  I floss now and use those oral-B tooth picks to clean between the teeth and gums every day.  My gums don't bleed at all anymore.

One thing I'd advise to anyone that's being told to have this procedure done is consider the condition of your teeth and gums versus what your age is.  Some dentists and periwhatevertheyarecalled will tell you to get the surgery if your gums and bones aren't perfect.  My dentist doesn't believe that and focuses on care and cleaning to get the gums to improve first.  I'm in a lot better shape today than I was 10-20 years ago when other dentists were telling me to go get cut.  I believe in burning the rubber off the tires as much as you can before you die and at my age stable gums that aren't quite picture perfect are ok with me.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

So im noticing my gums are fairly receded, specifically one tooth in the front. I mean, you cant tell unless I lift my lip waaaay up but I know whats coming.

Im scared. Hold me.

 

[shuke]

Some of you people need to look after your teeth way better.  The older you get, the more important this becomes.  Brushing twice a day and flossing every day are essential.

One of my friends obviously never taught his daughter proper care.  Her teeth look like this.  Yuck.

Good luck, Shuke.

Thanks but my personal care is great.  

 

[AAABatteries]

Some of you people need to look after your teeth way better.  The older you get, the more important this becomes.  Brushing twice a day and flossing every day are essential.

One of my friends obviously never taught his daughter proper care.  Her teeth look like this.  Yuck.

Good luck, Shuke.

Dear god, that's the ugliest chick I've ever seen.

 

[OC Zed]

Thanks but my personal care is great.  

Update on Round 3?

 

[shuke]

Update on Round 3?

A lot more swollen than I remember previous times.  Pain is manageable.  What's weird is that the roof of my mouth, where they graft was taken from, doesn't hurt at all. But when the stitches start coming loose, and that knot and some of the soluble super glue start rubbing on my roof, it drives me crazy.

 

[Binky The Doormat]

A lot more swollen than I remember previous times.  Pain is manageable.  What's weird is that the roof of my mouth, where they graft was taken from, doesn't hurt at all. But when the stitches start coming loose, and that knot and some of the soluble super glue start rubbing on my roof, it drives me crazy.

lick, lick, touch ...lick, lick

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

A person can have great teeth and take very good care of them, but that person can also have thin gums. Genetics can be a culprit in recession and so can age. It's not just brushing wrong or not brushing at all, or tobacco use, or whatever else that cause gums to recede.

That's why I said "some".  I take very good care of my teeth and gums, and I get cavities.  Mr R does not near as much and has none.  It sucks big blue donkey balls.

I totally get that you are doing a good job on your teeth, Shuke.  It just sucks that sometimes that isn't enough.

 

[Dentist]

A lot more swollen than I remember previous times.  Pain is manageable.  What's weird is that the roof of my mouth, where they graft was taken from, doesn't hurt at all. But when the stitches start coming loose, and that knot and some of the soluble super glue start rubbing on my roof, it drives me crazy.

are you rinsing with some saltwater?   that can really help with the swelling around stitch areas.   Don't use a rinse with alcohol (listerine, many others) because they will often delay healing

 

[shuke]

are you rinsing with some saltwater?   that can really help with the swelling around stitch areas.   Don't use a rinse with alcohol (listerine, many others) because they will often delay healing

Using a dexamethasone rinse.  But also Listerine as directed by my doctor.

It wasn't the swelling around the stitches that was bugging me, it was the knots and glue attached to the stitches.  I cut some out last night.

 

[Dentist]

Using a dexamethasone rinse.  But also Listerine as directed by my doctor.

It wasn't the swelling around the stitches that was bugging me, it was the knots and glue attached to the stitches.  I cut some out last night.

self surgery... love it...   I don't use those type of sutures for exactly that reason.

heal well, shuke

 

[Buckychudd]

So what is this bull#### doing to the Eat Off?

Voting GM!

 

[E Street Brat]

Has anyone had an LANAP done?

 

[shuke]

So what is this bull#### doing to the Eat Off?

Voting GM!

Soft foods for just a few weeks.