Update and extraction of tooth #3
 

Hello, It's been 15 days since the removal of tooth #31 and I am doing really well. It was a simple extraction and the only problem I had with it was getting hit in the nerves with the numbing shot. I have a little sore area by the socket and was wondering if that could be from the shot. It hurts to put pressure on it. Bryanna?

I switched oral surgeons because of the too casual attitude of this one, plus he didn't like to answer my questions. :rolleyes:

So, my appointment for the extraction of tooth #3 is now scheduled for this Wed., Aug. 1st. This time I'm getting the IV sedation because I feel this one will be a little more complicated with it the root tip being in my sinuses. This was confirmed by x-ray. Also I'm a little gun shy about possibly getting another zapper from a shot. :eek:

The new oral surgeon said he would irrigate the area and probably stitch the area some, and possibly do a bone grafting at a later date. He said I probably couldn't get an implant because it would go in too deep into the sinus area.

I don't know about getting a bridge either because I have a crown on one side, though at this time, it's just a temporary crown. I was wondering what other options, if any, there would be?

If anyone can help with these concerns, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!
Gretchen

Hi Gretchen,

Glad to hear that #31 is out and all went well! The injection that is given in the lower jaw is meant to go very near the bundle of nerves that reside in the mandibular canal. So it is common to get a zing or zap from that injection. Usually the numbness or discomfort from that injection is temporary. The sore spot near the extraction site could be a number of things. Like.. a canker sore, which will subside... a tiny bony fragment (like a sliver of bone), which may or may not fall out on it's own.... or some granulation tissue, which will either heal or can be easily removed. Keep rinsing with warm salt water and have your surgeon take a look at that site on wednesday.

I'm sure you will do fine with the removal of #3 also. It is hard to detect on an xray how far the root is into the sinus because the xray is only 2 dimensional. Sometimes the root is actually curved away from the sinus and is not in it at all! So the only sure way to know is during the removal of the tooth. It sounds like this new oral surgeon is very thorough in his approach and that is good!!

As for the replacement of tooth #3.... if the sinus is low and the implant would be too invasive, then you would be looking at either a bridge which would connect from #2 to #4 or a removable partial which would also replace any teeth that you might happen to have missing on your upper left side (not counting the wisdom tooth). There is also a small removable appliance called a nesbit... which is designed to replace one or two teeth next to each other. This is something you could discuss with your restorative dentist.

So okay..... you're doing great! We'll look forward to an update soon!!

Bryanna

Hi Bryanna, Thank you for your responses to my questions. :)

One other question: can the removable partial or nesbit be attatched to a tooth that has a crown on it? Also, can these teeth be damaged over time due to the appliances?

Will the nesbit or partial help keep the teeth from shifting if worn alll the time, except when sleeping?

Final thoughts: What if I'd opt for nothing? Is that an okay idea in the long run, or will my bite suffer, along with teeth moving?

I guess that's 5 questions in all, not just one. Thank you for your time, as always!
Gretchen

Gretchen,

Your questions... my ANSWERS...

<<Can the removable partial or nesbit be attatched to a tooth that has a crown on it?>>
A REMOVABLE PARTIAL OR NESBIT IS MADE SO IT CAN JUST SNAP OR CLIP INTO PLACE. THERE ARE SMALL "HOOKS" OR "WINGS" THAT WRAP PARTLY AROUND ADJACENT TEETH TO HELP HOLD THE APPLIANCE IN PLACE. CROWNS OR NATURAL TEETH ARE NOT A PROBLEM.

<<Also, can these teeth be damaged over time due to the appliances?>>
IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE APPLIANCE TO FIT PROPERLY AND BE REPLACED WHEN IT STARTS TO WEAR OUT.

<<Will the nesbit or partial help keep the teeth from shifting if worn alll the time, except when sleeping? >>
YES IT WILL! ALSO, THERE IS NO NEED TO WEAR IT WHILE SLEEPING. SOME PEOPLE ACTUALLY REMOVE THE NESBIT WHEN THEY EAT BECAUSE IT IS VERY TINY AND COULD BE SWALLOWED.

<<Final thoughts: What if I'd opt for nothing? Is that an okay idea in the long run, or will my bite suffer, along with teeth moving?>>
IF YOU DON'T REPLACE TOOTH #3, YOU WILL GET SOME SHIFTING IN #2 AND #4. HOW MUCH MOVEMENT .... NO WAY TO KNOW FOR SURE. ANY SHIFTING IN THE TEETH CAN RESULT IN MISALIGNMENT OF THE OCCLUSION (BITE).

Great questions Gretchen... you've been doing your homework :)
Bryanna

Bryanna, It's been so helpful to read your posts during this whole process - I am very grateful to have found this site!

I will update you on my next tooth extraction and I can only hope that it will go smoothly also.

I'm sure I'll have more questions :wink:, thanks for being here for everyone!
Gretchen

tooth extracted!
 

I am glad this is over with!

All seemed to go well, according to what the oral surgeon told my husband. I was in La-La land from the IV anesthetic. :wink:

I did write down a few questions for my husband to ask beforehand:

1. Was there any sinus exposure? Answer: No
2. Did all the tooth come out, root tips included? Answer: Yes
3. Any complications or damage to other teeth? Answer: No

I also wanted to see the tooth and take it home, but he told my husband that it came out in pieces. I still wanted it! Oh well, 3 out of 4 is not bad.

Anything else I should be concerned about? I go back to see him in a week. I do have a few dissolvable stitches.

I feel pretty good 5 hours post op, only a little gnawing type pain, controlled with ibuprofen.

Up next: Getting my permanent crown on tooth #2 - I'm so glad the temp. one didn't come off today!
I also still have drilling old fillings and crown work on the two upper teeth in the back to get done.

I still also have 2 root canalled teeth that I don't like having and will be keeping an eye on that. I'll never have another one of those done!

Take care everyone - your teeth are the gateway to your body. I found that out the hard way! Gretchen

Hi Gretchen,

YAY!!!!! You are one brave lady!!

So glad there was no sinus exposure and no remaining root tips. Please follow the post op instructions to the "T" for many reasons but also because the sinus membrane will be frail in that area for a few days and you don't want to disturb it. It will be like new once the inflammation from the surgery goes down.

He didn't give you the tooth because it was most likely in many pieces and unrecognizable as a... tooth! So you're not missing anything :)

Okay... so continue to take good care of yourself and hopefully you will heal uneventfully!!

Keep in touch :))

Bryanna

Thank you Bryanna - you've been a great cheerleader! :)
I'll keep in touch!

Gretchen