Removal of plates and screws

[suzyscientist]

Hello folks,

I went to see orthodontist yesterday for a routine check up, & mentioned that my gums felt swollen and sore near the back of my mouth, where the break in my jaw was done... it had been like this for a few weeks, I assumed it was part of the process... But it looks like my body isn't happy with the hardware in my mouth

Got an appointment to see the surgeon on Tuesday, but ortho said that it's probable they'll have to do another surgery to take everything out.

Anybody had this done? If so, what was the recover like in comparison to the surgery first time round?

Thanks

Suzy

[dtdtdt]

Me Me Me!
I just went through this. The incision on one side just wouldn't heal. Over and over again the Dr would tell me it still had drainage (lovely visual), clean it out with some kind of sulfur paste, and then give me an oral antibiotic. There was some slight swelling on outside that would not subside. He finally removed the plates on both sides 2.5 months post BSSO when pan x-ray showed bones had healed completely. He said plate was just sitting very near the surface and almost ready to push through the skin. He did leave the two screws there were not part of the plates and higher up in my jaw. It was in office procedure and I was there about an hour. I have no memory of riding home or anything for a few hours afterwards. He saved the plates and screws for me. I should post them as they are much larger than I expected.

The nurse had told me that I would be fine the next day. She was wrong! I felt fine and could eat most things, but had about 3 days off swelling. It was noticeable to outsiders. Now, all is good.

[I love my teeth]

Suzy-

Sorry to hear it. I wondered about my own screws? I can still feel where the cut in my lower jaw was-----still seems to be a sort of "dip" in the bone.....I wonder if the bone isn't fully filled in, which seems unlikely for 6months post op, or if it's the screws I am feeling? I have no pain or any weird problems to speak of. When are you to have the procedure done?

I am anticipating having my braces off in November!!! Can't wait! He is still tweeking my bite, he did some filing (maybe it's IPR) to shape of the teeth, and close the triangles, so I am waiting for those spaces to close up. I am still numb in the same spot on the left side.....although it's changed some.....when a breeze blows over me, that spot feels cold???? If the numbness has improved it's slightly, I am still hoping for a miracle....how about you?

best of luck!
Christine

[suzyscientist]

Thanks for replies!

Well, I saw the surgeon yesterday - it's a new guy, the surgeon who did my original operation has left... Anyway, new guy said the screw was protruding too far through my jaw so it was causing ulceration and infection... so the ones on my left have to come out.

It will be a general anaesthetic procedure, but thankfully just a day-case so I will be admitted in the morning & discharged in the evening. He said I'll have a little cut on my cheek (they insert the screws into my jaw through an incision in my cheek, to get the right angle) and then the usual cuts inside my mouth, with dissolvable sutures. He said it won't be as bad as the original surgery, but there might be some swelling and perhaps pain, but its different for everyone.

He also said that once the screws are removed there is an increased chance of sensation returning, so I guess that's a bonus

dtdtdt - were you able to go about your normal business? Like go to work, school etc? Was there much pain afterwards? And did you find anything that helped the swelling go down?

Christine - I can feel the screws in the right side of my jaw, but they are no problem! I think the issue in the left side is that my jaw is thinner than they expected so the screws are protruding and causing ulceration. So I think as long as you don't have pain it should be ok. The surgeon said it was quite rare - most people don't have problems. So just keep monitoring and see what happens Oh and I can feel the dip too, where the incision was...

No idea when I'll be getting my braces off. Wanted them done for my 30th, in September, but looks like my screw-removal surgery will be late August/ early September... so that's not looking hopeful!! I don't have feeling, as such, I have weirdness! I have a patch that is totally numb though, I think it's going to stay that way, but most other places I can feel *something* but I don't know what. It's like the skin is numb but the tissue underneath can feel pressure? Very weird!


Suzy