Impacted Canine progress

[Way Too Old For This]

I'm thinking that they will continue to move it sideways until it pops through the gum line then they will start pulling it down. It is kind of hard for me to imagine it also. It is really really loose. I can move it a lot with my fingers. Maybe that is good, maybe it means its going to keep on moving. I think if it wasn't being pulled sideways it would have just came in where it is.

Lucy, the shape of it does feel funny because it is laying sideways. I think the back of it is not quite uncovered, but almost.

On the pictures, I was having trouble getting them to take in focus so I backed the camera up a little, then I zoom in on the picture with the computer, and crop out my wrinkles!

[2thjewelry]

Wow! You've gotten quite a bit of progress even with the plastic thread. I wish I'd taken pictures of mine now. Maybe I could see something happening. My tooth is still about as high up as yours was in the first picture with the thread, I think. I'm hoping to be able to tell more about what's going on with the x-ray at my next visit.

I've never heard of the tooth moving then calling it quits short of the final position. Let's try not to think about that possibility.

[2thjewelry]

I just got back from a visit (8 weeks since the last) and the ortho doesn't see any progress in the x-ray. But she's not giving up yet. I'm scheduled to see the surgeon for another exposure on the canine in about 4 weeks. The orthodontist has talked to the surgeon about doing a more aggressive exposure, removing more bone and clearing more of a path to bring the canine through. And my orthodontist is going to be there at the surgery this time to get it tied up right away and, hopefully, to make sure everything that can be done is done in this surgery.

Pam -- I'm expecting this surgery to go a bit more like the one you described, a bit more intense. Any words of advice? I was awake through the last time but I'm thinking maybe I don't want to be for this one. But if I can get the results that you've gotten, it will all be worth it!

[WoolieBagLady]

Hi 2thJewelry,

At my last adjustment we were discussing the 2nd exposure surgery that some people have to have and that it usually makes a big difference. The assistance thought that the surgeon was a little more aggressive since it was the 2nd exposure. Good luck with it. I sure hope it helps. I wonder why they aren't that aggressive the first time around??

Keep us updated.

Ang

[2thjewelry]

Hi Ang!

Actually, this is my 3rd! exposure. With the first one, the tooth was just uncovered and cleaned out a little around the tip and a button attached. The 2nd exposure, about a year later, a little bit more drilling around was done and a little more of the tooth area exposed. For the 3rd surgery, I'm expecting them to drill/cut away more of the bone around the tooth. I think the problem is that the tooth is so tightly held in the surrounding bone that it can't budge. I'm glad the orthodontist will be in attendance for the 3rd round!

Thanks for your well wishes!

[Way Too Old For This]

2th, your next surgery does sound kind of like what they did to me. Ruth was not very high, in fact she was kind of bulging the roof of my mouth before she was exposed.

I hope your next one goes ok, and I think that is way cool that your ortho will be there. I think I would want to stay awake just to hear their conversation. Being awake didn't bother me as much as what came after. If I can give you any recommendation, it would be to anticipate more recovery time then they say you will need. I had swelling that gave me a tremendous sinus headache and I was dizzy and couldn't eat. I tried to work on the second day after, (well I WENT to work, didn't get a lot done though). I had mine done on a Wed and worked on Fri. I wish I would have had it done on a Thurs, and had the rest of the weekend off.

Good luck, keep us posted.

[2thjewelry]

That's a good point. If I'm awake, I'll be able to hear what's going on and get in a nod or two if necessary. I'm not crazy about the idea of being asleep for it anyway. As long as I have enough painkiller I should be okay with it. I did fine on the last two. From your pictures, my canine looks positioned pretty much as yours was before it started moving, so I have hope that they can reach in around it and un-jar it.

I work 24-7 (I'm a home mom ) but with the help of my family I should be able to take whatever time off I need for recovery. It's the surgery itself that gives me the butterflies, knowing that it won't be as easy as the last two. But if it will make that tooth come unlodged, it'll really be worth it.

I'm scheduled for Apr. 26. I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks for the encouragement!

-2th

[2thjewelry]

Thought I'd check in and give you all an update on my 3rd exposure surgery last week. Everything went a.o.k. and the pain was really much less than I had expected, to my relief. I was awake through it and listened to the conversation between the ortho and surgeon. I have to say, it was mighty impressive the way they worked together to get the job done. Sure makes me feel good about the doctors.

Here's what happened: The surgeon cut open a new flap around the incoming canine, cleaned out around the crown to make sure it was all free, attached a new button and chain to the front side of the tooth and left the the old button on the back side in case it would be needed later. A trough or tunnel was cut out from the canine to the front to allow room for the canine to move into place, and the new chain was attached to the archwire through the trough. Then the flap was closed back and stitched. It was pretty extensive, but surprisingly, not any more painful or bothersome than the first two exposures. Let's hope it works to get that tooth on the move!!

[Way Too Old For This]

Wow 2th, sounds like they really did some work there. Glad to hear you are doing ok, and see some progress soon!

[Shawnie]

Hi 2th,

Glad to hear that your surgery wasn't so bad, and now it's all over. Hope this does the trick this time and things start to move for you.

Shawnie