I've never had dental issues per say. Never had a cavity (and I just turned 30 yesterday), no gum disease, regular cleanings, etc. I've always TMJ disorder though. Not certain what triggered this, but in May I was due to have my regular 6 month cleaning, but my jaw locked shut and was extremely painful. After the dentist did everything she could do, it was on to see the surgeon. He attempted different things, then we did an MRI. This showed the right side condyle was dislocated, degenerated, and severely to boot! There was no way I was ever going to be able to open my jaw again without surgical intervention.
July 28th I had a modified condylotomy. Surgeon told me even after I was given the paralytics in surgery it was very difficult to open my jaw to even perform the surgery. Stayed in intensive care unit overnight and wanted to come home the next day.
It'll be 3 weeks post op on Wed, I am still swollen and in extreme pain. I still use ice and heat on a regular basis, along with ibuprofen and pain meds on a regular schedule. I feel like a huge baby...i've never experienced this kind of pain before in my life.
I'm regretting this surgery at the moment, but i'm sure when i'm fully recovered i'll think differently.
I have full arch bars and am wired completely shut. This has given me quite the increase in anxiety and panic attacks!
Seems the only thing that is better is all the bruising is gone/healed.
Of course i'm on full liquid diet, I utilize a straw because when I drink from a cup or bottle it'll run out of my mouth down the front of me. Using the straw maybe one of the reasons i'm in so much pain, not for certain.
I see the surgeon this week for him to check my healing process, etc...
Just found this site, wish I would've sooner!
Moderator: bbsadmin
Couldn't deal with the pain any longer, went to see surgeon yesterday afternoon. Got my wires cut off and am immobilized with elastics now. Whew! Much relief! My teeth don't feel so squeezed and tight any longer! Still on liquid diet, still immobilized, still cannot brush the inside of my teeth or floss, BUT i'm not in any of the pain I was in whatsoever!
He also removed all my sutures, and locally numbed the inside of my mouth again. Wasn't sure if that was common procedure for wire removal.
So now i have elastics for the next 4-5 weeks. I still go back on Thurs to check bone healing progress, etc.
He also removed all my sutures, and locally numbed the inside of my mouth again. Wasn't sure if that was common procedure for wire removal.
So now i have elastics for the next 4-5 weeks. I still go back on Thurs to check bone healing progress, etc.