Unexpected Surgery

Sometimes you just never know what your day has in store for you.

Yesterday, my mom and I went into lincoln because I had a periodontist appointment.  Basically a periodontist is a dentist who specializes in gums and gum disease.  I went because gum disease runs in the family and was starting to have a few syptoms of it and I wanted to take preventative measures.  Also, I wanted to ask about the pain in my one tooth.

Well compared and tested the nerve and looked at the root line and said everything was fine. But when I opened my jaw, she said it felt like a ratchet and if I didn't see a jaw specialist, I would have more cartiliege damage and arthritis in it for sure.  Ok.

She tested all the gum pockets with a little probe thing and started talking to the other lady about stuff when suddenly I heard the word "graft."  I think my heart skipped a beat.  Was she serious?  Well here's the dealio.

According to her, I was born with very thin gums on the bottom.  And when I had braces, it pushed the roots even further ahead.  So there is no protective tissue left.  Meaning that if I say, cut my gums on a potato chip, my tooth root would be exposed and the healing would be very difficult.  So what happens is they harvest tissue fromt the room of my mouth and sew it on to my 6 bottom teeth to create another layer of tissue.  I've been ordered to live off of applesauce, macaroni, mashed potatoes, and ice cream for the next 2 weeks which I guess is ok with me cause I love macaroni and cheese.

Honestly, I'm scared.  My mom had this done 6 years ago and she was in bed for a while.  I'm afraid that maybe it will make me look different especially while it is healing ( you have to wear a guard and guaze for a while).  But at the same time I'm glad its happening now.  Technically they should have done this years ago and I'm not sure how the dentist missed it because the perio said this surgery was not optional and insurance company WOULD hear of it.  I will have enough time to heal before the wedding and I wont have to worry about getting this done after July and possibly not having insurance to pay for it!  Mom and Matthew are coming with me today though which will be great especially since they are having me take those sedative pills (which say you can't drive for 24 hours haha).


So I went in hoping to take some proactiv measure and ended up scheduling a $1700 surgery for the day after.  It's amazing how God works through things.  If I had gotten a job this summer, I wouldn't have had the 2 weeks off to recover and since this is a necessary procedure for my future health, I'm all for it.


To lighten the mood a bit, mom and I went shopping afterwards.  She bought me a strawberry ceramic picther and a lemon ceramic bowl as a graduation present which will look lovely in the apartment.  She tried on dresses for the wedding but still no luck.  Then she asked if I needed anything from Barnes and Noble...."I don't NEED anything, but"  OK lets go.  I came out with a book called Breakfast Heaven which has some awesome recipes for me to try.

I'm getting back RSVP's for the wedding!  Such a great feeling to know that some of these people will share the big day with us.  I hope they like the food and decorations...especially the decorations at the reception.  They have no idea.....