Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Implant on Friday

It looks like I will be having implant "surgery" on Friday. I put surgery in quotes because I don't really consider it surgery, but that's what they call it. It's not like they are putting me under and doing other stuff like they did with Brandy and Mary. They are just numbing me locally and screwing that sucker into place! I make it sound like SOOO much fun!

I have mixed feelings about getting this done. I know that it's something that I have to have. And part of me just wants all of this over and done with. But the other part of me just wants a break. I was fine with it until I was reading my docs "post op" sheet. It says to stay away from hard foods for 2 MONTHS. So basically, if I were to follow that sheet completely, I would be on a soft food diet again for 2 more months. I don't think so!!! I did that whole soft food for 2 months already, and I really don't think I have another 18 pounds to lose. Once I looked more into it, it's just that they don't want you putting too much pressure on the jaw while the bone is healing, so I'll just go each on the bagels and crunchy stuff.

I had to go to my surgeon today to see if I was ready for Friday and for what we were hoping was my last check up (my surgeon isn't doing my implant, my regular dentist is because he's qualified and he takes my insurance whereas my surgeon doesn't. Not that I even really know how much will be covered. Lets hope most of it because these implants are NOT cheap!). He did say I was ready for Friday, but that he would like to see me again in August. This is because he was surprised at how much numbness I still have. He would have thought that at my age, the fact that I don't smoke and am relatively healthy, and since he didn't even come close to the nerves I would have full feeling back by now. But when he did his "poke" tests, I don't have much more then I did at 2 months post op. He still has complete confidence that I will get it back, but that it make take up to 1.5 year. To tell you the truth, if I don't get it back, it's really not that big of a deal. You kind of get used to the numbness, tingly, and biting chucks of your cheeks off! (trying to look at the positives!) But it was nice to see every one's face when they saw my "naked" teeth! They were all SO impressed with my bite and how my smile looks! I am VERY happy with my results, but it is always nice to hear it from people who deal with teeth all the time. It's a nice reassurance!

So, you can all tell me how crazy I am, but I actually have plans on going out and partying on Friday night for all of our friends who have February birthdays! I know, I'm nuts doing that right after getting an implant done. But the way I look at it is I won't need to drink anything to get a little loopy if I take the pain meds! Actually, my dentist thinks I will be fine with this. He said it will be less traumatic then when he pulled that tooth. He pulled it on a Friday and then on Saturday my husband and I had a house warming party. I never took anything for it, and I never took the pain meds he gave me when he pulled my wisdom teeth. I went back to work the next day too. So lets just hope that this follows in line with how those went.

I'll try to post on Friday to let you know how it goes!

6 comments:

Mary said...

Hey Tara, that's great that you are getting your implant already. As for the soft chew, its not really the same as with after the surgery when you can't really chew anything b/c your jaw has been sawed in half. This soft chew jsut means nothing that would put a load on the implant. So you just haveto be careful or chew on the other side. I have been eating pretty normal and haven't even lost a pound. Good luck! M

bridget said...

Ah, it sounds scary but you have a great attitude! I'm sure it will all go well, and maybe having something to look forward to on Friday night will help you power through. Good luck!

Heather said...

I finally got a chance to read through your blog. You look great! I hope your implant "surgery" goes well for you and have a great time partying; you deserve to celebrate.
I have been on a soft chew diet for almost three years because I have tmj issues. I eat a lot of stews and stuff you cook in a crock pot. Sometimes it gets hard to keep eating the same things over and over though, but it's only for a little while longer. I do understand not wanting to do it again. Good luck with everything.

Heather said...

Good luck on Friday. I hope all goes smoothly!

Michelle said...

Good luck on Friday, I can't wait to read about it. I have an implant scheduled for my future too. I'm pretty sure my regular dentist will do it after my next surgery.
Enjoy yourself, you do deserve it!

Shontelly said...

Awesome! Can't wait to hear about it. That's cute about the pain meds and not needing to drink! I tell ya, those meds make me loooopy! I couldn't leave the house that's for sure.

GOOD LUCK friday!!