Question for those with a splint after surgery

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#1 Post by **charlsie142** » Sat Jun 19, 2010 3:16 pm

I have a friend who recently had a 3-piece lefort (10 days after my upper/lower surgery--she's my recovery buddy and support system through all this), and she is getting her splint removed soon. Our surgeon will be sedating her for removal, as there are wires under the gumline that hold it in place.

Since I did not have a splint, I can't help her, so I came to check with you guys. She was curious if she will be tender or experience any pain at all following the splint removal? What was your experience with splint removal?

Thanks from both of us!

#2 Post by **Audra** » Sat Jun 19, 2010 3:40 pm

I had a splint for 4 weeks, but the wires were not under the gum line. They were tired around 4 brackets on the top arch. The only discomfort I had was because my mouth was still tender, but it was not a big deal to have it removed and didn't take very long.

Sorry I'm not much help. I'm thinking she'll probably be tender for a few days if her wires are under the gum line. Her needing to be sedated tells me it probably won't be fun for a while afterwards.

#3 Post by **charlsie142** » Sat Jun 19, 2010 3:48 pm

Thanks for your response, Audra!
I did forget to mention that my friend does not have braces, and so that's why the splint is wired in, so I think most people will have a similar experience to yours rather than hers.

Anyone else not have braces and had a splint after surgery?

#4 Post by **trish222** » Sat Jun 19, 2010 10:17 pm

hello,
i had upper, lower and genio 11 months ago. I had braces prior and a splint after surgery. My splint was pushed in between my two front teeth, under my gum line. I almost freaked out after seeing it a few days after surgery. My surgeon, who knows how skiddish I am, put me under an IV sedative to remove. It was done in his office and he said most people don't require this normally but he would do for me to ease my mind. It was tender afterwards but no pain. They literally pull and twist off like a tie on a loaf of bread-yikes! Good luck to your friend.

#5 Post by **charlsie142** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 6:44 am

Trish--thank you for your response! Wow- your splint removal sounds a bit traumatic! I figured it probably will be a bit tender, but nothing compared to right after surgery.

And how nice of your surgeon to knock you out to make you more comfortable--that is always appreciated in my book. Thank you again, and I'll pass along your good wishes to my friend!

#6 Post by **BracketRacket** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 7:40 am

I haven't taken a good look, but my expander is also attached by thin wires that feel like they're under the gum. The expander is attached to the roof of my mouth with screws...I'm not looking forward to its removal, the surgeon made it seem like a simple in-office procedure, though, hopefully the split will be no big deal for your friend.