3 years post-surgery, what I think about my decision.

[projo198]

Sorry, I haven't posted here in a LONG time, but this place helped a lot with my questions and I wanted to visit again and share what I can for those considering, about to or have already undergone oral surgery.

For a recap; to fix my horrible under bite I had my lower jaw removed and set back, my upper jaw advanced and my eye sockets moved forward as well.

I never did regain full sensation in my chin, although most of it did return. It doesn't really bother me, although I notice I have a hard time talking right when it is really cold outside.

I still haven't mastered talking right, and family and friends say I mumble. I'm not sure if this is a habit I had before the surgery to disguise my bite (which I was very ashamed of) or something resulting from the surgery, but I am getting better at it. I actually OVER-EXAGGERATE (in my head) the movements of my lips and mouth and find myself speaking more clearly.

For a long time the incisions at the roof of my mouth were SUPER SENSITIVE, especially when brushing. My orthodontist said this would never go away, but it did. I don't feel pain there anymore.

I wore braces for 10 YEARS because I am military and kept deploying or getting reassigned before I could get my surgery. As a result I had several cavities where my brackets were. If you have cavities after removal of your braces GET THEM FIXED! I let one go for a year or so and it went bad in a BIG WAY. Very painful, I had almost half that molar replaced, and then it happened again so I just had it pulled. Luckily it was the rearmost top molar, and only barely touched the tooth below it.

Post surgery the drooling was the worst part for me. I drooled EVERYWHERE. I sat for DAYS with my head drooped over a bathroom trash can because of it, feeling disgusting. I tried everything. I even packed my lips with tissue to try and stop the constant flow. Trust me, it will pass....

The day I got home was the worst of the whole thing. After the medicine at the hospital wore off that night I threw up the large amount of blood I had swallowed during and after surgery. Of course having my teeth banded shut didn't help much. My wife was ready with the scissors, but luckily I blew it all out from between my teeth because the oral surgeon was 3 hours away.

I have no regrets. I look great and got a HUGE boost in confidence. I am married, but I still notice an increase in attention from females from before (sorry but a guy notices these things, so do women)!!

That being said, my surgery and all the ortho was free since I am in the Army. I suppose if I had been paying for it I would have had more to decide on. Of course my under bite was SEVERE; I could easily slip a fingertip between the front of my upper teeth and back of my lower. Over the years I had subconsciously held my jaw slack and pulled it back in order to try to look normal. Very glad I don't have to do that anymore.

I hope my experience helps someone. Please let me know if you have any questions or need more advice!

[Bloomingcactus657]

You just de me feel better about my decision. Thanks!

[projo198]

You just de me feel better about my decision. Thanks!

No problem, good luck!

[lishuai]

Thanks for sharing your experience. It is really helpful to hear from people who have already gone through it.

[freakyteeth]

That is great to know! I had braces for 5 years and the decay was horrible post removal. I am just getting this all fixed now. It never stops!