Matt had oral surgery again today. Micro gum grafting, also known as connective tissue grafting. It's where they take tissue from the palate and transfer it to the area where there was an inadequate amount of gum tissue. Sound like fun? Hell no!
Matt's gums had significant recession due a myriad of reasons... Prednisone used during childhood, a lifetime of teeth grinding, yelling at the kids while clenching his teeth. This was the second of such surgeries; the upper teeth were done a year ago when we were in the States for a month on vacation. As the recovery time is a few weeks, we weren't able to do the bottom teeth at the same time.
I dropped Matt off at 8 am this morning for the 3 hour surgery. He was given heavy dosages of Novocaine, and once numb, the periodontist extracted the skin from the roof of his mouth and transplanted it to 6 bottom teeth and 2 top teeth (that had to be re-done from the last surgery). He listened to the iPod all morning, counting the minutes until he was done. Around 11:15 am he called me, I picked him up, and took him home where he spent the day resting.
The best part about this surgery is that insurance doesn't cover it. Yup, that's right. However, Matt absolutely needed the surgery; a number of teeth had too much root exposure and overtime it would lead to premature tooth loss. I spoke ad nauseam with Blue Shield of California deciphering the what, wheres, and whys the surgery wasn't covered. What I ultimately discovered is that they won't pay for anything preventative ... though they WILL pay for the dentures when his teeth fall out. Isn't that special. Does anyone else see anything wrong with this picture? In the past year Matt's mouth has increased in value by over $8000. Wow...
If you're curious what his mouth looked like after surgery click here.
14 comments:
I've never understood insurance companies... you'd think prevention would be one of their favourite words. Hope your husband is feeling better soon!
Finally getting a chance to stop by your blog, sorry I didn't do it earlier. Again, thanks for coming by mine.
Does he wear a mouthguard at night for the grinding? After my dentist told me that I have severe grinding problems, I started wearing that baby every. single. night. My husband just LOVES it too.
And, actually, I'm not surprised that your insurance didn't cover it. With American insurance companies nowadays, I'd be surprised if they covered the cost of a bandage.
Its embarrassing that the insurance company won't cover the procedure. Just shameful!
OUCH! I hope he recovers quickly. I have a friend who had this done last week. The dentist told her there would be no recovery. Of course he was wrong (lying?). She's at one week post-op, still has stitches, and is still on extremely soft foods only. She's not too happy either.
Insurance companies are amazing, aren't they? This is ridiculous!
Ouch...I know what you mean about dental, we don't have it, or at least we never seem covered for it. I spent about 5,000 on my teeth:(
Gotta love the intellect of the insurance industry. They do the same thing regarding braces.. they won't pay to correct the teeth, but will pay if they fall out. Brilliant! I've had to have gum surgery too, I feel his pain. Hope Matt is feeling better soon.
I liked your picture of the ballerina feet much better. Now I'm gonna have nightmares about Matt's gums. Thanks a lot Jill.
Ouch! didn't know this could be done... Hope he feels better soon. What away to spend your vacation!
I've had it done and it's nasty. I really do feel his pain. My dentist's assistant forewrned me thatit would feel like a little pizza burn on the roof of my mouth. Ask Matt what he thinks f that one.
I hope Matt feels better...but now for other news: did Sheridan get her ear re-pierced?
Oh insurance stories like this make me SO MAD. It's ridiculous that they won't cover this NECESSARY surgery, but will cover dentures.
Sheesh.
I'm afraid to click the link to see the pictures.
I've been told I need this same surgery, but we have no dental insurance and no money to pay... So I'm waiting. Not that I'm looking forward to the surgery, but hopefully the wait won't be too long - I, too, prefer to go the preventative route rather than the dentures one!
It makes me queasy just THINKING about that procedure.
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