Post Bone Graft Question - night guard vs Essix temporary?

Joined
Sep 29, 2018
Messages
1
I had one of my upper front teeth extracted yesterday. The surgeon said there was zero bone to work with for the implant post, so he performed a bone graft. My dentist asked me to bring my latest impressions from February (used for my night guard) so they could create the temporary (Essix?) appliance before the surgery. After the procedure was completed they put in the new appliance with the temporary tooth. Immediately it felt wrong. The rear bite alignment was not comfortable and I said so, but they just said thats the way it works????
So being a Friday I can't really reach out to anyone for some feedback and suggestions except here. When I asked them about the need to keep the temporary in, they said it's really only needed for when I am out in public and that I can remove it at home.
Problem for me is that with it removed I have a tendency to feel things with my tongue and the appliance, though uncomfortable, prevents me from doing anything stupid to the bone graft and surgical area.
I am afraid to use my normal night guard (which fits perfectly) because I think it may damage the gum near the sutures, and I am also afraid that when I remove it in the morning the suction might dislodge or otherwise damage the bone graft. If the post op rules say no straws then this would definitely be as strong or stronger than sucking on a straw.

If I keep the temporary on even eating soft foods is not pleasant because of the bite alignment.

I am otherwise following the rules and will be able to use salt water rinse later this evening and then the other prescribed rinse on Sunday.

In the meantime, should I avoid using the night guard? I had the temp in last night and my jaw was sore but otherwise ok.

Hope that I can get some feedback today, thanks for listening :)
 

honestdoc

Verified Dentist
Joined
Jun 14, 2018
Messages
1,535
Solutions
165
Do what you can to minimize disturbing the bone graft site. When your dental team is available, have them adjust your appliance to fit more comfortably. Once the site is healing and the sutures have resorbed/removed, I believe you can wear your night guard.
 

Vote:

MattKW

Verified Dentist
Joined
Mar 18, 2018
Messages
2,080
Solutions
152
You should be OK to wear your night guard because this should not impinge on the graft site. Any suction should also have no bearing - you can't suck out something unless you can get air under it.
 

Vote:

Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments. After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.

Ask a Question

Members online

No members online now.

Forum statistics

Threads
7,568
Messages
22,154
Members
11,348
Latest member
HanneloreT

Latest Threads

Top