[net.med] Gum Grafting

newell@usiv03.DEC (Jodi Newell, SWS Marketing) (10/11/85)

A couple of weeks ago my Periodontist told me that my gums 
are receding, which is why I experience so much pain at the gum 
line when I brush my teeth.  He recommended gum grafts to slow 
down or possibly halt future recession.  The surgery sounds very 
painful, but the doctor says I will be mildly uncomfortable for 
just a few days.

During surgery he will take gum tissue from the soft palate (roof of 
the mouth) and suture it to the problem gum areas. It will take 
approximately 2 hours and I will be mildly sedated and given 
Vallium to relax the night before, an hour before and during the 
actual procedure.  He says he normally treats the patient 
afterwards with anti-biotics as a precautionary measure but can't 
in my case because I am allergic to all anti-biotics.

He described the pain as the same pain you experience when you 
burn the roof of your mouth with hot pizza...OUCH!!!

I am scheduled to have this done next week (Oct.18th) and would 
like to hear from anyone who has had this done or knows of 
someone who has. 

Thanks for any feedback that could help me understand little 
better what I am about to do.


Jodi Newell
DEC Irvine, CA