Terrible Gum Surgery (crown, mouth, bleed, cover)

[Arya Stark]

So 10 years ago I had "crown lengthening". I remember it being no big deal. Plus, when I was done they put a dressing over the entire area. So it was 100% covered. I had it done at a chain like aspen dental.

Today I had it done at a top place. It was horrible. It took 2 hours and when we got done I asked for a dressing. I have NO idea what they did. They put a dressing in but it doesn't seem to cover the entire area. So what is the point of it? I couldn't see it when I was there because my entire mouth was still numb.

I also have been bleeding for 5 hours now. Ok yes, it isn't insane bleeding but it is enough that I scare people if I go out and smile. Far more than I expected.

And I don't remember any post op directions but this time I have all these insane demands that I wasn't ready for... for instance I am not supposed to lie down tonight. They ask me.. do you have a recliner? I am like.. no, they are like ok will put a lot of pillows - I don't have those?

The directions are so pointless. They say if I am bleeding a lot I should call them but I should expect to see pink in my saliva. What does any of that mean?

Kind of a rant but I hate the way sometimes I have something done and it is no biggy but then I have it done someplace else and it is a nightmare.

[Ghaati]

So what did the doctor's office say when you called him to ask what was going on?

[charmed hour]

Originally Posted by Ghaati

So what did the doctor's office say when you called him to ask what was going on?

This.

Secondary to that, not all surgeries are equal and 10 years can change a lot in a person's healing abilities, etc. I bleed more and heal slower at 46 than I did at 36.

[Arya Stark]

Originally Posted by charmed hour

This.
Secondary to that, not all surgeries are equal and 10 years can change a lot in a person's healing abilities, etc. I bleed more and heal slower at 46 than I did at 36.

That could be it.

I went back yesterday to take the dressing off and get the stiches removed. He told me I had to use these cleaning brushes 3x per day. He told me bleeding was ok.

But I am doubting his advice. First, every time I use them it is as if I dislodge whatever healing is happening and it starts bleeding again. Badly. When I look things up on the internet they say not to touch the gum and to let it heal. Thirdly this was not the advice I got previously... when I had this done.

And yes... things are much worse off this time.

[Parnassia]

Originally Posted by Arya Stark

That could be it.

I went back yesterday to take the dressing off and get the stiches removed. He told me I had to use these cleaning brushes 3x per day. He told me bleeding was ok.

But I am doubting his advice. First, every time I use them it is as if I dislodge whatever healing is happening and it starts bleeding again. Badly. When I look things up on the internet they say not to touch the gum and to let it heal. Thirdly this was not the advice I got previously... when I had this done.

And yes... things are much worse off this time.

If you distrust this doc/directions, get a second opinion.

[ihatetodust]

Like you can get into a specialist without weeks of waiting. . . .

I mean of course you are right, in an ideal world, get help from someone else. But in reality that just isn't going to work when you need it.

[Arya Stark]

Originally Posted by ihatetodust

Like you can get into a specialist without weeks of waiting. . . .

I mean of course you are right, in an ideal world, get help from someone else. But in reality that just isn't going to work when you need it.

Thank you. As usual it is on me to correct the incompetence of the doctor. I used the brushes carefully and gently and doubled the routine of warm saltwater rinses. Finally after about 3 days it is very hard to get any bleeding going. I still have a long way to go as well.