I created a new template for the blog and lost my links to my videos of the first surgeries.
The below link has video taken by my surgeon in 2005 of the SARPE expansion.
Keep in mind this is graphic video of actual surgery, for those that are interested.
Surgery Videos
Saturday, March 02, 2013
Back Under The Knife
It has been six years since I have posted to My Elective Torture. I am sad to say that I am back to the world of Orthognathic surgery. I recently have noticed changes in my bite and my physical appearance. In my complete nativity I assumed that I needed to replace my retainer.
A visit to Dr. Steffen in Edmond OK began with the initial opinion that a retainer would not correct the shift in my bite, I would likely need braces again (for the third time). I questioned if the condition would be such that braces would correct, and in time would still shift back to a less than functional bite. We did a full work up to include X-Ray, molds, and photos.
Dr. Steffen called me back to his office for a 5 pm appointment, this should have been alarming to me, but I thought they were being considerate of the two hour drive required to get to the city. Dr. Steffen informed me that my bite had shifted due to a condition called condylar resorption. the bone that connects within the TMJ joint was missing on one side and my entire face was shifting due to the bone moving upward toward the joint. He referred me to Dr. Larry Wolford in Dallas, he warned he was expensive, but the best.
I have had my consult with Dr. Wolford, and I have very mixed emotions on the cost of the procedure. If you Google this man, one of the first hits you will find is that he lives in one of the top 50 most expensive homes in Dallas...this is telling of the lucrative business the man has built. I understand being the best at what you do, but don't understand creating a practice that refuses to be in-network with any insurance companies. But I digress on this topic.
Dr. Wolford has recommended a total joint replacement for both sides, utilizing the TMJ Concepts custom prosthesis. Literature on the prosthesis can be found on PubMed, which includes Dr. Wolford as a participating member of the study. I have to admit I wonder if he has participated in the development and/or manufacturing of the prosthesis considering his status as the industry expert for this specific surgery.
The treatment plan is to address the complete dissolved condyle on the left, and the right side has significant arthritis and the disc is not positioned well. This is another major jaw surgery, and my third in the past 10 years.
This all brings me back to the blog, and back to the online support groups. This go round I am substantially busier as a Mom and in my career. I am also substantially more critical of the surgeons and treatment plan.
To those that are new to my blog, I hope my previous surgeries and experiences help you through your current situation and to those that are on the same path I look forward to sharing our experiences.
A visit to Dr. Steffen in Edmond OK began with the initial opinion that a retainer would not correct the shift in my bite, I would likely need braces again (for the third time). I questioned if the condition would be such that braces would correct, and in time would still shift back to a less than functional bite. We did a full work up to include X-Ray, molds, and photos.
Dr. Steffen called me back to his office for a 5 pm appointment, this should have been alarming to me, but I thought they were being considerate of the two hour drive required to get to the city. Dr. Steffen informed me that my bite had shifted due to a condition called condylar resorption. the bone that connects within the TMJ joint was missing on one side and my entire face was shifting due to the bone moving upward toward the joint. He referred me to Dr. Larry Wolford in Dallas, he warned he was expensive, but the best.
I have had my consult with Dr. Wolford, and I have very mixed emotions on the cost of the procedure. If you Google this man, one of the first hits you will find is that he lives in one of the top 50 most expensive homes in Dallas...this is telling of the lucrative business the man has built. I understand being the best at what you do, but don't understand creating a practice that refuses to be in-network with any insurance companies. But I digress on this topic.
Dr. Wolford has recommended a total joint replacement for both sides, utilizing the TMJ Concepts custom prosthesis. Literature on the prosthesis can be found on PubMed, which includes Dr. Wolford as a participating member of the study. I have to admit I wonder if he has participated in the development and/or manufacturing of the prosthesis considering his status as the industry expert for this specific surgery.
The treatment plan is to address the complete dissolved condyle on the left, and the right side has significant arthritis and the disc is not positioned well. This is another major jaw surgery, and my third in the past 10 years.
This all brings me back to the blog, and back to the online support groups. This go round I am substantially busier as a Mom and in my career. I am also substantially more critical of the surgeons and treatment plan.
To those that are new to my blog, I hope my previous surgeries and experiences help you through your current situation and to those that are on the same path I look forward to sharing our experiences.
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