Matthew's Surgery

Look---NEW TEETH!

We went to Scottish Rite today where Matthew had surgery to clean out his ears and also to get the cavities in his teeth taken care. I learned a lot, which I'll share, as well as Matthew's reactions. Before the surgery I consulted with the dentist and he offered to "bond" Matthew's front teeth to make them look more "normal". I readily agreed as Matthew has made several comments about not liking how his teeth are shaped. As you can see from the photo they look great! Matthew told me that he had "Sponge Bob Teeth". I was confused but sure enough when we got home Sponge Bob was on TV and he has teeth with a big space in between--just like Matthew's!!

Some of the things I found out from the dentist:
*Matthew's four front teeth are baby teeth but his molars are his permanent teeth.
*The adult teeth in front probably will not come in for at least a year.
*No other dental work will be attempted until his adult teeth come in.
*The bone for the graft Matthew will most likely need for his bottom jaw will come from his rib.
*Matthew has a couple of teeth that are under his bone in his upper jaw. They will most likely leave them there because if they are removed the chances are very high that he will lose bone also.


Things I learned from the ENT:
*Matthew's ears had LOTS and LOTS of built up "stuff" that was successfully removed.
*The left ear looks good and clean
*The right ear shows signs of previous infections that were uncared for.
*The right ear drum has a hole in it as well as a "cyst".
*The ENT is hoping that the cyst is not a cholesteatoma
*A cholesteatoma is a serious condition.
*The ear drum will not be repaired for several years.
*Matthew more than likely has permanent hearing loss in his right ear.
*In four weeks we will have a follow up with the ENT and she will be able to determine better what the cyst is.


Other things I learned:
*Matthew saw the IV pole and whimpered, "I don't want that".
*Matthew had IVs in China when he was "sick".
*Matthew became very giggly and funny when first given the "goofy" (versaid) medicine, he then started to cry and ask for his sister Sarah.
*Matthew was SO excited to see his teeth for the first time. He couldn't wait to go home and show everyone!
*Matthew tolerated the procedure exceptionally well!

>
Grace's Tap Costume--Isn't she beautiful??!!