Alveolar Bone Graft Surgery - Surgery #6

It was finally time for the much-delayed-anticipated-dreaded bone graft surgery. Traditionally this is done by age 10. Between us really enjoying a break from surgeries, a worldwide pandemic, palate expansion, braces that take time, attempting to collaborate with Virginia surgeons, and more time waiting on the braces to do their thing...here we are getting this surgery a few days after turning 15. Makin did not want the surgery but Brad and I said it was what was best for him.

According to AI here is the purpose of the bone graft:

Provide structural support for teeth

Improve dental alignment and function

Close gaps or defects in the alveolar ridge

Enhance facial aesthetics

We made the switch to using the team in Dallas. We felt comfortable making the switch after meeting the surgeon (my top choice after researching their surgeons on their website). This will make it much less complicated on many levels moving forward. This surgeon has the most experience and a most popular choice, which makes him difficult to get into on the schedule, but we felt the experience is worth it.

We did let Makin make the decision on whether to use his own bone or that from a cadaver and he chose the cadaver because the recovery would be easier. Now the prayer is that it will "take" and then we can move on with life! (Hopefully only 1-2 more surgeries!) IF it does not take, he will have to have a second attempt and they would use his hip bone.

SO we are recovering from his 6th surgery and trying to make the best of it. Makin and I are on the soft foods/no chew diet for 6 weeks and will very much be looking forward to alllll the food October 24th!

Friends and family have been abundantly kind trying to cheer up and help us any way they can. We are so grateful.

Here is what the mush diet has looked like:

Scrambled eggs (Me, every morning, Makin only when I talk him into it.)

Oatmeal

Smoothies

Applesauce

Chocolate protein milk

Greek Yogurt (Me occasionally, Makin never.)

Ice Cream (Makin's fav is cookies and cream shake-in-a-bowl)

Mashed potatoes

Lasagna soup (at first, no pasta or meat, then eventually overcooked pasta and meat very small)

Mac N Cheese (again, overcooked pasta)

Pasta with Autumnal Sauce (only me)

Christmas Eve Soup (several weeks in, with the veggies chopped up super small)

Lots of Milk for Makin. He also had some apple juice, Gatorade and body armor drinks.