Periodontist

Okay - so I was a little freaked out to be seeing Dr. Oliver yesterday. I was told by my dentist that I have receeding gum lines that are becoming a little too far gone to just watch and get treated later. Great! After meeting with Dr. Oliver and fearing the worst, he told me that I have great teeth and will never need dentures. That made me feel really good!! However, I have to have gum graft surgery to rebuild part of my gums on the lower left side. My mouth is too small for my teeth, so the teeth are no longer centered in the bone-- they have been pushed out, which leaves a thinner bone and gum on the outside (by the cheek) and thicker on the inside (by the tongue). This was due to 4 permanent teeth being pulled for my braces. Isn't that nice? Anyways, this surgery shouldn't be too painful, but it is expensive and I may look like I have been punched in the face for up to 6 weeks. Gee, I can't wait for all of that!! Dr. Oliver doesn't seem to be too concerned and he thinks everything looks positive for the circumstances. The things we have to do for our teeth...