Today Mindy and I took the boys to the dentist for their first real exams and cleanings. We went to a different pediatric dental office last year but were not at all impressed with the child-friendliness of the staff there, so we tried out a new office at the suggestion of my friend Heidi, and it went much better. The office has a train table and a "grotto"--a cave-like thing with lights and cool spots to hide out in, plus a monitor so adults outside can see what is going on inside. Theo was an absolute champ, laying back in the chair, enchanted by the up and down action of the chair. He loved the sunglasses they gave him to wear, and loved watching the cartoons on the ceiling TV while the dentist examined, cleaned, polished, and fluoride-d his teeth. I really should have taken a picture of him sitting calmly while the dentist had two instruments in his mouth, roaring docilely when she asked and watching Curious George on the TV.
Beckett, on the other hand, clutched me for dear life from the moment I picked him up from the waiting room, and in order just to clean and fluoride his teeth we had to cradle him in our laps, the dentist and I, with me holding his hands and arms and her holding his head somewhat stable so he could clean, while he screamed and cried "all done!" She did have some moments of calming him down, singing new songs to him and asking him about where we were going this afternoon (back to the Great Northern Mall to the tree slide and the rest of the play structure). But mostly, he had a tough time. One thing I learned is that he will likely need a frenectomy to remove the tissue connecting his lip to his top gum. My understanding is that this excess tissue may cause a space between his adult top teeth, but also may be uncomfortable for him now as well. He's definitely not up for it now, but we may think about doing it in the next year or so.
The boys are taking a lovely nap now and we're headed off to the Great Northern Mall again when they get up. Daddy's out of town tonight so we're on our own.
It was very wise of you to look for another dentist, Bryn. Bringing your kids to a dentist office that has a friendlier ambience will help calm then down before their dentist proceeds with the check up. I'm sure that was the case with Theo and Beckett, but it's good that they are now more comfortable with the new situation. Overall, the whole trip was successful. I just hope the next visit will be easier for you. All the best! :)
ReplyDeleteEunice Greer @ Downtown Dental