Michael and the Dentist

I was looking through my phone last night, and I came across a bunch of pictures that I had forgotten about. Among them were pictures I took of Michael at the dentist. I meant to blog about it, but I only remember what we do based on the pictures I take. So, since these were taken on my phone, I forgot to blog about them until I found them last night. Make any sense? 

So back in September, Michael had his first dentist appointment--ever. We followed Lea's recommendation for a pediatric dentist in Lehi, Dr. Pearson (easy for me to remember since my dentist growing up was also a Dr. Pearson.) Everyone oohed and ah-ed and praised my then-two-year-old for being so brave and so good.  He came home loaded up with stickers and brushing his teeth became a favorite thing to do. 

Six months later, it was time to go back. Michael was excited. We went, got there a little late, and ended up waiting to see the dentist for 2.5 hours! I was getting upset, feeling quite bored, worrying about my newborn and things that needed to be done when the dentist finally came in. He explained that he keeps his office small so that he can take the time each kid needs. He said he had a girls that was really nervous about the procedure he was going to perform, and he took his time with her until she was comfortable. He then gave me a $25 credit towards the next visit, which turned out to be a good thing since he found two little cavities in Michael's mouth! I felt bad for not being more diligent in making sure Michael had good brushing habits, and the good dentist assured me that cavities weren't a punishment for me or for Michael. Then we talked about getting them filled.

Dr. Pearson said that normally he would have a kid Michael's age come into the surgical center and be completely sedated to fill cavities, but he said that Michael was an exceptional three-year-old who was still let the dentist examine his teeth after waiting for 2.5 hours in the exam room in the middle of the afternoon. He said that we could probably just bring Michael in and put him on laughing gas while Dr. Pearson filled the two eye-teeth cavities. . He would also do more x-rays of his back teeth while he was on laughing gas to see if more work needed to be done. Dr. P said that he would only recommend this to about 1 in 30 kids Michael's age. (That sure did a lot to stroke my ego as a mom!) We decided to try it. 

On March 19, we headed back for the fillings. Following Dr. Pearson's advice, I only talked about the good things, never mentioning that the day might be painful or uncomfortable. Dr. Pearson was very clear--make sure he only thinks positive things about going to the dentist. But I did have him bring Monkey and his favorite "blue blanket" just in case, telling him that Monkey was super jealous that he didn't get to go last time. 

We got there, and the assistants let Michael pick a movie--Cars, of course--and then they put him on laughing gas. It was pretty sad to see my little baby on that tube! I forget how small he is until we put him in a world that is very much bigger than he is. 

 The did x-rays--no other cavities!--and gave him a little sticky hand-type toy for being so good.

The picture cut it off, but notice how his right arm is completely limp. When the dentist was filling his teeth, Michael kept holding up his sticky toy and saying in a slurred voice, "Look what I got." It was really funny and a little bit horrible at the same time. Michael handled the whole thing like a champ. He didn't cry, and he had no idea that he just underwent a terrible procedure.

 Dr. Pearson gave him a stuffed Lion for being so good after he was finished. Michael also got a couple of stickers, two prizes from the treasure box, and a Popsicle!

Here's Michael modeling his loot! Let's just say, around here, there's a reason our kids love the dentist. Thanks for the recommendation Lea! And good job, Michael! Thanks for being such an awesome kid!