We had an extremely busy day yesterday. It started way too early for my liking, and I had to have Jace at the dentist by 7:45am. We got the kids to the sitter's house and then headed to the dentist.
Jace had never been to the dentist before, so when I had set up the appointment, I had asked them if they were good with children, if they would take their time, etc. They said they worked with children all the time, and if they needed to take a few appointments before actually doing the cleaning, they would do so.
That was *not* the case when we arrived at the dental office. Jace started to panic, and tears started streaming down his face. Rather than patiently take their time with him, they put him in the dental chair and started poking his teeth with that silver hook-shaped thing. It got stuck in a molar, and he flipped.
UUGH.
They immediately stopped what they were doing and refused to work with him any more. They recommended a pediatric dentist, (that is 2 hours away!), and don't want to see Jace back in their office again.
Now, let me just say, Jace wasn't bad. He didn't hit, he didn't lash out. He just cried. A lot. It's what he does when he's scared.
I am furious because I asked them before I even made the appointment if they were good with kids. They assured me they were, and I trusted them. So glad I wasted our time and their time. I've canceled Zander's appointment for next week, and I'm just going to take him to the pediatric dentist as well. I don't want a repeat next week.
Ashley was so good at her first trip to the dentist. She's always been so good. Even Zander did really well at the dentist - until they squirt too much water in his mouth and he gagged. Then he panicked and that dentist refused to see him again. I swear, these mountain people just have NO patience for kids. No wonder so many kids around here have their teeth rotting out. The parents don't want to drive 2 hours to the pediatric dentist and the other dentists are too mean to work with kids. It's a no-win for everyone!
Hopefully, the new pediatric dentist will be better for the boys, and I can get them to go without a fight. Hopefully.
Parker also had his four month well visit yesterday. He is SUCH a good baby. He didn't even cry when they poked him for his shots. Just kind of gave the nurse a look like he couldn't believe she had just stuck him! He's weighing in at 14 pounds, 7 ounces, and is 26 3/4 inches long. Not bad for a 5 pound peanut at birth! (That puts him in the 20% for weight and the 90% for height. Long and skinny!) He's doing great, and there are absolutely no concerns about him at all. Yippee!
If ya'all have any tips on kids and dentists, I'd love to hear them. Please!
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5 Super Cool Replies:
Aww..poor Jace, I could imagine how terrifying that might be for a little one! Ross goes for his first one when he turns three, and that's next month, so no tips from me!
Parker sounds like a sweetheart, I can't believe he didn't cry!! I haven't yet taken Evan for his shots. I am waiting till he's a bit older to get him going on the shots.
WOW. I bet that was a experience you won't ever forget. I seen a Pediatric dentist when I was younger and lucky enough when I decide to take Tristan we have one about 15 minutes away. Where are you in the "mountains" if I may ask?
Angie,
Serena is 4 and she had to get a cavity filled. Boy, did she cry..but, we took her to the ped. dentist and I can NOT imagine any other dentist doing the work. She cried and cried...but, they were so patient. I think the only way to get through it.is to be with a dentist who can work through the crying. My dentist told me Serena was a cooperative cryer..meaning she still allowed them to do the work..but, the key is they were still WILLING.
hope it all works out..
Annmarie
Take it from someone who has been through dentist hell with one of her kids, the ped dentist is SO worth it! The practice by us is absolutely wonderful. Not only are they only kids, but they have experience with kids with disabilities and with C's anxiety about dentists (thanks to the dentist from Hades), they will do what they have to to keep him calm (read, they won't hesitate to slightly sedate him if need be). It's such a blessing to have him come out of the office with a smile on his face. I just wish I could go back there with him. Oh well. At least the dentist takes the time to talk to me at the end. That makes up for it I guess. I hope the ped dentist is as good as ours is. Then you really won't mind driving the 2 hours. It will be worth it.
Ugh, dentists like that one are the reason I have so much trouble seeing one to this day. I'm sorry he had such a bad appointment.
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