Tuesday, March 26, 2013

The Making of Christian's New Smile

Today was Christian's six month tooth cleaning and exam.  As last time, he went back all by himself while we sat in the waiting room (although the word "sat" isn't appropriate, with Miss Scarlett exploring the entire waiting room, there was little-to-no sitting for the Lucero family).
 
Below, Dr. Kelly is giving the exam, and we once again discussed his two extra teeth in the front.  Xrays show there aren't two adult teeth coming in to replace them, so our only option is to pull them.
 
One day in the future.
 
 
We agreed it would be best to have her extract the teeth (one day), rather than take him to an oral surgeon, as we planned originally.

 
We were offered an appointment today, and declined ... instead scheduling for May.  But then we decided, "Why not today?"   But the appointment was taken by that time.   So we scheduled for tomorrow - just to get it done with.  Only thing:  Jonathan must work tomorrow - busy week for him.  But we agreed to tomorrow anyway.
 
However, before we could pull out of the parking lot, the dentist office called us to say Dr. Kelly could do the procedure RIGHT NOW.  
 
We told Christian that Dr. Kelly could get his shark teeth out RIGHT NOW and he could take them to school for show and share on Wednesday.   He agreed!   So I got this picture of his smile with the extra teeth before we went inside.

 
They took him back by himself again, and we were worried for him.  We'd been told that the novocaine shots were uncomfortable, even though they numb the area beforehand.  I rememember the sensation well, myself ... which had me anxious for him.   He was given nitrous oxide to help relax him.
 
The procedure was over very quickly, and we were called in.  At first I was concerned becasue he seemed to be almost catatonic laying back in the chair ... just staring upwards.  Then I realized it was becuase they were playing one of his favorite movies for him.   Ah ... to be a child! :)


 
Here he is in the car afterwards with gauze between his teeth.

 
We went to the store and got some ice cream to mix with some Motrin, since he refuses to take medicine.   I think he caught onto us, because he refused ice cream for the rest of the day.  WHO refuses ice cream??  A kid who has figured out his parents' ploy!
 
And here he is this afternoon ... minus his two "shark teeth." His gums are pretty swollen and red, of course.
 
 
He mentioned his teeth hurting just once this afternoon ... and didn't speak of it after that.  He refused medicine to help with the pain.   He ate dinner normally ... as if nothing had happened.
 
What a kid!!
 
He's got school pictures on Thursday, and I'm hopeful the swelling and redness will be down by then.  For now, he's excited to show his friends his mouth, and the two teeth that were taken out.  He's excited, too, for the Tooth Fairy's first visit to the Lucero home!
 

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