My five year old son, Braxton had some pretty bad dental problems. His four front teeth were decaying, as well as some back molars, so in February 2009 he had all of those teeth capped. He was just turning three years old at that time and was still heavily breastfeeding. That is likely the probable cause of his dental decline. So sad that something such as breastfeeding, which is meant to keep your child healthy can also ruin their teeth?
As of his last dental visit, it was discovered that Braxton has five teeth that were absessed, another two needed to be capped and some cavities needed to be filled. The five infected teeth just needed to come out. Braxton was referred out to a specialist. Dr. Joe Lubisich at Vancouver Pediatric Dentistry. On our first visit there, Braxton was extremely excited, as they had every video game system a child could imagine hooked up with flat screen tvs on the wall. The staff there makes a child feel important and comfortable. Braxton (who had extreme apprehension at every dental appointment before this one) actually allowed the hygienist to take his Xrays…..(It didn't hurt that she was pretty and blonde:) He cooperated with her for that and did not even need me around when they went to do the initial exam. Then the sweet hygienist kept Braxton bust with yet another hand-held video game while the doctor spoke with me about Braxton's treatment plan. Dr. Lubisich is so sweet, kind and easy to talk to.
When we came back this last Friday at 7am to have Braxton's teeth pulled, (he needed to be under general anesthesia) Braxton was still not nervous one little bit. The anesthesiologist, Dr. Lee, (who was another wonderful and kind man) met us and talked to Braxton about 'blowing up a balloon' and that Braxton would get prizes if he 'blew up the balloon.' (Which really meant that with every breath, Braxton would be inhaling the anesthesia:)
Anyway, with all of the work that needed to be done, it was over in less than one hour. It was so sweet to see the doctor pick my baby up ever so lovingly in his arms and bring him over to me. Braxton was quite cranky upon awakening, which was normal, because he didn't like the funny feeling of his entire mouth being numb, but there was never any pain. Braxton was very thirsty and had some water. He was a bit nauseated on the car trip home, but only threw up once on the kitchen floor at home because of all of the meds, but all in all he did so well. It was a very good experience, and braxton actually likes his new smile. He also got to keep all of his teeth in a cute little tin the doctor sent us home with. There was a slip of paper that reminded us that the Tooth Fairy 'is supposed to pay us a visit' that night. How cute. The Tooth Fairy did, indeed visit…..and left an Xbox 360. I guess his Daddy, aka "Tooth Fairy" was rather proud of his little boy.
