A Trip to the Dentist

You don’t like to go to the dentist. I don’t like to go to the dentist. I’m pretty sure no one really likes going to the dentist. But, I’d rather get a root canal, with no anesthesia, than take my son to the dentist again.

It all started out pretty easy.  Both kids were dressed, and ready to go.  We made plans – first the dentist, then lunch – kids’ choice.  My daughter’s appointment was first, and it lasted all of ten minutes.  Clean the teeth, polish the teeth, fluoride, and then a brief check by the dentist.  All set – no issues – don’t come back for 6 months.

Then it was my little man’s turn.  His teeth, despite getting the same cleaning and brushing as his sisters’, are just worse.  They needed cleaning and polishing, and since he’d had a cavity before, we knew he needed a good exam.  He quietly picked out a toothbrush and polish flavor, then refused to sit in the chair.  After much pleading and begging (and him saying it was the worstest day ever) he still refused to sit, and even started screaming.

At that point, the dentist and hygienist decided to move him to a private room.  We all packed up, and they assigned an assistant to watch my daughter.  The little guy continued screaming, and they told him that mommy would have to leave if he wouldn’t cooperate.  Since he refused, I left the room.

By this time, about 30 minutes had gone by, and we hadn’t progressed at all.  While my daughter and I sat outside the room listening to his screams, I counted the minutes until the door opened.  Thank goodness…

But no.  The hygienist had decided to find a different hygienist to work with my son.  So, we all sat together and waited for Debbie, the most experienced hygienist there, to try her magic with my little guy.

It started out well.  She opened his toothbrush and asked him to show her how he brushes his teeth.  He obliged.  Then, she showed him some “tips”.  He smiled.  She asked to count his teeth, and he allowed her.  Then, she told him it was time to polish, and he refused.  So, once again, he was told that if he didn’t cooperate, mommy would leave.  We counted to five, and then I left the room.

This time, when my daughter and I sat outside, we didn’t hear a peep.  The dental office staff walked by, marveling at the silence, and noting that Debbie is “the best”.  We started making plans for lunch, figuring we’d be free soon.  After another 20 minutes, the door opened, and…

Debbie was now at her wits end.  He refused to open his mouth, so she did everything she could.  Finally we just had to restrain him.  One tech held down his legs, I held his arms/torso, and Debbie polished his teeth.  He cried his eyes out and wiggled around while my tension headache deepened.  Then, they delivered the bad news – he has two cavities.  And, the dentists gently “suggested” he see a different dentist.

I’ve got to go back with him.  Twice.  (banging head against the wall).

When my husband got home, I was looking for sympathy, and told him my tale of the hour and a half dentist appointment.  He responded, “I know what you mean.  My gym had no hot water today”.

Okay then.  Guess who’ll be taking the little man to the dentist next time?  I’ll be taking a cold shower.