Unfortunately, I've been dealing with a lot of these "pearly whites" lately.
The good news: Jenica's teeth problems are pretty much under control. Thank you to sealants and Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas). She had an appointment not too long ago to have a filling done (#9, I think) and all went just great. Jenica was laughing merrily and even shouted at one point, "Mom, this is fun!" I am no longer all that concerned about this one.
Now, with the other one, we've got trouble. We are are facing 11 cavities that need to filled, including maybe SIX that need crowns. Mind you, this is for someone who is incredibly fearful of new situations, doesn't like ANYONE looking in/touching her mouth, and who will NOT accept the mask for Nitrous. Oh, and I should also mention that, for being a mere 27 or so pounds, she is as strong as an ox.
One big side note: we do not have any fluoride in our water. I think perhaps if we had things would be different, but maybe not all that much. I think my kids just plain have bad teeth. I swear, we are NOT a big "sweet" house -- no soda (ever), no candy, no sweet treats other than the occasional juice, which I also now severely restrict.
It seems to come down to two choices, (not including the 3rd one of "let's just ignore it and hope it goes away"):
a) in-house sedation, but with some holding her down and perhaps lots of screaming/crying/hysteria, or
b) a hospital stay with general anesthesia.
Really expensive no matter what.
So, after noticing that one of Kerry's back top teeth is now nearly all black, and sometimes having her burst into tears at the dinner table because her teeth hurt, we've scheduled her dental surgery at the hospital. We decided to go the humane route that will cost us an arm and a leg, and also scare us all to death as we wait for it to be over.
December 18th -- need to be there at 5:30AM. (That right there, is torture for all of us).
All I can say is, here's to being a parent and all the very difficult choices that we have to make for our children. I am full of anxiety thinking of sending another one of my children into a hospital situation that requires anesthesia. I want to know that I've made the right choice. Can someone tell me that... like... now?
Parents can easily take something from a lesson one learns in AA: One day at a time..
(My Daisy Girl Scout)
Now, with the other one, we've got trouble. We are are facing 11 cavities that need to filled, including maybe SIX that need crowns. Mind you, this is for someone who is incredibly fearful of new situations, doesn't like ANYONE looking in/touching her mouth, and who will NOT accept the mask for Nitrous. Oh, and I should also mention that, for being a mere 27 or so pounds, she is as strong as an ox.
One big side note: we do not have any fluoride in our water. I think perhaps if we had things would be different, but maybe not all that much. I think my kids just plain have bad teeth. I swear, we are NOT a big "sweet" house -- no soda (ever), no candy, no sweet treats other than the occasional juice, which I also now severely restrict.
It seems to come down to two choices, (not including the 3rd one of "let's just ignore it and hope it goes away"):
a) in-house sedation, but with some holding her down and perhaps lots of screaming/crying/hysteria, or
b) a hospital stay with general anesthesia.
Really expensive no matter what.
So, after noticing that one of Kerry's back top teeth is now nearly all black, and sometimes having her burst into tears at the dinner table because her teeth hurt, we've scheduled her dental surgery at the hospital. We decided to go the humane route that will cost us an arm and a leg, and also scare us all to death as we wait for it to be over.
December 18th -- need to be there at 5:30AM. (That right there, is torture for all of us).
All I can say is, here's to being a parent and all the very difficult choices that we have to make for our children. I am full of anxiety thinking of sending another one of my children into a hospital situation that requires anesthesia. I want to know that I've made the right choice. Can someone tell me that... like... now?
Honestly, I had no idea how hard this would be.
Parents can easily take something from a lesson one learns in AA: One day at a time..
You're a great parent, and you're doing what you believe is the right thing for your child. So, yes - you've made the right choice. Here's to December 19th! :-)
ReplyDelete