Audrey's 1st dentist visit!

Well, the short version goes like this: How would you expect a dental exam with a 20 month old to go? That's how it went.

I took her to NLR Pediatric Dental Group on recs by friends. It was nice...toys and tvs in the waiting room, tvs mounted in the ceiling in the exam rooms, etc. Even sunglasses to wear during the exam, and prizes for a job well done.

We checked out some books about going to the dentist, in an attempt to prepare Audrey and on hopes that it would go smoothly. Ha. She loved the books of course! She was even excited about the noise the polisher/cleaner thing makes. She was excited all the way there, and started crying when I stopped, but we didn't get out, then turned around (google maps gave incorrect directions) >:-| (Dentith!!!!!! ) The waiting room was exciting, and she even layed down on the exam table no problem. Then. The hygienist donned gloves and asked to look in her mouth, and the shrieking commenced. Scratch that, no cleaning today. No biggie, she's only 20 months old.

While waiting on the dentist, I got her to chill out, put on sunglasses, watch the tv, and even have a few laughs. Dr. Wilson walks in, she goes tight-lipped and stone-faced. I tried explaining who he was, since we had been rehearsing for days now: "Dentith. Ahhhh! Cheeeee! Zzzzz! (polisher)" And in the car on the way: "dentith! ahhhh!" But once he actually walked in, it was no longer fun and games. Yes, I was the parent with the SHRIEKING child, trying to hold down her flailing arms and legs just so he could LOOK in her mouth. He didn't even do anything. No x-rays, no enamel checks, just the little mirror. She worked up some good tears and a good sweat in those few short minutes. I think I was sweating too, from my red-faced embarassment. At least they're used to these things.

After the sobbing subsided, she gave her prize away in exchange for a new toothbrush! I guess she didn't feel she deserved both? ;) Don't worry, folks I got her prize in the diaper bag! The final results was yes, she can continue sucking her thumb (for now), yes she does have a chipped tooth from her face plant the day b/f Easter but it's fine, and no, we don't have to worry about a frenulectomy for several more years. And the piece de resistance? Once we're in the car, and most of the way home: "dentith. ahhh! cheeee! toosbwush. cheeee! ahhh! dentith." Seriously????

Ugh. Here's hoping for a better outcome in 6 months. Or maybe we'll just wait a full year...