Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Teeth and Thankful

Ashlyn missed preschool today. We had dentists appointments for both kids, just a regular checkup for Ashlyn and a follow up for Christopher's chipped teeth. The appointments were at 10:30, but we were there for 3 HOURS! (It was an hour before we were seen.) I was most concerned about Christopher, but Ashlyn, it seems, is our dental problem child. Apparently, there were calcification problems when her canine and molars were forming IN THE WOMB. Ashlyn needs 3 root canals, 1 extraction, 1 filling, 5 crowns, and a spacer. That is 7 teeth! One of the root canals and the extraction are from the teeth she had filled last year. One of them has abcessed. I couldn't believe it as I heard the dentist talking about all of the things wrong. I started crying and had to leave the room. She had already asked me if I took any medications or had any kind of complications in my pregnancy. Now, we just have to decide if we went oral sedation or general anesthesia. Ashlyn was awesome about everything. She kept saying beforehand that her teeth didn't hurt, and she already had clean teeth, so she didn't need to be there. The hygenist explained that they were going to make her teeth sparkle like a princess. So, she was totally cooperative.

We were at the dentist so long that Christopher fell asleep in my lap. That 5 minute nap ruined his nap time for the day. We didn't get lunch until nearly 2, and dinner is going to be late. 

Now, Ashlyn has diarrhea. Lovely Wednesday.

Despite my day, or perhaps because of my day, I need to remember to be thankful.

I am thankful for a washing machine in my apartment.

I am thankful for baby teeth first. Hopefully, we will get things right with the second set.

I am thankful for a pediatric dentist who was very kind and, despite being very busy, took the time to explain everything about my children's teeth, to the point of drawing diagrams for me.

I am thankful for the couple in JoAnn's, watching my children climb on the cutting table and cart, and throwing buttons, who told me that it gets easier.

I am thankful for short ribs with polenta for dinner, hopefully they will taste as good as they looked in the picture.
And because there should be photos of cuties, here is snaggletooth



and his dancing sister.



13 comments:

Kim said...

That is amazing tooth dismay, Ang. I'm so sorry... but she'll get through it and I know you will too.

(My note to self: Must. Make. Kid. Dental. Appointments. SOON.)

Anonymous said...

Angie, so sorry that you had such a tough day at the dentist's office. Looks like there are going to be several more trips to take care of your princess! Your being impressed with the dentist you have should make the whole rehab and recovery as good as it could be under the circumstances. Is the dentist going to do anything about Christopher's chipped teeth? Hey here's a nickname for Christopher: Chip! I am thankful that my grandchildren have the best mother in the whole entire universe! Love, Bob/Dad/Pawpaw (the web verification "word" for me on this comment was "webachip" (Twilight Zone music begins...)

Smitty 1, 2 , 3 and 4 said...

That is terrible. I am so sorry Ang. Glad that you are pleased with the dentist though. It will all work out and she we be aOk.

Katie said...

GOD! That is horrible! Poor Ashlyn and poor you! I am glad they are her baby teeth as well! What a PAIN, though.....are you going to put her under general and get it all done at once? Is that what they suggest?

Harrisonjoy said...

Ohmygosh, Angie. Did the dentist say that Ashlyn just has "bad teeth"...or what is the cause of all that? I wonder if her permanent teeth will be better and stronger? My sister Gina had a very hard time with her teeth when she was little...had caps and crowns....maybe Ashlyn has teeth like Gina's were...
Christopher's picture is SO cute!

I would just have her put to sleep

Harrisonjoy said...

I just saw my last note..."I would just have her put to sleep.."

That's terrible, isn't it? :)

I guess I was trying to say that I would think it'd be better to just get it done all at once, if that's an option.

Sorry.

Angie said...

I knew what you meant, so I did laugh at that line.

Anonymous said...

Poor Ashlyn...I'm glad she's not freaked out about it.

I never would have noticed Christopher's teeth if you didn't write something because I wouldn't see anything other than his bright beautiful eyes.

Grandma Vicki

Anonymous said...

Poor Ashlyn...I'm glad she's not freaked out about it.

I never would have noticed Christopher's teeth if you didn't write something because I wouldn't see anything other than his bright beautiful eyes.

Grandma Vicki

Unknown said...

Gosh, I don't know what to say. Poor kid! Hang in there!

Sharon said...

Oh Angie, this post made me cry! I felt your pain while at the dentist...esp. since it was all such a surprise to you! Of course, I cried when I found out Hannah had her first cavity...I felt at fault, even though I knew we were doing everything right! Hang in there, I bet her permanent teeth won't be affected...usually aren't! Sorry you are going through all that with your babies!

Anonymous said...

Angie, I need a 8x10 of Ashlyn the dancer please. Thanks, Bob

Anonymous said...

Angie, I need a 8x10 of Ashlyn the dancer please. Thanks, Bob