The minute we entered the office, we were greeted with friendly staff and smiling faces. While I checked in at the desk, Bella enjoyed a cool tablet coloring game on a nearby computer--didn't even know my child knew how to use a computer. Once our name was called, Bella and I entered a large wide-open room, that had every ounce of kid appeal imaginable. From the kites hanging from the ceiling, to the Disney Channel on a nearby TV/play space, this place was designed with the child in mind.
Bella immediately reacted to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on the screen, as it played on the nearby TV. She glanced around the room, pointing out the stuffed animals, making animals sounds, and saying, "What's that?" every so often. While we were escorted back by the hygienist, the dentist greeted us immediately, and except for a short 10 minute break in our hour long visit, spent the entire time with us! Amazing!
Dr. Ray immediately greeted Bella, speaking directly to her. When checking out her teeth, it was like a game. He showed her each of the instruments, explained in kid friendly words, and gave Bella a chance to "play" before he got down into the nitty gritty of exploring her teeth. Now, I'm not going to lie and say Bella was an angel, because well, she wasn't about having his hands in her mouth. But for the maybe 2 minute examination, she laid still, and while crying, did quite well, and recovered rather quickly following the exam.
Unfortunately, during the exam, they discovered her front two teeth were loose, which was shocking news to me! Likely due to a recent trauma to her mouth?! Also shocking news, considering how often Bella climbs and falls. Good news was, most kids her age have an oral injury of some kind on a weekly basis, which was a relief. Bad news, she had to get an Xray to ensure there wasn't any serious damage. Not your typical plan for a first time appointment. Regardless though, the Xray was quick and pain free! Much faster than any oral X-ray I've ever gotten. And she got to choose a toy from the treasure box thanks to her good behavior.
While we waited on the results Bella and I read books, played with the toys, and watched a little TV. Once the results were in, the doctor spoke directly to me while Bella continued to play on the floor nearby. I viewed the X-rays with him, only to discover there had been some minor root damage, and because her teeth were loose, we would need to stop the paci immediately!!! Dr. Ray was full of information and we talked for a good 20 minutes about the shape of Bella's mouth, appropriate food for her, thumb sucking vs. pacifiers and reward systems in the long run (turns out his wife is the director of Special Ed for JCPS, so we got a little side tracked too).
All in all it was an AMAZING visit, even if we got some tough news about her teeth. Bella did an wonderful job, and the superb staff played a big role in that! We left that day with a plan in place for her paci, a packet of informational goodies, and even a souvenir picture with Dr. Ray provided by the office staff. What a talent this dentist has for working with kids. If you don't know Dr. Ray at Great Grins, you have got to check him out!
No comments:
Post a Comment