Dentist

Carly had her first dentist visit today, per her pediatrician's request. She was her happy go lucky self walking into the office, and immediately wanted to check everyone and everything out. After exploring the waiting room and trying to explore behind the receptionist counter it was our turn to go back. The X-ray room was nothing special, and Carly did NOT enjoy being in it. After our first attempt Carly threw her arms up towards one of the hygienist helping and allowed her to walk her all through the exam area. Finally, she was willing to come back to me - until she realized I was putting her back in my lap for another x-ray attempt. After this attempt, we had 2 successful x-rays - one of her upper jaw and one of her lower jaw. Originally, I wasn't thrilled with the idea of Carly getting dental x-rays this early in life just to "see." However, it was explained to me that what her dentist really wanted to see were the roots of the teeth and how they were developing/growing.

The exam area had various cartoon characters painted on the walls, a lot of large windows, 4 brightly colored exam chairs, and two private rooms off to the side. In this area Carly was very comfortable and sat in my lap very patiently (except when she wanted to be entertaining) while we talked to two of dental hygienists. Her exam by the dentist was referred to as a lap exam. Carly sat in my lap facing me before laying back and placing her head in the dentist's lap. Before we got Carly in position, the dentist did explain to me that it would be easier for her to examine Carly's mouth if she did scream. Screaming would open her mouth up wide and allow a very clear view. The first moment Carly flipped back she did open her mouth in protests; however, as soon as the dentist began the exam Carly fell silent and let her finish. We were able to feel 7 teeth on top and 8 on the bottom.

Following the exam and the doctor's reviewing of Carly's x-rays, she said she wasn't worried at all. Carly has baby teeth and will have adult teeth. At the moment we are waiting for the baby teeth's roots to continue forming; however, at the moment her two bottom teeth are right at the gum line and 6 of her top teeth are fairly close.

We will head back in 6 months for another visit, hopefully Carly will enjoy her 2nd visit as much as her 1st (minus the x-rays).