Brentwood Pediatric Dentistry

My son went to the dentist for the very first time several weeks ago.  I think it's generally recommended that children see a dentist as early as age 1, but it kept slipping my mind.  At the mall, during some kind of special children's event, a lady handed us a bag, a water bottle, and a toothbrush from the Brentwood Pediatric Dentistry.  I took that as a sign, and I gave them a call the next week and scheduled his first appointment.

I really had no idea what to expect from a pediatric dentist, but I was very impressed.  The office, staff, hygienist, and dentist were very child-friendly.  When it was L's turn, he went back and laid down on a soft bench.  The hygienist introduced him to her "friends" (tools) she would be using, and how they worked.  She showed him Mr. Thirsty and let him squirt water into the sink, showed him Mr. Spits and how he sucked water out, and let him feel the top of her spinning toothbrush before she brushed his teeth.  He was very still while she was cleaning and she was quite impressed.  She kept saying, "I am so proud of you!"  He literally just laid there like a doll, watching cartoons on the TV in the ceiling, as she cleaned.

Having his Teeth Cleaned

When the dentist came to check his teeth a few minutes later, he discovered 4 cavities on his back teeth.  It really made me feel guilty for not bringing him to the dentist sooner.  One was pretty significant, but the others he felt would be easy to fill.  He recommend a little bit of nitrous oxide gas (laughing gas) to help calm him, but because he'd been so well-behaved for his cleaning, he didn't think any further sedation was necessary.

So, we scheduled his filling for a few days later.  He put on the little "elephant trunk" with the nitrous gas, head phones, and again watched cartoons.  The dentist discovered that one of his cavities was very deep, and he was concerned that the cavity might have gone all the way to the nerve.  He kept asking L, "Are you okay? Am I hurting you?" but L was tough, and said he was fine the whole time.  I did see him make a fist as one point, but other than that, he seemed pretty relaxed.  The dentist and hygienist were just in awe of him and kept saying over and over again, "He's such a sweet boy."

Getting his Cavities Filled

We scheduled his final appointment for today and he had his last fillings.  Again, he amazed all the staff with his ability to be still and cooperate.  The dentist made a point to tell me several times that he was a "special kind of kid."  No surprise to me though, I know he's one special kid!!  Great job L!!

My Sweet Boy

Dr. Cregger and L