My Boys and Me

Mikey that is, and it will be a few more Christmas before he gets them. Sure, he HAD his front teeth and now they are gone and he will be toothless for about 4 years

This is NOT the blog I had intended on writing. I spent the past few days uploading cute pictures that I’d taken recently and was planning on posting them with an entry this week. Well, Mikey’s first “real” dentist appointment on Monday changed this weeks plans a bit. If you recall, the only other time Mikey has been to the dentist was November of last year after falling on the driveway and almost knocking his tooth out. After visiting the dentist as a precaution, we were so relieved when he told usthat the tooth was still intact and didn’t show much discoloring. In fact, it never really did discolor much at all, so we didn’t really think much of it. SO, we thought it was time Mikey went to the dentist for his first cleaning at the same time big brother was due. No cavities for Braeden which was great news, but Mikey’s news was heartbreaking. Apparently one look at his top gums warranted an x-ray that confirmed a dead root to the injured tooth and an infection in his gums. The only way to fix it was to remove the tooth (and the one next to it). The dentist said cosmetically, it looks better (since we seem to notice things less when they are symmetrical), but also in about half the cases (especially with evidence of infection) the tooth next to the damaged one eventually has to be removed anyway.

SO, we took him in this morning and while the surgery went great and he was very brave- he was in a conscience sedation (meaning he was not asleep, but off in Sodor with Thomas the Train and didn’t return until the medication wore off many hours later)-it was a LOT tougher on all of us than expected. When the medication wore off- even slightly, Mikey was out of control. Picture a mean and demanding drunk……one that can’t walk or stand up, but insists on trying, fighting you on everything!  Bless his heart, he still had no idea what was going on at this point, but obviously we didn’t want him to hurt himself. Finally, after we got him home and he slept (for 4 hours) he woke up almost back to his regular self. He was a bit needy all night and a little cranky, but he didn’t indicate he was in any pain, didn’t remember anything about the day and didn’t even notice his teeth missing. He is slurring his words a bit as he relearns how to talk without his front teeth, but otherwise seems unaffected. Mike and I are simply heartbroken. I took this “before” picture this morning while we were waiting in the waiting room and as I uploaded it tonight I began to cry.

He had the biggest, most beautiful smile and as a Mom, even though he would be the same gorgeous child without ANY teeth at all, I am so worried about him being teased or self-conscience over the next few years before his teeth permanent teeth actually come in naturally. I also remember how special it was a what a HUGE deal it was as a kindergartner for Braeden when he lost his first tooth. I remember him saying how his class had a chart and as each child lost their first tooth, they celebrated. I know its really not a big deal and there is SO much worse in life, but its hard not to be upset nonetheless.

On a cheerier note- Mikey was absolutely HYSTERICAL to watch as the medication kicked in. We were in a little waiting room for about 45 minutes after he drank the magic “juice” and I was laughing so hard at times I almost forgot he was about to go back into surgery (alone).

Here are a few pictures of the medication progressively working- 

This was the funniest. He kept looking at me at just smiling super big (kinda ironic almost) 

I know it won’t be long before I laugh about this, but for now