First Trip to the Dentist

Smile! It's time for our first smile inspection. Today was the day for our first trip to visit Dr. Shepherd, our dentist. I had tried to make an appointment after the boys turned 2. The dentist office recommended waiting until the boys were closer to 3. I was nervous about this first visit so I was happy to hear they requested a delay. Now that the boys are 3, we could wait no longer.

A co-worker of mine recommended Dr. Shepherd who is a pediatric dentist in town. She raved on how kind and warm both he and his staff are to children. She also told me how much fun his office was for children. So, while nervous about the actual time in the chair, I was encouraged that the trip would be fun for the boys.

We arrived at the dentist office and the boys immediately ran to start playing in the play area. The waiting room had a touch screen computer game, a two story playhouse and a large fish tank. It was no surprise that the boys loved playing the computer game...

They also enjoyed hanging out in the playhouse... "Hello, Andrew!"

Then, our play time came to an end when they called our name. We had talked a lot about our first trip to the dentist for a while. We had practiced 'counting teeth' many times which involved having the boys lay down, open their mouths and I would touch and count their teeth. For the several days preceding our visit, I also had the boys brush a little bit longer because they wanted to show off beautiful teeth when they went to the dentist. With all of this, the boys were actually excited about their visit... or at least I hoped they were.

When they called our name, the boys willingly walked back. Here we go...As soon as we walked back, Wes said he had to go potty. A clear delay tactic but I was not taking the risk. So while I took Wes to the potty, Andrew and Jared got settled in for their first cleaning.

The hygienists were wonderful with the boys. They gave them each an orientation to everything they were going to use during the cleaning and the exam. The boys were able to ask any questions and in general, get comfortable with what was about to happen.

Andrew's orientation...
Jared's orientation...
Once the questions were over, it was time to lay down. The boys were so mature and trusting. They each allowed the hygienist to clean, floss and check their teeth.

Andrew waiting for his exam to begin...

Andrew's cleaning...

Jared's cleaning. Jared was able to hold a mirror in his hand so he could watch what she was doing...
Then it was Wes' turn. His start was delayed due to the last minute potty stop. When we entered the room, Andrew and Jared were well into their exam. Wes' experience followed the same pattern. He received his orientation but did not want to sit in the chair. After learning about all of the equipment, he was willing to sit in the chair but did not want to lay back. We was not freaking out but when instructed to lay back, he would simply say "no." The following picture shows how far he was willing to lay back....

I started to think we may have success with 2 out of 3 Darnells. Since his brothers were doing so well, I took him over to the other side of the room to see them. Wes saw Jared's mirror and he said he wanted one. We returned to his chair and this time he was willing to sit back... if he had a mirror to watch. Ask and ye shall receive! Once he had his mirror (and the comfort from seeing his brothers), Wes was good to go...
I was so proud to see the boys doing so well at their first visit...
After the boys finished their cleanings, they each got stickers, a balloon and were able to play some more computer games...
After a few minutes of play, the boys had to climb back into their chairs for the official check-up with Dr. Shepherd.
All three boys were given a clean bill of dental health! No cavities! Yeah! Our first visit was a great success. The boys had fun and hopefully will always think of a trip to the dentist as an enjoyable experience. Dr. Shepherd was kind enough to take a picture with the boys...

I am so proud of our little guys! They are growing up so fast and growing into very nice little boys.

Take care,