Dental Win

The last time we left a dentist office I was just about in tears. Everything that could have went awry had and I was made to feel like I was the sole reason W's teeth were falling apart. Friday morning I left a new dentist office in tears...of joy! This office wasn't labeled as pediatric dentistry but let me tell you, they sure took the cake! From the moment we walked in (the wrong door) they warmly welcomed us all and made us feel important. W was in hysterics because I was busy filling out his paperwork. The staff took notice right away and blew up two helium balloons. One for W and one for Brother Bear. They never left anyone feeling unimportant. And when that didn't do the trick for little W, they let him and I go back to one of their cubicles to get started. (Even though the papers weren't completed yet.)

The kind assistant tried calming W with a musical stuffed animal. Which worked for a few seconds. I think he already decided these people in white coats were plotting to give him shots! There was no distracting him until another assistant stopped by and smiled, revealing green flashing teeth! He was amazed by the little glow stick in her mouth, and I was amazed by their bedside manner. I half expected a juggling clown to come traipsing down the aisle!

Soon the Dentist came in with a big smile and warm greetings, as if we were long lost friends. He didn't even make W lay his head in his lap, instead having me lay him back in my lap for the exam. Without me saying a word about my opinion or our last experience, he immediately announced that W has a dental deformity that could be genetic. I swear at that moment the heavens opened up and we had our hallelujah moment! He said it needs to be looked into with x-rays and such by a specialist. And also mentioned that none of the teeth are cavities, he simply has no enamel. The only reason any teeth would need to be pulled is if they were causing him great pain. And it would have to be in a hospital setting with W sedated. (Again, Hallelujah!)

He was going to refer us to the same pediatric dentist we had just had our horrible experience with until I filled him in on her opinions and the awful time we had with her. His eyes got huge and he was quite shocked and visibly upset that had happened. He said he was going to get a list of phone numbers together for me and do some research to make sure W gets the care he needs, and not just a quick "solution". The dentist is referring W to a specialist at the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.

The staff were chatting it up with Brother Bear at the desk when we came back to the waiting room and although it appeared he was telling them his life story, neither lady was bothered at all by his babbling. They were all smiles for him and even let both boys come back in and pick a toy from their treasure chest. I was told not to worry about W's paperwork today and to drop it off the next time we're in town. I do believe we have found ourselves an awesome family dentist! Now back to the waiting game which hopefully won't be that long.