The problem with Gatito’s teeth was a congenital, structural one. Two of his molars apparently lacked enamel, and they were basically collapsing. Nothing we could have done could have prevented this. I kind of already knew it wasn’t our fault, but it was nice to have it confirmed. He had a pulpectomy (or maybe two) and is the proud new owner of two crowns, plus a filling. The good news is that there is no reason to expect the situation will repeat, although there is a possibility that the same problem will exist with his permanent teeth, since they were formed at the same time. I think we’ve got another eight or nine years to worry about that one, though.
I have to say, the whole process was so awful. I cannot even imagine, and hope never to know, what it must be like to have a sick kid. He was so good and cooperative and engaging with everyone when they were doing all the blood pressure checks, etc. By the time he and I walked down to the OR, I heard staff behind me whispering about how cute and smart and sweet he is. The OR is a scary, scary place, and that’s when he started to get worried. By the time they asked him to lie down, he said, “No, thank you.” The mask was where the really horrible part started, as he kicked and screamed and tried to get it off while they held him down. He was terrified and I felt awful. I barely held it together until he fell asleep and they escorted me out, and then I lost it. Horrible.
They told us we wouldn’t be allowed into the recovery room until he was responsive, which I hated. I wanted to be there when he opened his eyes. The dentist appeared after an hour to tell us what had happened and by that point, he told us Gatito was already up, definitely not lying down. But we still weren’t allowed back for another few minutes and by the time we got there, he was hysterical. He stayed that way for the next half hour or so, apparently a normal response to anesthesia, but really heartbreaking. Eventually, he drifted off to sleep in A’s lap and things got better after that.
We’re home now and have just finished watching the promised Madagascar and eating ice cream. (How many dentists tell you to go home and eat ice cream?!) I am relieved that it’s over.
I’m SO glad. OMG. So glad. I was thinking of you all morning…
So glad it’s all done!
My Boy had a similar anesthesia experience when he had his ear tubes done (which, by the way, have worked wonders): brave and cheerful until the mask, which freaked him right out. I had turned down the offer of a “pre-med” (a little Versed to make him drowsy before the mask), on the logic that it might make emergence a little more unpleasant for him. But like Gatito, he was sobbing his heart out as he woke up anyway (all disoriented, wanted the pulse oximeter off his toe and wasn’t coherent enough to articulate that for a little while), so in hindsight, I would have gone for it. I eased him out of the hospital by degrees, since any little thing set off his mood (looked at the fish tank, looked at the crazy machine with the balls). But he was great after that: he fell asleep within minutes of getting in the car, got a nice one-hour nap on the drive home, and was himself (just tired) after that.
Little kids are awesome. =)
Here’s to a quick recovery for Gatito!
Oh, it sounds awful! You must be so glad it’s done and behind you. Poor Gatito, but at least his teeth won’t fall apart now.
Glad that Gatito’s doing so well–and that this surgery is behind you all.
Wow, I had no idea teeth could form without enamel. Odd!
I’m so glad it is over, for all of you.
iPhone blog reading has also cut down on my commenting!
Phew, I am relieved for you! It sounds terrible. I wonder if is easier to go through with a younger kid who won’t remember as much as an older kid (but as a mom of a 3.5 yr-old this is total conjecture).
Oh please. This kid has the memory of an elephant! Last week I asked him if he wanted to come to the carnival party my company has for kids every year and he asked if they would have clown garbage cans. Like they did last year. When he was 2.5. (when I said it was possible, he politely declined.)
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Oh man that sounds horrible. I’m glad it’s over and everything went well. I mean, everything but the screaming. I have a hard time holding my kids down for shots, I can’t imagine having to deal with something like that. I hope mama got some ice cream afterward too!
Ainsley’s reaction after being put under for her tubes was absolutely scary. I hope we never have to see her like that again – it almost broke my heart. Here is to Gatito’s speedy recovery and great health!