Thursday, January 28, 2010

I'd Rather Pull My Toenails Out

I know I've talked about Carter and the dentist before. This kid has the WORST teeth of any child I've ever known. We have NEVER been to an office visit and left cavity free. Crud, we've never even made it a full 6 months without having to go back in for new cavities to be filled. I die a little inside when it's dentist time for Carter. I think I'd have more fun pulling out my toenails than listening to the dentist check off each hole in Carter's teeth. All I can think about is (a) the money...oh the money! and (b) the poor, poor kid. (And yes, I'm horrible, because it comes in that order in my head.)

Today was that day. That "wonderful" day of the year, when I get to go in and hear just how awful his teeth are. I've dreaded it all week. In fact, I had a nightmare earlier this week in anticipation of the event. I dreamt that my kids' teeth were so rotten that the dentist threw his hands in the air and said, "I can't help you anymore."

This is now the THIRD dentist to look at Carter. I told him before he even started, "Yes, I'm aware there is decay on his teeth. There always is." It still didn't stop him from exclaiming, "WOW!" as he ticked off each stinking one. And to add to today's "joy", he found an abscess on Carter's gum. Don't know if I told you or not, but Carter has a molar that the root somehow mysteriously dissolved on one side. We were kind of hoping it would just die and fall out on its own, but no, its now abscessing instead and will need to be pulled.

Kate and Alyssa were also seen today (Halle is next week) and neither of them had any cavities. Hip hip hooray! How is it that kids from the same family, who eat the exact same diet, and brush their teeth the same number of times, can come out with such extremely different results??? We left with a $1000 "payment plan" in hand for Carter's future treatment. Ughhh....can I go throw up now?

11 comments:

CB said...

I feel for you! My youngest son has this problem and it is because he has soft teeth. I guess people in my husbands family also have this so I blame it on them - hee hee. My other kids are cavity free - go figure.

After a zillion fillings and many root canals before he was even 8 I got busy and a little pro-active. I cut out all fruit snacks - did you know these are the #1 decayer of childrens teeth because they stick into every nook and cranny - even after brushing.
I make him brush and floss and use ACT mouth rinse. I watch - hee hee.
His last check up he had one small cavity. Quite a difference.
Good luck - I feel for you on the bill - it sucks!

Jewelle said...

I am exactly the same way. I've had three dentists look at Lily's in the past 6 months. They all ask how much juice and soda she drinks. When I tell them none {because she honestly doesn't like it} just stare at me in disbelief. They can't figure it out. Last time she didn't have any cavities. The time before $3200! Luckily we payed about $1000 like you. They also did some "free" ad ons that they didn't catch in the x-rays. If you find a solution for these "mysterious" cavities. Let me know, I would like to get rid of ours.

PS Good luck financially and with getting Carter's tooth pulled. Those aren't fun.

Keys to the Magic Travel said...

I am with you on the money thing! I think that is why I procrastinated Madalyn's trip to the emergency room when she broke her arm. Cause if it really wasn't broken, I didn't want to pay for that visit - and we have health insurance. (Oh, I have such rants about insurance, but I just can't go there on my blog. I am not that flame retardant!)

Anyway...does anyone have any idea as to why his teeth are so bad??

Gina said...

Here, too, with Caleb. He is the one we really have to watch. The dentist thinks it has to do with all his allergies and that he is not absorbing enough of the nutrients from the food to keep his teeth strong- I also think it is genetic. I have a neice who lost her front teeth to "bottle rot" when she was 2 and she NEVER had a bottle in her life, and was not nursed to sleep.

Mama Williams said...

OH! I'm barfing with you! $1000!! Crap! Isn't that just his baby teeth?!!! For crying out loud! I'm so sorry!

Deanna said...

Hmmmmm...I don't know how to break this to you Elena, but stomach acid is worse on teeth than sugar. Throwing up would NOT be a good idea, though I can mourn with you. I am waiting for a tax return to take Tanner in, and I KNOW, because I CAN SEE, three more cavities. Maybe Tanner and Carter should apply for a dental stimulus? ehhh? think Obama would go for that?

P.S. I'll be playing the piano for you again on Sunday...just a heads up. :)

Katie said...

So, I occasionally blog stalk you! Anyway, my nephew had the same problem and uses a special prescription toothpaste that has helped keep the cavities away. Worth looking into.

Lee Ann said...

UUUggghhh!

Maybe it's all the chocolate pudding he's been sneaking? :)

Tonya said...

I am so sorry... for you and for Carter... wow. Maybe his adult teeth will be fabulous.... but please don't throw up..

Miki said...

oh.man.

Trish said...

All I can say is, it ain't the chocolate puddin'!