Caden's Oral Surgery

Before surgery

Last week Caden had to go to the children's hospital and have some oral surgery done. This was upsetting to all of us. Last year we had a costly dental experience with him and he had to have two teeth pulled because of two abscesses. We had all of his permanent teeth and baby teeth sealed. We've been extra diligent about him brushing and flossing his teeth. So at his last dental appointment, we were very sad to learn that he had three more cavities and two of those needed to be pulled because of abscesses. It also looked like his teeth had never been sealed. We know they were because last year we watched everything happen. Considering the amount of work that needed to be, including adding spaces, the dentist recommended we take him to the children's hospital to have this done. He has anxiety when it comes to the dentist already so we decided to go this route this time.  

The dentist ended up pulling two baby teeth and went ahead and pulled out his very loose tooth that could have easily fallen out while the dentist did his work. They put three crowns on three baby teeth with spaces to keep his teeth spaced properly. They resealed all of his permanent teeth as well. The dentist thinks he's probably getting cavities because of two main reasons. 1) He breathes out of his mouth; and 2) He has some reflux. He said he can tell that we brush his teeth and the cavities are not from neglect. Some people are just more prone to them. Also he tends to sneak candy and go overboard when he gets it. That will then sit on his teeth and start rotting them. We've been encouraging him since this happened last year, to drink water after eating or drinking something. Apparently this isn't enough. We have switched to using an adult's toothpaste and will probably take him to the dentist four times a year instead of twice a year. We feel bad that he had to get all of this work done and really hope we don't have anymore expensive dental bills. For Caden's sake and our own, we don't have dental insurance. But like anything else, our children's health is most important. 

They don't allow other kids back but were kind to let Grace come say "hi."

My awesome and brave son!

Before he woke up. I could take a nursing baby back.

Popsicles, where the problems began!

I'm so glad my dad came to help with Grace and Jackson