The Dentist

Our pediatrician has been on us for the last couple of visits to take Noah to the dentist. With everything going on, it certainly hasn't been a priority - and we also were unsure of the need to have him go this early. But, the pediatrician convinced us to take him and today was the day. So I left work early, caught the train home and took Noah over as the dutiful father. He had had a good nap, so I was hopeful he'd be in a good mood - which he was. However, he had had a long nap and apparently had a lot of pent up energy. We sat down in the waiting room and within 2 minutes, Noah wanted to get down and start moving. Meanwhile, I was trying to fill out the paperwork. Of course, as soon as Noah wriggled himself free from my arms, he was off like a shot through the dentist's office...I had to toss the clipboard on the guy sitting next to us and sprint after him. I scooped him up just before he walked into one of the exam rooms - he immediately started whining, but quickly turned on the charm when he realized he had an audience of ladies. I brought him back out to the waiting room and tried reading some of the magazines and books, but he wanted nothing to do with them...he just wanted down. He wriggled free again, but this time landed on his bum so he started butt-scooting. I chicken-scratched the remaining paperwork and ran after him again...thankfully, once I turned in the paperwork we were good to go in almost immediately. I had been wondering how this whole thing was going to work with such a young child. When we were called in to see the dentist, they informed me that I should sit in the chair and hold Noah in my lap. After a few minutes, he started to get wrestless and I tried entertaining him with the iPhone to no avail. Thankfully, the dentist came in shortly thereafter and literally did a two minute exam. Everything checked out well and, quite frankly, I felt a little stupid for bringing him. To add insult to injury, I'm pretty sure I haven't added Noah to our dental insurance yet and so I'm likely to get the full bill in the near future! Oh well - his teeth and gums look good and he's right on pace with getting his baby teeth - they'll see him again in 2 years. He got a new toothbrush and a toy out of the ordeal - he also charmed the staff on our way out saying and waving good-bye to everyone. All in all - not a terrible event...though, I still certainly question the need!