Since the time of her first dental visit, we have known that Petra has an extra tooth.
The extra tooth is between her top two front teeth.
I'm not much of a waiter, but we waited for it to come down. We were told that it would come down around the time that her regular two front teeth would come down. That it would just fall out because nothing is holding it in. It would be simple and wouldn't impact anything.
Now she's 8-years old. She lost her two front teeth last September. Neither of her 2-front teeth is fully down yet because of the extra tooth. The extra tooth is making such cramped quaters in there that, in fact, none of her front four teeth has had the opportunity to do what they need to do.
Our dentist tried everything to get it out. She couldn't do it. Plus, she has a close relationship with Petra and can't stand the idea of causing her any pain.
That led us to the events of several weeks ago. We went to an oral surgeon. He had rude office staff and wanted us to pay out-of-pocket even though we have excellent insurance. Plus, it was determined that the tooth is fully impacted into her upper jaw and requires an extensive out-patient surgical procedure to extract. Hence the general anesthesia.
Bad feelings. Surgery cancelled. Second opinion. Two orthodontist visits.
Tomorrow, Petra has out-patient surgery scheduled. She will be going under general anesthesia. The tooth is coming out. Then it's popsicles and smoothies for a week (or 12-hours, anyway). I can't believe all this for a tooth.
Anyway, no out-of-pocket expenses. Unless you consider the orthodontia, which goes on in early September after the spacer and brackets are on.
Have I ever mentioned that I have 4-kids?
Sadly, we will not be taking the kids to Disney World this October as planned. Happily, Petra's beautiful smile will be back.
Before Dental Work Begins
3 comments:
Yes, she is definitely darling. I had to have an impacted tooth pulled and braces put on when I was in 6th grade. I thank my mom every day for fixing my smile. Petra will thank you too:)
Good luck Petra!
Good luck, little Petra. And good luck, Kelly. :o) I am a veteran of many annoying teeth-pulling and orthodontic episodes, so I can tell you that you were right to get a second opinion. All will be well.
I have to second Jamie on being thankful for it all--once it was long done. 6th grade. A total of three sets of braces over 7 years.
But poor Petra! That won't be fun. Lea had a molar extracted the day before we went to Disney, but it wasn't nearly as complicated as what Petra will be going through.
Sorry about Disney. We have some Disney Dream Dollars we can shoot your way for in-park spending money. We won't be going back anytime soon!
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