The LaGreca Family

We figured it was time to take NCL to the dentist. Not because we thought there was something wrong with his teeth, but because we just want to be on top all the preventative care that comes with being human!

It’s so awesome that we live in Joe’s home town – it’s gives us a slight advantage on certain things.  A pediatric dentist is one of them!  Joe went to this pediatric dentist until he was…oh..about….24-25 years old.  (True Story:  Joe called the dentist to make an appointment while we were dating – he was probably 23-25, I can’t remember exactly.  They receptionist said “what is your child’s name, sir?” — and Joe said, “the appt is for me.”  They kindly told him that he would have to find an adult dentist for his next appt.  He was sad. He really liked this place.)

Lucky Joe that we will get to spend some time at one of his old “stomping grounds” — (if you can call it that. For those of you who don’t know — Joe is petrified of ALL doctors/dentists. For him to say he liked this place, is a REALLY big deal).

Now that I have been to the office, I can tell why he liked it so much.

Yes, that is the DAD playing a video game in the waiting room and the SON looking on.  Too funny! Not only did they have two video game tables (the old school kind that you used to play in the pizza places when you were a kid), but they had a toy box FULL of toys….AND…..a TRAIN track.  You can guess what NCL loved the most.

NCL got called back by the nicest lady (actually, I must say – EVERYONE that works there is incredibly kind) and they all talk in that super nice, kid-friendly voice. You know the one I am talking about — like your kindergarten teacher back in the day.

First stop:  An attempt at taking some pictures of NCL’s mouth. It was going really well….up until they tried to put the “bite-thingy” in his mouth. He would NOT have any part of that. So, the stopped and said “it’s ok, we don’t need the pictures…we tried, that is good enough”

(Isn’t the cutest little x-ray cover you have EVER seen?)

After the “failed” attempt at pictures, Nicholas got to pick out his VERY own toothbrush – he was so excited about that

Then we had a little wait time before we could see the actual dentist for an exam.  Of course, NCL got to play with more toys.

And…wouldn’t you know it….Daddy found something to play with also….

The dental exam was pretty quick but  NCL didn’t like it at all.  He sat on Joe’s lap and Joe leaned him over onto the dentist’s lap.  NCL wasn’t happy about the light shining in his eyes (he really doesn’t like any light in his eyes).  And then the little mirror was brought out and NCL was asked to open his mouth. He was a little upset.  But, the dentist was able to get a look at all of his teeth pretty quickly and good news!  NCL got a clean bill of health!  All teeth looked good, no cavities! I certainly hope this means that NCL will have his Dad’s nearly perfect teeth!

We go back in 6 months – in hopes of getting some pictures and MAYBE a cleaning.  It’s good to keep trying. Hopefully he will like it more and more (or, at least tolerate it).

Of course, how could I forget.  NCL got to pick out a toy on the way out.  He picked out a strange car/plane thing (he saw one of the boys holding one in the waiting room  and he loved it — so, of course, he had to pick that toy). And, as we are walking out of the office — one lady said “Bye Joe, it was great to see again” — and then ALL the ladies in there said “Wait, is that JOE LaGRECA?! Wow!” — they all remember him (of course, you have to laugh because it really wasn’t THAT long ago that he was in their office…ha ha).

On the way out…we had to stop at the fountain (anything that has water is always a hit!)  I would say that we had a successful 1st Dental Visit.