raked over the coals

We made a trip to the dentist to get P’s “extra tooth” checked out.  Turns out it is just some super strong tissue in between her front teeth that might need to get clipped when she is older but nothing to concern ourselves with now.  Whew!  That’s good news.  No x-rays and no surgery.  I feel better. 

On our way out the door we stopped to pay and the dude says “It will be $70 for today.”  What? Did you just say SEVENTY DOLLARS?  For two whole minutes with the dentist?  Did she use her disposable golden gloves to inspect my kid’s teeth?  Or was is that Petunia pulled her hair?   I totally get that it’s a new practice but seriously if they want to keep us good customers (with no dental insurance so we pay at each visit, meaning no insurance companies to deal with) I would suggest giving us a break.  I’m totally willing to pay for your time and to make sure my kiddo is healthy but billing $35/minute seems a little extreme.

I’m a little miffed but starting to gain perspective as I’m driving home and I think of a couple of my favorite blogs because they are uplifting and I admire that.  I’m so thankful to have found bloggers like Everyday Yogini and Hugging The Midline.  These two women are an inspiration to me. They keep a positive outlook no matter the circumstances.  So here’s my gratitude practice for today:  Looking on the bright side of things.  We know Petunia is healthy and won’t have to go in for dental work at age one.  I guess I could say I am paying for peace of mind of which there is no monetary value.  So $70, not a big deal in the whole scheme of things.  Thanks ladies.

An extra tooth?

The last couple of days Petunia has been a little grumpy which is not normal for her but I suspected teething. No problem. I’m getting the signs for teething down and pretty much know how to handle it. She has her two bottom front teeth and two top front teeth. Yesterday, I tried to peek inside her mouth to see evidence of a tooth appearing. What was that? It looks like a tooth might be coming in right behind her right front tooth. Oh, this can’t be good. I call our pediatrician who suggested calling my dentist. I call the dentist and she informs me it is common for kids to have “extra teeth” which is what she thinks might be happening with Petunia. She suggested coming in for x-rays and then if it appears the tooth needs to be removed she will refer me to a pediatric dentist. Of course I went straight to the internet to see what I could find and stumbled across a dentist’s blog. These extra teeth can come in upside down, at 45 degree angles and normally but usually cause problems. I know it can be worse than an extra tooth but I’m still a little anxious about the whole thing. We won’t get x-rays done until next Wednesday so until then, we wait.