Going To The Dentist.

As a child, going to the dentist is a very daunting experience. My first experience with the dentist when I was four years old is still deeply ingrained in my memories. Although I can't remember the dentist's name (and he's probably not there anymore), I remember his clinic was in this alley way along Jalan Pudu, just before the Jalan Sultan intersection. It was in the Standard Chartered Bank building (circa 1974). You have to enter through the side, from the alley way, which is busy with patrons of a popular fruit stall, which daddy was a regular customer.

I can't remember what I was there for, but I do remember being scared, sitting on the dentist's chair and stalling. Mum and dad and the dentist were coaxing me to no avail. Next thing I knew, I was pushed back onto the chair, held down tight while screaming my lungs out. My vision of that experience was looking up into this bright white light, with mum and dad's faces (and the nurses') looking down on me while this pair of hands pry my mouth open. Such heavy-handed tactics would be considered brutal and abusive nowadays, especially if towards a child.

That was then. This is now.

Today, the techniques are more calm and soothing. It is about psychology, empowerment and reward.

Brandon's visit to the school dentist to fix a cavity turned out more than expected. We are very vigilant when it comes to caring for our children's teeth. I was shocked that the dentist, Imogen, found more problems than just the cavity alone. Firstly, it was so deep that it had touched the nerves and spread to the next tooth. She also noted another tooth having the beginnings of a cavity, one premolar has turned bad on the inside causing an abscess on the bottom gums. In addition his permanent front incisor has broken through the gums halfway, but the baby tooth was not coming loose. In short, he needed three fillings done and two extractions!! Considering the extent of damage, it would be overwhelming for anyone, let alone a child.

So he had to have all the problems fixed over the last three weeks. Watching Imogen was like watching an Angel at work.

She always started by making small chat with Brandon, putting him at ease. Sometimes cracking a joke or two. Psychology.

Then she explained to him each procedure technically but enough for a child to understand. Before she did anything, she showed him tools that she'd be using, allowed him to handle them just to have a feel and not be terrified with the 'goose-bumping' drilling, sucking sounds. Participation. Empowerment.

What amazes me the most is she reaching out for the 8 inch syringe from the side table with such grace and flow. Her hands were so gentle and steady.You wouldn't have noticed it if you weren't scrutinizing her every movement.

At the end of it all, the brave boy was served up with loads of praises, cuddles and sculptured balloons. Reward. Always.

With dentists like Imogen around, no wonder my kids have no qualms about getting their teeth checked or fixed. Also, the tooth fairy has paid us a couple of visits. YAY! :) :)

First visit to fix the first cavity.

Rewarded with an 'alien helmet'. Lil sis scored one too!


Second visit to have the premolar extracted.

Rewarded with a pirate's sword.

Third visit to fix the other cavity and extraction of the front incisor.

Permanent front incisor can be seen popping through the gums.

This time rewarded with a balloon poodle.