Sarah’s first extraction

Yesterday, just as we were leaving the clinic, I got a phone call from a friend who asked me to stay on for a bit as his 6 year old daughter needed an extraction.

We were tired after a full Saturday schedule but after a quick request to my amazing staff, we agreed to stay on and wait for her.

Sarah came in with her mother. She was naturally a little nervous but had been to see me several times earlier for check-ups and clean ups which were really dry runs for this very day ….. Sarah’s first extraction.

She sat on the dental chair and I reminded her that it was going to go up and back so she could sit comfortably just like an astronaut in her spaceship. She was used to it already so everything was just fine!

I told her I was going to put some gel that tasted like banana which would make her tooth go to sleep. Then I asked her whether she liked ice cream.… to which she looked a little suspicious and said ‘no!’ . I laughed and said that it was a shame because I’d like her mum to take her for ice cream afters. She smiled coquettishly to that promise (did I tell you she was a beauty?)

I told her then I was going to make her teeth a little cold then use something like a nail cutter to help them come out. My able nurses know that was the cue to pass me the cold gauze and then with a quick slight of hand, I had both her front teeth in my hand!

She was grinning when she realised it was all over and got up to choose her stickers …. she knows that drill very well!

It’s so important to have a great experience that first time, don’t you think?

Sarah’s parents and doting uncle, aunt and grand mother helped tremendously as Sarah had been a regular visitor way before she really needed an extraction.

What a pleasure it is to treat the little patients!