Tooth Doctor
Monday was Morgan’s dentist appointment. We found out when they called to confirm our appointment on Friday afternoon. Now, this was a big surprise, since I usually try to suppress these memories as far down in my subconscious as possible. This is just to prevent me from starting to rock back and forth like Morgan does sometimes.
Visits to the dentist are like being dragged through a tunnel filled with razor blades (for me at least). I’m trying to convey that it is unpleasant for everyone. Morgan doesn’t like it. He hates people messing around in his mouth. He doesn’t like lying down on the dentist chair (it’s a little unsteady and he feels like he’s going to fall down).
The dentist doesn’t like the loud air raid siren screams he lets out when we’re holding him down and cleaning his teeth or examining him.
I don’t like doing something to him that he hates so much and doesn’t even understand. He doesn’t understand why we’re doing this, but he’s always a sweet boy afterwards. He says goodbye to everyone and doesn’t have any hard feelings.
Plus, when I have to drop off the paperwork and get another appointment, Morgan just wants to leave or play with their computers. All around, it’s a horrible experience for everyone. Ash won’t even go because she can’t stand to see him so upset.
But, the nurse is great. She’s patient and says she doesn’t mind the screaming. I thought this was a great place to bring him, because when I told them he has autism, they said that’s no problem. I said he would scream and they said they’d close the door to his exam room.
I think it’s wearing thin, though. When the dental hygienist left to get the doctor, she came back and said the doctor asked if she really needed to examine him. It was just said jokingly and I understand completely, but it still hurts some. He is who he is, I can’t change it. I don’t like him screaming when he does. I wish I could make him understand what’s happening. I’m probably oversensitive.
The exam was great. His mouth is healthy and they said his teeth were just fine. As always, it shocks me that he’s doing so well now.
He has another appointment next January, and if I remember, he’ll have a social story ready this time.
