7 Takeaways from a Hospital Dental Visit

 

When it was time for Ben to visit a dentist for the first time, a mom I met in a doctor's waiting room suggested a pediatric dentist who was comfortable seeing young patients with disabilities. 

This recommended dentist has treated our boys' for more than 20 years. When Ben aged out, the dentist told us to stay with him; he'd keep seeing Ben despite his age.

As Ben got older and stronger, it became difficult to get him on the table and clean his teeth. By last spring, with both my husband, myself and two dental staff helping, we couldn't get Ben on the table safely. He had more fight in him than the four of us.

The dentist said some of his patients go to the hospital every 18 to 24 months for cleanings, x-rays and other routine procedures. We agreed it was time to make this change.

In the meantime, Ben re-chipped a front tooth he'd damaged in second grade on the playground. We added "fix chipped tooth" to the list.

Through the dentist's office, we booked an appointment with the local hospital for six months later –these particular appointments get booked quickly. We completed paperwork, and Ben visited his primary care physician within 30 days of the hospital appointment to get the all clear for anesthesia. The PCP added bloodwork to the hospital visit.

Overall, the day went well. I was anxious about the procedure days before and while Ben was under anesthesia. I convinced myself something bad happened when the dentist came to talk to us. He didn't have bad news – just more information about Ben's wisdom teeth and an impacted canine that will need to come out eventually.

I hope next time will be easier on me because I will be more prepared and understand the flow of the day.

Dad and Ben at the hospital.

Here are my takeaways:

1. Bring snacks and water for yourself. I was hangry by the end and ate an entire box of hospital fries, which were unexpectedly tasty. Next time, I will eat a meal rather than hold out.

2. Plan for a six to seven hour visit. Recovery took the longest; Ben enjoyed his drug-induced sleep. We knew he was ready to leave when he threw a pillow at his Dad and took off the hospital's gray no-slip socks.

3. Make a plan for your child that evening and next morning. I didn't realize how the anesthesia would affect Ben. I thought he'd sleep a few hours and then we would take him back to the group home. 

Ben slept until 11:30 p.m. at our house, woke up hungry and ate pudding and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. He returned to the sofa and slept until 5:30 a.m. He showered, ate more pudding and another PB&J. I drove him to his day program. The latest reports from his day program caregiver say he's not sleepy at all today.

4. Give yourself a day to recover. Today has been tough, and I see a nap in my future. I didn't think about the toll the procedure would take on me emotionally and physically. Next time, I will block off the next day for my recuperation.

5. Advocate for your adult child. We knew Ben needed a sedative while he was in the wheelchair and before staff tried to insert an IV. The whole reason we chose this hospital option was for safety. We didn't want the staff to underestimate Ben's strength, determination and will power. 

It took a few discussions with nurses and the anesthesiologist to reach the best decision. They gave Ben liquid ketamine, and it took roughly 12 minutes to work its magic. Once he was calm, we transferred Ben to the bed. They whisked him off to the outpatient procedure room.

This is before we left for the hospital. Notice the cool tie-dye socks.

6. Take photos and don't share publicly. I did take a few pictures of Ben under the influence. I shared them with his brothers but you won't see them on this site or in my socials. I will say, Ben played his part well as a sedated man.

Ben was desperate to get on the bed, but we held off until he was sedated. 

7. Complete the hospital evaluation. Overall, I was pleased with the staff, doctors and nurses. They respected Ben and our family and made it easy for us to follow along throughout the day with text messages.

Only one small incident gave me pause: A nurse referred to Ben as "wheelchair bound." I responded to her that we prefer "wheelchair user." I mentioned in the online evaluation to note that the disability community prefers the active phrase, wheelchair user.