Note: I am no way an affiliate with Smile Garden Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. I just want any local mom to be able to read a real review of a really great experience.
One of my biggest mom-failures of all time was waiting way too long to get my kids to the dentist.
My oldest was the most fearful baby in the world and even getting her to her well visit was a complete nightmare. Naturally, I avoided and dreaded any type of out of the ordinary exposure with her. She is a highly sensitive child which I knew nothing about at the time but am well versed in after four years of trying to figure out why my little was so much more how do you say…..” feeling” than most children. But that needs to be in a blog post of its own. If you think you may have a highly sensitive child, you NEED to read The Highly Sensitive Child by Elaine N. Aron. It completely changed how we view and parent her. I cannot tell you what a huge help it was for us!
Back to my greatest mom fail of all time…
I didn’t take my kids to see a pediatric dentist until my oldest was four. To be transparent with you, the only reason I even took them then was that my oldest daughter chipped her back tooth and had some decay visible to the naked eye. It started bothering her occasionally so I decided I needed to bite the bullet and find a good pediatric dentist.
Just the thought of taking her made me sick because she’s incredibly sensitive, does not adjust well to new places, and does not have a high pain tolerance. You see what I mean? A terrible combination for a child who has a cavity.
I frantically researched the area for a good pediatric dentist but it was really hard to find a third party review.
I stumbled on Smile Garden Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics website and thought I’d give it a try. We had to start somewhere because it was already bothering her and we couldn’t wait long for an appointment. The front desk was super helpful and got us in right away.
I was still so nervous about going and actually stalked both doctors on every social media channel available. Crazy mom, I know.
Our first visit was a huge relief!! As soon as we walked through the doors, we were greeted by a friendly office assistant. The whole waiting room is modern and kid friendly! They have tons of fun colored toys, those cool magnetic block, and they even have four ipads set up front for the kids to play on while they wait. My kids loved it!
They brought us all back together and let the kids help during their sibling’s appointment. They also have tons of kid-friendly stuff in the exam rooms including a tv to watch during their appointment. This little stuff toy with teeth was my kids favorite!
Still, my heart sank when I learned that the chip and decay in Charney’s tooth were too deep to save. They would have to extract it. I panicked. My highly sensitive child was going to have a tooth out at only four years old. The mom guilt was strong. My stomach seriously sank and I felt ill. I thoroughly interrogated Dr. Anna about the procedure and what were the best possible actions to take. She was very patient and explained the whole procedure (several times) and assured me she would do well.
She is so good with kids!!
We scheduled the appointment shortly after her initial exam to have her tooth extracted. I was up with worry the full three weeks before her appointment. I spent hours researching and talking to friends who had similar issues with their littles. I felt so terrible for not getting her in sooner. But that’s a story for another day.
The day of the extraction couldn’t have gone better. Dr. Anna and her husband (who is the orthodontist in the office ) actually assisted which I thought was really cool. They were seriously amazing! They did the extraction and Charney was a champ. Only a few tears during the whole procedure but left the office smiling and willing to go back.
A few things that I appreciated and was specifically looking for in a pediatric dental office are…..
A place that is super fun and kid-friendly – check
A place that I could go back in the exam room with her (no way would I let her go back alone) – check
A place that took the time to explain the entire procedure to me and why they are doing it – check
A place where the doctors and staff are friendly and patient – check
I could not be more pleased with our experience at Smile Garden Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics and we will continue to use them as family pediatric dentist as long as we are living in the Lehigh Valley.
My kids actually get excited about their appointment. Even after having an extraction. That alone is enough to make me recommend them.
xoxo
Colleen