Josie's maternal malnutrition finally caught up with her. She had a nice big cavity in one molar and a tiny one on the other side. We watched it anxiously the whole time she was in the hospital because she has soft enamel and any cavities will spread quickly, but first things first.
Her big cavity was indeed hurting her, and we were finally able to get x-rays and schedule her repair for today. She needed on side capped and one side filled.
Here is the hard part. Her pulmonary hypertension means no sedation at all outside a hospital. So we crossed our fingers and brought her in for our best try because no one wants to go right back in hospital, even for just dental work.
Josie got her mouth numbed and then they placed the mouth vise and dam and started. She yelled. She cried. And she held still well enough to get the big tooth cleaned up and a nice silver cap.
The dentist gave her a break and we and let her sit and cry and talk for a while. We told her we needed to finish the other side so we didn't have to come back and start over
When the dentist came back and it was time to start again Josie got off my lap and CRAWLED INTO THE DENTAL CHAIR ON HER OWN.
I have never been in more awe of a five year old. Ever.
We got the second half done with some more crying and tears. But it is done.
And I have a new appreciation for what brave can mean.
