A couple of months ago, her dentist recommended that we see an oral surgeon for an opinion regarding her "frenum" - which is the bit of skin/muscle/gum which causes the gap between her two front teeth. A few weeks ago we went to see the oral surgeon, and I was hoping that surgery wouldn't be necessary, or if indeed, that we could postpone surgery - but he explained that something like this can affect the growth of her permanent teeth, causing space problems for her teeth and even affecting jaw growth. He explained that it's such a small, quick procedure, that he would much rather recommend we do it now, than have a whole lot of issues once her permanent teeth come through.
So we decided to go ahead with it and booked the theatre date, which was yesterday. Her dentist and the oral surgeon collaborated, so that her dentist could do a couple of fillings at the same time as the labial frenectomy procedure.
I didn't tell Mia about this, until Sunday evening. I explained to her that the dentist needs to fix something in her mouth, so that her big teeth can grow properly. I didn't call it an "operation". I also explained to her she's not going to hospital, it's a "day clinic", she won't have to sleep there for a night. This definitely gave her some reassurance, and she made sure to correct any family member that phoned to wish her luck in hospital, that she's going to a day clinic! I also made sure she understood that I will be there all the time, waiting for her.
We had to be there at 6h30 in the morning, thankfully she was first on the theatre list. I packed a little bag with her favourite dudu toy, Piglet, a.k.a Bubu, her tablet, a book for me to read to her, and a present from Ella that I wrapped up for her and presented to her when she was settled on her bed. She just loved getting a prezzie and it definitely took her mind off the upcoming procedure.
They came to wheel her bed to theatre - I started saying goodbye to her, but her dentist said I can come along into theatre and stay with her until she's asleep. Ah I was so relieved about that!
First time ever that I donned scrubs. And covers over my hair and shoes. I asked Mia do I look fancy like a doctor, she said no, I look like a gardener! Hahaha.
The anaesthetist was ready and waiting for her. She put the mask over her mouth and nose and told her to take ten deep breaths. I held her hand and kept smiling at her. She got to four breaths and she was fast asleep! Felt quite a lump in my throat as I left her there, my darling person.
Just after that Wyn arrived to wait with me. (He had waited at home with Ella until our nanny Sonja came in.) Two coffees and an hour and a half later, Mia was wheeled back into the room, fast asleep. Aw she looked so fragile and precious. They said we can let her sleep a little bit longer. When she woke and looked at me, first thing she asked for was her daddy. Bless!
She felt a bit dizzy for a while, but sat up and had a few sips of juice and a few bites to eat. We were discharged at 10h30.
We got home and I settled her on the couch to relax and watch a movie. She ate jelly and custard, and by the end of the movie she was getting up and starting to play with her toys and move around. She ate bread and apple for lunch, and I put her on her bed, read a story, and told her to sleep. 20 minutes later she called me and said that was a nice sleep, she's finished now. Hahaha!
The rest of the day she was completely herself, feeling fine, wanting to jump on the trampoline and run on the golfcourse, not understanding when I tell her no!
She's back at school today already. What a champ!
