Cavities and a bit of blood...

On our recent visit to the dentist, it was discovered that both of my boys each had 2 cavities.  Sam is no stranger to this... he has had to wear the "elephant nose" on 2 previous occasions. 

But this was Keaton's first.  They were both troopers and the dentist even mentioned to me that they did really well, and that he wished all kids were that good getting their cavities done.  Sam had 2 little cavities, and was able to get by with just the laughing gas.  Keaton however, had 1 big and 1 small cavity.  Chad and I were not surprised by this.  For the past several weeks leading up to the dentist, Keaton told us that his tooth hurt and that he couldn't chew on that side.  Because the big cavity was close to the root, his gums were also numbed, as well as the laughing gas.  On the way home, the dentist warned him not to chew on his cheek, even though he couldn't feel it.  However, we had about a 20 min ride home, and Keaton must have forgot the warning, because when we arrived home I found a HUGE hole in his lip and his face smeared with blood.

He must have been gnawing on it the whole ride home.  This picture really doesn't do it justice, as it was taken that next morning.  It was deep almost as much as it was wide and would've definitely required many stitches had it have been not inside his mouth.  But as it was mostly on the inside, doctors would not stitch it.

Another pic that next morning.

Above, this is him tonight, now 4 days later.  You can see how the big gash is now filled with white matter, and is starting to really heal.  He has been good not to pick at it that I have seen, but still hurts him quite a bit.  Thank goodness he likes Children's Motrin. 

With his mouth closed, it is just a little scab.  I am hoping that he will continue to heal nicely, and will not have any big scars because of it.  I think I learned my lesson though, as I know Keek did too.  Next time I am investing in a mouth guard. :)