Back in early 2007 Splig somehow hit his top right tooth hard enough that it chipped. The preschool had no idea what had happened, nor did I recall any dramatic fall at home. He was silent on the issue. We were surprised when the dentist told us the tooth had died and had to be removed. Suddenly Splig - at age 2.5 - had a smile of a 6 year-old.
Unfortunately, not so long after, he hit the other tooth, which also died. But, because he already lacked a front tooth, the dentist just kept an eye on it.
A few months ago, it fell out and a nice new jagged-edged adult tooth took its place.
But the right tooth slot remained bare.
This past week, that long-missing tooth finally made its appearance. It is growing in very slowly, and seemingly has stopped about a third of the way down. But I know it is steadily marching towards its rightful place.
I admit feeling a little funny. After all, he's been toothless there for most of his life. Although I was initially panicked when the dentist removed it, I was given the gift of having a kid in that adorable and mischievous gapped-tooth state for years longer than the traditional few weeks.
But I am also relieved. There were no guarantees that the adult tooth had survived the unknown trauma. The dentist had been optimistic, but also shrugged her shoulders. Back then it seemed like an awfully long time to wait to see if my son would be toothless forever, but of course it went by in a snap.
It won't be long before my youngest suddenly looks more grown up. But believe me, I hold my breath every time he falls on his face, because while I'm nostalgic about his teeth coming in, I don't want them to come out again!
