After all these months I am finally done with the repair work from my experience with the dentist from hell. My suave, debonair and incredibly kind new dentist (really, he reminds me of Ricardo Montalban!) completed 2 crowns and a bridge to cover the mangled extraction and the destruction of the teeth on either side. I did procrastinate a lot, once I was out of pain and only had to deal with a large hole in my mouth, I put off returning for the rest of the work. I finally got it done though, I just needed some time to forget the bad experience. I have a full set of teeth again, they look just like my other teeth and they chew just fine.
I dearly love this picture that hangs in the reception area at my dentist. It is a quote from Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, who knew well the hardship of living without teeth.
Because I’ll have you know Sancho, that a mouth without teeth is like a mill without a stone, and a tooth has much more value than a diamond.
Miguel de Cervantes
*the translation is mine and fairly literal, it misses the wonderful alliteration of un diente que un diamante that is in the Spanish.
hi jonna
can i ask what 2 crowns and bridge cost? as a teamster i have dental ins but out of pocket is still a crazy number.
Full price for 2 crowns and the bridge was $9000 pesos which at today’s rates is a little less than $700 US. Not cheap, there are cheaper options available. He is a very careful and precise dentist, oral surgery is actually his degree and title. His office is spotless, everything he uses comes from a sealed, sterile bag and the process was pain free. I’d say he is in the upper range of dental costs here, his practice and clients are in the north, the more expensive part of the city. I wouldn’t choose a dentist because they are more expensive though, this dentist was recommended to me by my primary doctor when I was in major distress from the other experience. I’d also never choose one because they are cheaper, Cervantes was right.
jonna thanks for the quick reply.
Love the quote. I must show this to a dentist who works at our clinic in the mountains near Tegucigalpa where I live.
Laurie,
My heart goes out to all those in Honduras and Guatemala suffering from Agatha. The pictures are so sad. While I admit to having some divided feelings about missionaries in developing countries there is no doubt that much of the work you do is needed and a great help. I enjoy your blog, it is a window into that part of Honduras.
Jonna, I’m so glad your teeth are better, I’ll never forget you coming into Spanish class after your terrible experience! Now maybe you can have some dental free time. Love the bamboo wall by the way, and that last picture of your kitty in the live bamboo is gorgeous…enjoy checking in on your happenings….
This is Susan from Spanish class at UNAM, which may be just a distant memory by now!