Well, we had our first experience with dentistry in South America.

Tony fractured a tooth last night while grading homework.

So, after a quick exam on my part, I called a dentist off the his school's recommendation list and made an appointment for the following morning.

As we approached the address, we noticed an older gentleman standing outside, smoking. Turns out, he was the dentist. I explained which tooth was fractured and what the problem was, but after a few minutes of him tapping around on Tony's teeth I had to show him the loose piece of enamel. This did not instill much confidence! He had latex gloves on for the exam, but finding them uncomfortable, they were quickly removed to do the actual work. He wanted to put a crown on the tooth, but I requested he just re-cement the onlay (it came off while he was removing the broken piece of tooth) and add a plastic filling.

The office and equipment were very retro and his instruments and materials were pretty minimal. There appeared to be a microwave on the counter...could it be the sterilizer?! And, did I mention, the toilet started flooding the floor, so his housekeeper had to mop up around all of us as he worked?

After he finished, he took us next door and showed us his home and the adjoining apartments he rents out. They were very lovely, with beautiful art work from his many travels. We chatted for 30 minutes in English and Spanish, paid him $40 and went on our way.

So far, Tony's tooth is holding up. Just part of the adventure!

Nos vemos,

Jo and Tony