If you have a sweet tooth, make sure it's not crowned!

When I posted the blog 'Life in Cambodia - Part 4 -Healthcare', I mentioned I'd been to the dentist here. 

Right around Chinese New Year, I did a totally foolish thing -  I bit down on a hard candy.  I should know better, but my sweet tooth got the better of me...and 'Crack!' All of a sudden, my previously strong crowned tooth felt loose.  I tried to ignore it, until a couple of days later when my entire crown (and the attached post) came out while I was eating....on a Sunday, no less!

Fortuately, my friend Jess, who's living in Siem Reap, knows a reputable dental practice, the Kampuchea Dental Clinic.  It probably sounds strange to think of dentists as anything but reputable, but remember, Cambodia is a country where anybody can hang up a shingle and open up a practice.  And I sure didn't want any old quack sticking their fingers in my mouth! 

Even though it was Sunday, I decided to take a chance and headed over to the clinic.  (If anybody takes days off in Cambodia, I'd think it would probably be a dentst).  Surprise!  It was open, with no waiting or appointment needed!  It's a nice, clean, modern place too.  I filled out some forms and was sent right into the examination room. 

I sat down in the chair filled with anxiety, and prayed for a miracle.  For those of you who know me, I've had the same dentist for 30 years, and even though I now have to travel over three hours to see him, I refuse to find a new one, because he's the only one I trust.  But in an emergency half-way around the world, and four weeks from flying home, I had little choice.  I have to admit, this lady dentist was very good.  She spent a lot of time cleaning the crown and the remaining root, and cementing the tooth back in place (temporarily).  She gave me her assessment and some advice, and reassured me that I could call and return for more help if I needed it.  Back in the waiting room, she spoke in Khmer to the receptionist, who made up my bill.  It was at this point that I almost needed an ambulance, because I almost died from disbelief when I got the bill!  Total cost? Eight dollars!

My dental bill!

When I get back home, I know I'm going to need the tooth extracted, and a bridge made.  I don't even want to think of the cost, but I can guarantee one thing, it's going to set me back a lot more than $8.00!  Geez, in Canada that won't even buy me a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss. 

Want to save some money?  Come to Cambodia!