Yesterday, I had a dental appointment to prepare two molars for crowns, both of which broke in the same week. I was fully prepared for the process and the subsequent cost of about ZAR 8000, USD $451. Knowing this was a bargain compared to what we’d pay in the US next May or June, and annoyed with the feeling of the broken teeth in my mouth, I’d decided to get this done before we leave in a little over three weeks with no qualms about the cost.
When Dr. Jones, a highly experienced woman dentist, checked my two teeth again, she suggested repairing them instead of going through the process of a crown, based on my age, heart condition, and use of blood thinners. She’d try to accomplish such a lofty goal, and if she ran into problems, she’d revert to the original plan of two new crowns.
Since I am allergic to some anesthetics used in dentistry and unfamiliar with the one she uses, I opted to go without the injection and tough it out. At times, it was painful, but she was careful and made every effort to make it comfortable for me. It took 90 minutes of lying in the chair with my mouth open. Finally, when she was done, we were pleased with the result, paid the bill, and headed back to Marloth Park, relieved it was done.
However, what shocked us the most was the bill, as shown below:
The above bill for the repair of both of my broken teeth was ZAR 973.90, USD $55.03! In referencing different options for broken teeth, Dr. Jones opted for #4 below. My newly repaired teeth feel normal and comfortable.
There are a few alternatives to getting a crown, depending on why your dentist recommended one (to strengthen a weak tooth, cover a damaged one, or improve appearance). Some of the main alternatives include:
1. Dental Filling (Composite or Amalgam)
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Best for: Smaller cavities or areas of decay.
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Instead of covering the whole tooth, the dentist removes the decayed part and fills it with composite resin (tooth-colored) or amalgam (metal).
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Limitation: Not strong enough if the tooth is severely weakened or cracked.
Giraffes visiting before sunrise.
2. Inlays and Onlays (Partial Crowns)
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Best for: Moderate decay or damage, where a filling isn’t enough but a full crown may be too much.
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These are custom-made pieces (usually porcelain or composite) bonded into the tooth.
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They preserve more of your natural tooth than a crown.
3. Veneers
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Best for: Front teeth that are chipped, slightly damaged, or discolored.
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A thin porcelain or composite layer is placed on the front surface of the tooth.
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Not as strong as a crown—mainly cosmetic.
4. Tooth Bonding
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Best for: Small chips, cracks, or minor cosmetic fixes.
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A tooth-colored resin is sculpted onto the tooth and hardened with a light.
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Quick and less invasive than a crown, but less durable.
Zebras were hoping for some pellets. We complied.
5. Extraction + Replacement
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If the tooth is too damaged, sometimes it’s removed and replaced with:
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Dental Implant (very durable, feels like a natural tooth)
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Bridge (uses surrounding teeth for support)
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Partial denture
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6. No Treatment (Monitoring)
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Sometimes, if the damage is minor or only cosmetic, a dentist may suggest simply monitoring the tooth until intervention is necessary.
After three hours, we returned to the house and got to work prepping for last night’s dinner guests, Carol and Colin, arriving at 4:00 pm. It was a lovely evening with lively conversation, commiserating on our love of the bush, the wildlife, and the scenery, and tidbits of our mutual world travel experiences.
This afternoon at 4:30, Tom will drop me off at our old friend Lisa’s house, the official injured bushbaby caregiver and host of “Movie Night in the Bush,” joined by our friend and director of Wild & Free Rehabilitation Centre. Several times, in years past, the three of us got together to share wildlife stories and enjoy sundowners. I’m bringing a nice bottle of white wine to share.
Tom will pick me up around 6:00 or 6:30 pm. We already made tonight’s dinner, and it will only take a few minutes to get it ready when we get back to the house.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, August 21, 2015:
