Monday comes and here we go. A long train ride where John reassures me everything will be just fine. He got a wad of cash just in case this is an expensive fix. We show up and is escorted right to the Dentist, my chair is open and waiting. Okay so far. No English, of course but our wonderful friend translates. (I am glad this wasn't an OB visit! The translator is a guy.) The doctor examines the tooth and already the pain starts. "Tong? (Meaning: Does this hurt?)" Not much but then he proceeds to pick at the exposed area and rinses with cold water. OUCH! Tong, tong! He nods knowingly and gives instructions to the assistant to take a picture. Okay, sir, the cardboard thing pressed into my gums is starting to throb....can you take the picture, please?!
The Dentist makes a quick return, examines the picture and determines a simple plaster to the area would work. No crown needed. Great sound cheaper already. But when he starts to drill the Doctor doesn't like what he sees. My filling which is probably 30 years old is lose. He suggest removing it and filling the tooth with a new whiter filling. I guess it has to be done. Oh, by the way, what happen to the Novocaine? Who says I won't need it?? I need it now! No medication and on goes the drilling...and on...and on...no med...tong!...tong! I think Chinese people must be super tough people to think this is minor pain. I had 2 children with no meds and I still don't like this pain. I was sure he was done drilling when he starts again. Finally he gets all the filling out and he proceeds to press in the new filling. Tong! I am sweating. Finally it was over. The tooth is filled and repairs done. We head to a sign that says in English "Payoment" to pay up. How much does torture cost in China? The total bill was $570.00 yuans. That is $90.00 USD. Okay, that part I like but can some one send some Novocaine?