Back in college, Brad had a root canal. That cost $1100 (there's a reason why we're telling you the cost - it will make sense at the end of this post). Back in January of this year, while we were living in Cairo, Brad's tooth (the one with the root canal) became abscessed. He had it removed and replaced with an implant (which cost $1200). We felt like we'd gotten a great deal, as implants cost at least double that price in the US. Over the last couple of months, Brad's implant started feeling sore and began to wobble in its socket. This isn't supposed to happen, as implants are actually screwed into the jaw. So, when we went to the dentist a couple of weeks ago for our routine checkups, we discovered that Brad's implant had been rejected by his body. It needed to be taken out.
So, we made an appointment with the oral surgeon (Thursday of last week), and had Brad's implant removed... for the low low price of $800. The procedure went fairly smoothly, although we got a bit of a cultural lesson when Brad inadvertently insulted the surgeon. Just before the surgery took place, he asked the surgeon (who was about 30 years old) "How many times have you done this?" The surgeon replied, "You should never speak to a specialist that way!" Apparently Brad had bruised the doctor's ego. He apologized and the doctor very graciously offered his forgiveness.
Brad took the day off work on Friday to recuperate, and is feeling well enough today to stop taking painkillers (thanks to all of our wonderful friends for their kind prayers).
So, have you been adding up the prices as we went? By our reckoning, we have essentially spent $3100 (US) for a hole in Brad's mouth.
Our questions for you this week (and we'd love to hear from you in the comments section):
- Which do you think was more costly: Brad's tooth or Emily's engagement ring?
- An alternative question: since it was so expensive, should we save the implant (pictured above) and make it into a piece of jewelry for Emily to wear?
- Since Brad is now missing a tooth, which Halloween costume would suit him best: Pirate or Hillbilly?
Amazing - a hole in the mouth probably cost more than a diamond ring.... Not so sure about the idea of Emily wearing the tooth as jewelry. Doesn't sound too attractive. :-)
ReplyDeleteI think BJ needs to be a hillbilly and come visit us in The Woods - he'll fit right in!!
bummer about the tooth -- i think you should make it into a necklace and have emily wear it for special occasions! and yes, it probably cost way more than your engagement ring (at least it would have in my case!)
ReplyDeleteI think Emily should wear it as an ear ring, right through the lobe...
ReplyDeleteI initially thought the options were Pirate or Hillary. I think he should go as the latter.
1. I guess that the tooth cost more than the ring. (sorry Emily)
ReplyDelete2. You could probably make a nice necklace with the tooth. :)
3. Hillbilly definitely
1. The tooth cost more than the ring.
ReplyDelete2. I think you should make an earring out of the tooth and Brad should get a cute little single pierced ear.
3. Hillbilly - black out one of your front teeth - you're half way there!!!
that is crazy!!! i can't believe the size of that thing.
ReplyDeleteThis is hysterical. Thank you for sharing all the details of your lives. xoxo!
ReplyDelete