Oaxacan Life: Part Three--- El Dentista!

 

The one, the only, the magnificent Dr. Ernesto Oliva! As you can see, entirely Covid-free! 


One possibly unnerving issue for expats living in a foreign country is what to do for medical or dental care. Amongst the unenlightened--those who imagine that such practices in so-called "developing countries" would backward or archaic--the fear of needing ANY such service is daunting, if not outright terrifying. However, this has NEVER been my personal experience. In fact, such ignorant assumptions could not be further from the truth. 

I, dear reader, am an international root-canal recipient/specialist! I have had them done now in the U.S., India, and most recently, here in this dear city of Oaxaca, Mexico! 

As you can see from the above photo, Dr. Oliva (or simply "Ernie", as he is fondly referred to by his litany of expat fans) epitomizes "professionalism in the pandemic"--adorned as if ready for a stroll on an alien planet teaming with dangerous gases and animals and everything else! He is keeping both himself and his patients safe. I had no doubt that I had placed myself into competent and caring hands. 

To find him and alleviate the terrible ache in my bottom molar, I did what EVERY expat does: I put out the word out on Facebook and in Whatsapp to see if anyone could recommend a good dentist in Oaxaca. I got two immediate responses from vastly different sources, and they both directed me to Dr. Ernie. 

After the first (three hour!) visit, I felt that I had just been reunited with an old friend. He was so personable, relaxed and friendly (not to mention, speaking impeccable English!) that I was immediately put at ease. He took his time....he was careful. I closed my eyes (soaring off into that Novocaine-induced nether region of peace!) and inwardly hummed along to the fantastic mix of oldies-but-goodies playing in the background. It was seriously chill! I hummed, and so did the drill....

Fast forward 3 weeks: the tooth was a troublesome one, and required 3 visits (2 with a specialist, who was also fantastic) to complete the procedure. I was amazed at how little pain there was overall... definitely FAR less than in the past, despite the more complex and involved excavation of the nerve and roots (or are they the same?! I am not entirely sure.) 

Ernie is a great communicator. We Whatsapped (such a verb may not be in the dictionary, but it works for me!) about my myriad concerns and he was always extremely responsive. He assuaged my anxiety. He had myriad--very sensible--suggestions to proffer. In the words of my favorite Bollywood movie star, Aamir Khan, "All is well, all is well!" 

Not done yet, I am afraid--the crown has yet to be made. But.. am I dreading yet another visit to the dental office? Not a chance. I look forward to it...in fact, this is a highlight of my social life! Ja ja ja! 
And I know I will, as always, be the recipient of the best possible care. So..despite the teeth troubles, I do in fact have one more thing to be grateful for in my new life here! 

Next up in the blog:  Oaxacan dogs!



Comments

  1. JeanneFebruary 13, 2021 at 9:46 PM

    Love the term “international root canal recipient specialist”!!! Yes you are. Ernie sounds like a really great and fun dentist. Glad you got the good referrals through FB and WA.

    ReplyDelete

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