A trip to the dentist in Spain

I'm sitting here feeling like a sufferer of Bell's Palsy, which I suppose is normal after a visit to the dentist.

I've just finished two sessions with a Spanish dentist, in Spain! This is a first for me as I've never had any dental treatment other than in the UK. Not that dentists in the UK are anything special, it's just easier to communicate in your mother tongue. I have to admit that I have a great fear of dentists, not quite a phobia but they do terrify me. I've had experiences in a dentist chair that I wouldn't wish on Tony Blair (this rhymes and it's also a lie, I'd love to see Tony without teeth).

Three months ago I broke a crown while eating a sandwich, it wasn't painful but I knew I'd have to have it fixed. After more than seven years living in Spain I felt that I had a good enough grasp of Spanish to face a Spanish dentist so I started asking anyone and everyone for their opinions on their dentist. I was looking for 100% satisfaction with the dentist and I finally found someone local who seemed to have the perfect dentist. So I made an appointment, practised what I needed to say (Eso me dolió), and as I've said, I've just finished my treatment.

The feeling is just starting to return to the left side of my face, so while the experience is very fresh I'll give you my opinion of my dentist. It was OK! This is high praise for me to heap on a dentist, let's be honest, a visit to the dentist is never going to be sensational, but OK is good. I felt no pain at all, we communicated and the teeth look, OK. But, more importantly I have trust in the dentist, she did a very good job.

So rest assured if you are travelling and dread the thought of a Spanish dentist, the one I tried was the model professional and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her. I had two x-rays and one crown replaced, total price 120 euros.