Why Do They Call Them Wisdom Teeth?

Ok, basically this isn't a huge story but my mouth has been really bothering me the past couple days. I called Asmaa, who works for Projects Abroad, and told her I needed to go to a dentist. She arranged an appointment for the same day and went with me to make sure I didn't have any communication problems.

He told me I need my wisdom teeth out...great. My immediate reaction was "Hell no I'm not getting my wisdom teeth out in Africa!" So he prescribed me some anti-inflammatory drugs and gave me some disinfecting mouth wash, but they aren't really working and I'm in some rather annoying pain. I think I'm going to have to have at least this one tooth removed because I don't know how much longer I can stand this. Pretty ridiculous.

I am trying to decide if I should get them all out. It would cost me about $250 to have the surgery, which is so much cheaper than if I go back to America and need them out later...without insurance. Chloe was telling me about a new phenomenon called "Medical Tourism" where all these people are going to foreign countries to get procedures done because even including travel expenses and hotels it's cheaper. That's pretty messed up and says a lot about our country - and don't try and tell me it's just because our medical stuff is better. I don't believe that for a second.

Now, before you all freak out, the place where I had the appointment was very clean and legitimate and was found through Projects Abroad. While I was there the doctor asked me if I was with the Peace Corps because lots of volunteers from there come to their office as well - very reassuring.

Basically the way I see it, it's going to really suck no matter where I have it done, it might as well be for cheap while I don't really have any obligations. I will have to take a little time off work here...but it's not like I'm losing money. Other volunteers have suggested I go to Spain, but it just doesn't really make sense for me to travel 5 hours to Spain, have surgery, then have to find my way back to Rabat alone while I'm all messed up on drugs. No thanks. If this pain and swelling keeps up (you can see it from the outside of my face) I won't be able to wait two months until I get back to the States.

Don't let all this fool you though, I'm actually doing really well. I'm peeved I have to worry about this, and I'm still waiting for my new ATM card to arrive, but I'm having a great time with everyone and enjoying Rabat. Besides, when I was in Marrakesh I saw a guy selling teeth...maybe I can make my $250 back!