Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and they always seem to happen during the most inconvenient ones. If you are in the United States, you may have an idea of what next steps to take, but what if you are working overseas? It may not be as obvious which steps to take to get quality, yet affordable emergency dental care. Continue reading to learn which steps you should take if you are unlucky enough to find yourself in this situation.
Locate a Nearby Dentist
The first step is to figure out where nearby dentists are. If you are unfamiliar with the area, this can take some time. Try asking a local or someone who is more familiar with the town or city that you are in. Alternatively, you can search online to see which emergency dentists are nearby. Be sure to check out online reviews and get a feel for the dentist so you can choose someone reliable.
Find Your Local Emergency Room
If you aren’t able to find a dentist in your area, or the dentist that you have found is not open when you need them, you should locate a nearby emergency room. Most doctors at emergency rooms won’t be able to treat specific dental problems, but they should be able to help to alleviate pain and discomfort, allowing you to manage the issue long enough to see a dentist to get to the root of the problem.
Consider Insurance Ahead of Time
Before your leave the country, it’s a good idea to check out your dental insurance options. Many providers will not offer coverage overseas, so it is best to find a supplemental policy so you don’t end up paying costly out-of-pocket fees. Be sure to ask your provider if there are options for your situation. This way, you can find a plan to meet your needs.
Keep Up a Good Oral Hygiene Routine
Even if there isn’t anything going on with your smile now, it’s ideal to be proactive! You should continue brushing twice, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash daily. By doing this, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing issues that could lead to a dental emergency.
Do your best to prevent dental emergencies before they happen. If one does, utilize the steps above. This way, you can get through your situation quickly and effectively!
About the Author
Dr. Tavi Henry earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. Since then, he has taken over 400 hours of continuing education. Currently, he is a proud member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and Pierre Fauchard Academy. To learn more about emergency dentistry or to schedule an appointment at his office in Lakewood, visit his website or call (303) 984-1400.