Identify whether the situation is an emergency
While any dental problem that takes place away from home can feel like an emergency, it is important for patients to distinguish whether the current situation is a true emergency that warrants quick attention or whether it is simply an inconvenience.
An inconvenience can wait until the person returns home; an emergency calls for a patient to locate the nearest dentist as soon as possible. An urgent dental situation usually involves one of the following situations:
A sudden, severe toothache
Emergency-level pain can strike suddenly and quickly. If the patient is experiencing a minor ache that has been there for a few days, waiting until the return home may be a better choice; however, in the case of a sudden, sharp pain that makes concentrating impossible, it is a better choice to find a dentist while out of town.
A damaged, missing, or broken tooth
If a patient has fallen or has been involved in another type of accident and broken a tooth, the broken piece should be saved if possible and assessed by a qualified dentist for reattachment. Saving the tooth is not always possible, but the dentist should assess for damage to surrounding tissues and nerves.
Bleeding gums
A spot of blood while flossing is not an emergency situation — but swollen gums that are bleeding heavily may indicate an infection. Get to the dentist as soon as possible if these symptoms pop up while working out of town.
How to find a dentist while working out of town
When stuck in an emergency dental situation, patients may turn to family or friends in the area to locate the right provider. If the patient knows nobody in the area, asking managers or work supervisors at the local branch of the company that sponsored the work trip may do the trick.
If neither are options for the patient, a quick internet search and a few phone calls could turn up a dentist who holds emergency hours, which often include late night or weekend appointment times reserved for patients with immediate dental needs. Patients should inquire whether the dentist takes their insurance. If not, there may be an option to set up a payment plan if the damage or procedure is expensive. If the patient does not have insurance, a local dental school or community clinic may be able to offer treatment at a reduced cost.
Conclusion
While having a dental problem when out of town is never an ideal situation, using connections in the area or simply calling around can turn up a dentist who is able to fix the problem quickly. It is possible to find a great dentist who offers emergency hours in most areas.
Request an appointment or call Smile World Dental at 209-732-1123 for an appointment in our Salida office.
Related Posts
Dental exams are a small part of what a dentist can offer. The in-depth knowledge of teeth and gums should be another good reason to find a dentist. Routine care and cleanings are things that impact the health of the mouth, but oral health can impact other areas of life. Dentists are trained to look…
Choosing a new dentist can be an overwhelming task and not one that many people look forward to doing. It is a lot easier to find a dentist who is trustworthy, competent, and personable when you have the right tools and information on the search. From asking the right questions to spotting the characteristics of…
Many people need to find a dentist on the weekend. Whether work or school schedules prevent a visit during normal business hours on the weekdays or a dental emergency occurs, there are often occasions where the weekend is the only time available to see the dentist. Keep reading for tips on how to locate a…