You’ve been looking forward to this vacation for months, and it’s finally here! You are more than ready to relax and soak in your time away from your regular routine, but then a severe toothache crashes the party. You can’t enjoy your vacation because you’re in pain! What should you do? Is your vacation ruined?
Dental emergencies can strike during inconvenient times, but they don’t have to disrupt your vacation. Here are the steps you should take beforehand to prevent it from happening or during your vacation if this does happen to you.
Find a Local Emergency Dentist
These days, it’s fairly simple to search Google maps for a “dentist near me.” Even if you aren’t familiar with the area, you can pull up results showing dentists nearby who can help you.
If you are in a foreign country, especially one where another language is widely spoken, you may need to seek the help of your concierge or a local you can communicate with.
What to Look for in an Emergency Dentist
In your search for local resources, make sure you find a dentist who offers emergency care and takes new patients. In addition, they should provide same-day appointments. After all, you don’t want to wait several days to resolve this problem. You need it done as quickly as possible! Keep in mind that certain procedures may need to be performed over more than just one appointment, but the emergency dentist should be willing to work with you to fix the issue as soon as they can.
Preventing Dental Emergencies Before You Leave for Vacation
Some dental emergencies happen regardless of best efforts to prevent them; however, planning ahead and taking certain steps before you leave can drastically reduce your risk of experiencing one while you’re supposed to be having fun.
Before you go on your vacation, make sure you’re up to date on your routine checkups and cleanings. This appointment may seem mundane, but it serves two purposes that can help you avoid emergencies down the road. First, your dentist examines your teeth for any signs of cavities, which start out small. If they spot decay, they can quickly take care of it before it progresses and causes you pain later during your vacation. Second, your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, which stops future decay from developing in the first place.
Ultimately, if you can prepare prior to leaving, it would be best for you to avoid disaster before it can interfere with your summer vacation. If you face this emergency scenario, try not to panic and seek help from a local dentist who can see you right away and get you back to your adventures.
About the Author
Dr. Ryan Weldon has been practicing in Rome, GA for more than 10 years. Upon graduating with his dental degree, he completed a general residency program at the Medical College of Georgia, where he learned to administer IV sedation and perform complex procedures like implant placement. When it comes to emergency cases, he gladly accepts same-day appointments. To schedule an appointment with at Weldon Dental of Rome, you may call 706-232-2082 or visit our website here.