Is it possible to find a dentist in a pinch when out of state or away on business? Imagine this scenario: You have flown 300 miles away for a business trip and now there is an aching molar or broken crown to handle along with work obligations! Before spiraling into a panic, understand that there are several options available for patients who need to find a dentist quickly.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Find a Dentist in San Francisco, CA
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 Serenity Dental Spa at 415-376-6196 for an appointment in our San Francisco office.
Everyone needs professional care to maintain healthy teeth and gums. These days, it is much easier to find a dentist who covers the essentials and offers additional treatments for complete care. By understanding the type of care a dentist can provide and how to find the right office, patients can enjoy better oral health.Many dentists…
When trying to find a dentist online, there are several factors to keep in mind to conduct a thorough and successful search. No one should skimp on this task, as a dentist plays a major role in maintaining oral and overall health. Changing dentists down the road can be a hassle, so getting it right…
While a daily routine of brushing and flossing is important, it is equally important to find a dentist for additional oral health support. A visit to the dentist should happen at least once or twice a year, rather than only scheduling an appointment when tooth pain has become unbearable. There are preventative measures taken during…
Everyone needs professional care to maintain healthy teeth and gums. These days, it is much easier to find a dentist who covers the essentials and offers additional treatments for complete care. By understanding the type of care a dentist can provide and how to find the right office, patients can enjoy better oral health.Many dentists…
If you plan to get Invisalign®, you should know that oral hygiene is important. Read on to learn about the importance of oral hygiene during Invisalign teeth straightening treatment. This highly successful therapy straightens your teeth using custom-made transparent aligners in roughly the same length of time as conventional braces. The aligners are discreet, making…