You’ve traveled overseas for work, and you’re settling into your new temporary way of life when suddenly you bite down on something hard only to discover that your tooth is broken. Panicked because you’re no longer near your local dentist, you wonder what you should do about your dental emergency. If you are in this type of situation or worried that you could be, find out what steps you can take to get the care your smile needs, even when you’re thousands of miles away from home.
Prepare Yourself
Before traveling abroad, it’s always best to identify a local dentist in the area where you’ll be staying. It might require doing some research, but choosing someone who has a solid reputation and provides emergency dentistry can save you time should you suffer an injured tooth while you’re away.
It is also helpful to locate the closest emergency room in case you need to seek immediate medical attention for any reason.
Look at Your Dental Insurance Policy
Depending on your dental insurance plan, you may be required to pay out of pocket when seeing a dentist outside of your network. If by chance you find a dentist who is in-network with your plan, you’ll discover that you save more even when a dental emergency occurs.
Communicate with Your Local Dentist
When experiencing a dental emergency, you’ll want to make sure that the dentist performing the work communicates with your local oral healthcare professional about your incident. This will ensure that your records remain up to date and that we can ensure the health and vitality of your smile when you return home.
Take a Preventive Approach
Whether you’re at home or abroad, taking a proactive approach can be beneficial in reducing your risk of a dental emergency. You can do this by seeing a dentist for regular dental checkups and cleanings, eating healthy foods, staying away from harmful habits, wearing appropriate mouth protection, and practicing good oral hygiene daily.
If you adhere to these tips, you’ll be less likely to panic when facing a dental emergency. Instead, you’ll get the help you need so that you can get back to work.
About the Author
Dr. Jason Herres completed his dental degree at Temple University before finishing a one-year Advanced Education of General Dentistry (AEGD) residency at the Naval Hospital Great Lakes at the Navy Recruit Training Command. At Dentistry for Life, he and his team can provide helpful tips to keep smiles healthy and damage-free, even while traveling abroad. Contact us at (717) 569-3911 or visit us online to discover helpful tips to keep your smile safe when working overseas.