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 Bakersfield, 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 Brimhall Dental Group at 661-249-1122 for an appointment in our Bakersfield office.
“How do I find a dentist near me?” remains one of the most common questions, especially if you have recently moved to the neighborhood. Read on to learn more. You need to find the right dentist to handle your dental needs. The process means asking the right questions to find the right fit for you.Here…
Maintaining good overall health includes taking care of the teeth, but many people may find it difficult to find a dentist whose office hours and available services match a busy lifestyle. This is a common problem; however, those who work long hours, care for children full time, and have many daily commitments can still take…
When a patient is trying to find a dentist, there are specific questions that can help narrow down the search and match the patient to the right provider. You may be searching for a new dentist in the same town, or perhaps there is an urgent need to find a dentist after a move to…
Are you looking for CPAP alternatives to treat your sleep apnea? Obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition that impacts millions of individuals all across the globe. Due to this condition, the patient’s airway closes while they are asleep. This can lead to symptoms like difficulty staying asleep throughout the night, snoring, morning headaches, and…
Dentures can be a great way to replace missing teeth, but they require regular denture care and maintenance. In fact, dentures can last for ten or more years with proper denture care. How long dentures will last depends on how well and how often you take care of them.Dentures rarely need repairs, but dentists recommend…