There’s a great deal involved in planning a vacation and, even when you plot out a detailed itinerary, any number of things can go wrong. This can include suffering a dental emergency when you’re far from your family dentist. However, taking the time to visit your dentist before you catch your flight can benefit you in a number of different ways.
Uncover Hidden Problems
Unfortunately, a cavity or chipped tooth may go undiscovered until it’s too late. You don’t want to be dining out in an unfamiliar country as a cavity takes that moment to deliver an enduring surge of pain. This is also the last place you want to bite down only to end up spitting tooth fragments into a napkin. A dentist visit before you go away can uncover these problems, so they can be treated more comfortably by your own dentist.
Get Sanitary and Quality Treatment
In the United States, professional dentists, such as Karl Jobst Grove OK, adhere to the strict regulations set forth by the American Dental Association. American dentists are also required to abide by FDA guidelines in using sanitary equipment and prescribing approved medications. Beyond these governmental regulations, your dentist likely belongs to several associations that outline ethical practices.
The Risk of Infection is Greater Abroad
While your dentist strives for excellence anyway, it’s nice to know these rules are there to serve as a failsafe. Outside of the U.S., however, dentists may not need to abide by similar rules. They may not even have the extensive education we require of U.S. dentists. Even if they are qualified and experienced, emergency dental treatment abroad runs a greater risk of infection. Whether you misinterpret the dentist’s aftercare instructions or the nature of travel exposes you to more contaminants, it’s easier to develop an after-surgery infection far from home.
Covering Payment
In all likelihood, your dental insurance policy won’t cover emergencies abroad. Unless you review your policy and add special coverage, you may be forced to pay for your dental emergency out of pocket. While buying additional insurance can help, you can save that money simply by getting a check-up in advance. Once your dentist examines your teeth, you can travel and feel confident that you won’t suffer a sudden emergency.
Get Help Creating a Dental Emergency Kit
You may know to bring along a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash in addition to extra toothbrushes and dental floss. By consulting your dentist, you may also be able to create a dental first aid kit with supplies that will help get you through small emergencies abroad. Your dentist may even be able to give you free samples to help stock your kit, so you can go prepared. Your dentist may also recommend resources and professionals in your destination city just in case you do suffer an emergency.
While getting a dental check-up with Karl Jobst Grove OK won’t guarantee that you’ll avoid dental emergencies abroad, it can minimize the risk. Think of it as an insurance policy for your teeth. Your dentist can help you go on vacation better prepared, so you can relax and enjoy your time away. Following your check-up, you can confidently indulge in an unfamiliar culture’s delicacies without fearing a dental emergency.