Vacations are supposed to be for exploring, having new experiences, and trying unique cuisines. But a dental emergency can quickly slam the brakes on your getaway fun. If you find yourself with a sudden toothache, gum pain, or other issue while enjoying your time on the Gulf Coast, a dentist in Port Charlotte, FL, can quickly assess your dental issues and get you back to enjoying the sunshine.
What constitutes a dental emergency?
When your vacation is at risk of being interrupted, you may try to ignore tooth or mouth pain and decide to deal with it when you get home. But sometimes, waiting makes the problem worse. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, seeking care from a local dentist is best:
If you determine you have a true dental emergency, take these four steps to quickly find a local dentist and get the treatment you need.
1. Locate a local dentist
There are several ways to find dentists near you while traveling. You can do a quick Google search to see which offices are nearby, ask the front desk of the hotel you’re staying at, or get a recommendation from a local. When in doubt, contact your dentist back home. The staff can likely help you locate a dentist close to your location.
2. Call ahead and explain your situation
Since you’ll be a new patient with an emergency need, it’s best to call the office you plan to visit ahead of time. Especially if you’re seeking emergency care after hours, you’ll want to be sure the dentist has the appropriate staff and resources to treat you before you show up at the door. Even if a dentist can’t treat you when you call, they can likely recommend another local office that will.
3. Receive treatment
Treatment will vary depending on your condition, with more serious procedures requiring more time off the beach. For example, if you lost a dental crown, a local dentist may be able to reattach it, or you might need to have a new one made when you get home. No matter the circumstance, the local dentist will do everything possible to get you back to normal for the remainder of your trip.
4. Schedule an appointment with your dentist back home
Depending on your treatment and the severity of your dental emergency, you may need to schedule follow-up treatment when you arrive home. It’s best to visit your local dentist as quickly as possible, so be sure to follow up with them after your emergency treatment.
The bottom line
Nobody wants to deal with a health emergency while on vacation, but things happen, even on Florida’s stunning Southwest coast. Immediately dealing with your dental care needs means you can be back to enjoying Port Charlotte’s world-class fishing, breathtaking sunsets, and award-winning restaurants in no time.