I have a loose filling and I’m leaving the country in the morning. I’m going to a third world country to do some volunteer building work. Should I call my dentist as an emergency?
Les – Alabama
Les,
It’s great that you’re volunteering your time to help others. I’m sure your dentist has an emergency number and policy. There’s no harm in calling him or her to see what he thinks. If he’s unwilling to see you, there is something you can do as a contingency plan.
If you’ve got a 24 hour pharmacy or drug store, like Walgreens, there is some store bought dental filling material you can buy. It’s only meant to be temporary, so it can NOT take the place of your filling. In fact, you shouldn’t use it for more than a couple of days and only if your filling falls out. I’d go by the store tonight and grab some to take with you.
So you know, there is a possibility there will be a medical mission somewhere around where you’re going to serve. I’d ask if they have dental services when you get there.
This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.