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HEALTH |
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Dental Disasters Abroad |
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by Hillary EasomDuring my recent travels in Asia, I developed a new addiction—coconut candy. Much to my chagrin, I lost a filling while chewing on one of these little temptations. Spoiled by an excellent American dentist with modern techniques and technology, I worried that I might not get adequate treatment away from home. On the other
hand, my travels were only just beginning, and I did not want to dampen
the experience because of a constant toothache. Should I have the tooth
refilled in Asia, or should I wait until I returned home and risk the
possibility of further dental distress? |
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Several years ago, while visiting England, I had begun to develop pain and sensitivity in one of my molars. Figuring it was a temporary problem, for three weeks I dealt with the agony by drinking only lukewarm beverages and chewing on the pain-free side of my mouth—bad idea. Upon returning home, I learned that not only did I have a small crack in my molar, but also that ignoring the ache had escalated the problem: I now needed an on-the-spot root canal. This was not the most pleasant return to post-holiday reality.
Surely in this situation I would have been better off seeking treatment while still abroad, but what is the best general rule for addressing daunting dental predicaments while in unfamiliar territory? Ralph H. Yarn, a dentist in Maine, recommends taking preventive measures before departing from home. Many of Dr. Yarn’s patients come in for pre-trip check-ups. |
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