Dentists along the trail

[RAT]

I am interested in any of you who developed tooth problems while thru hiking and how you dealt with it. Knowing that most dentists usually dont accept new patients and when they do they want you to get xrays, teeth cleaning and all that crapp before they will even begin to treat your problems, and then some want a long term commitment and dont like fixing just one thing, also throw in the worst case scenario that you dont have insurance and have to pay with cash, just how hard would it be to find, get in and receive on the spot treatment for the problem tooth at various points along the trail ? Or would you have to get off the trail, return home and start that process there ? anyone ?


RAT

[Spirit Walker]

I don't think you'd find it all that hard to get help in an emergency. Jim had a crown come off last year on the CDT and was able to get an appointment to get it fixed an hour after he called in Salida. It cost, but was worth it.

[max patch]

I agree w/Spirt Walker. I've never had a problem getting emergency work done from any specialist while on vacation. Best thing to do is to see your regular dentist prior to your hike and get checked out. Campmoor sells (or at least used to) an emergency cavity filling kit for use in the field but ain't no way an ounce weenie is gonna carry that.

[Bravo]

I agree w/Spirt Walker. I've never had a problem getting emergency work done from any specialist while on vacation. Best thing to do is to see your regular dentist prior to your hike and get checked out. Campmoor sells (or at least used to) an emergency cavity filling kit for use in the field but ain't no way an ounce weenie is gonna carry that.

I've used those before. You can get them at WalMart. They only hold for a couple days though.

[Fahrenheit]

While I've never had a dental problem on the trail I've visited several physicians while hiking the AT and found that the were all very trail friendly and understanding of the situation. I even visited one who saw me in his office for free and gave me not only a sample of antibiotics so I didn't have to pay at a pharmacy but also one of those giant hershey bars. If you can make it to a hostel or trail friendly type store or hotel those folks are usually pretty aware of health care people who are trail friendly and willing to help you out.

[Appalachian Tater]

Dentists will provide emergency care for non-established patients, especially in the size towns that are along the A.T.