Every year many students from Rajkot and Saurashtra leave to study in Canada, the UK, Australia, the USA and elsewhere. Dental care is rarely on the packing list — until a toothache starts in the middle of a semester, far from home and the family dentist. A check-up a few weeks before you fly can prevent that.
Why before you go
- Dental care is often not fully covered by student health insurance abroad.
- Appointments with a private dentist can take time to get, and emergencies are stressful in a new country.
- Small problems — an early cavity, a wisdom tooth starting to erupt — are quick to fix now and painful to ignore later.
What to get checked
- Cavities. Fill even small ones. A filling now is far simpler than a root canal abroad. See tooth-coloured fillings.
- Wisdom teeth. An X-ray shows whether they are impacted or likely to cause trouble in the next few years. Problem wisdom teeth are best removed with time to heal before travel. See wisdom tooth extraction.
- Old fillings and crowns that are cracked or leaking.
- Gum health. A professional cleaning and advice on home care.
- Any tooth that is sensitive or occasionally painful — get it diagnosed now, not later.
- Braces or aligners. If you are mid-treatment, plan reviews, extra aligner sets and retainers with your orthodontist before leaving.
Timing
Book six to eight weeks before departure. That leaves time for fillings, a root canal and crown, or wisdom tooth removal and healing, without rushing the last week.
Take with you
- A copy of recent X-rays and a short note of any treatment done
- Your retainer, and a spare if you have one
- A soft toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste and floss
- The clinic's WhatsApp number for advice from home
Coming home for holidays
Many students return in December or the summer. A check-up during each visit home keeps things on track. Parents can book and coordinate appointments while the student is abroad — see NRI dental care.
Common questions
Should I remove my wisdom teeth before studying abroad? Only if they are causing problems or are likely to. An X-ray and examination decide; healthy, well-positioned wisdom teeth can stay.
Is a root canal possible before I fly? Yes, often in a single sitting, with the crown fitted before departure if there is time. See root canal treatment.
What if something breaks abroad? See a local dentist for emergency relief, and share the notes with us on WhatsApp so the definitive treatment can be planned for your next visit home.
Book a pre-departure check-up at Lifedent, Rajkot.