Holidaying in Portugal and I think I need to see a dentist

[JengaNonConfirming]

We arrived in Albufeira, Portugal, on Saturday morning and we're here for a week. Yesterday evening (Sunday) I became aware of a tooth that had a filling replaced in January, it started to feel sensitive. I've just woken after 2 hours sleep and it's low level aching.

I've taken paracetamol and am hoping they will help, but I'm worried that it's only going to get worse. I'm thinking that it would be wise to get it looked at whilst I'm here, before it becomes more painful. I'm very nervous about the dentist and only started seeing mine about 5 months ago.

Would reception have details of a dentist? Is it likely it would be covered under my travel insurance? I'll check policy tomorrow, when hopefully I'll feel less anxious. If they don't, then I'm happy to pay.

(Sorry if this is a daft question, I think I feel more anxious sat in the dark)

Whether it's covered depends entirely upon your insurance. But yes reception will definitely be able to help it should be straightforward. Good luck.

This is a bit pointless of me as I can’t help you with your questions but I just wanted to say really, do get it looked at ASAP. I tried to ignore thrush on a trip to France a few years ago. Ended up in so much discomfort, discovered “Canestan” doesn’t work in France and had to send DH into the chemist as his French is less rudimentary than mine. He ended up having to explain my condition to a lovely fellow shopper who translated for him. It wasn’t an easy thing for him to mime. I have also sorts of teeth issues and it may be that you’ll wake up in the morning just fine but if you are in any doubt then at least find out if the hotel can help.

Thanks for the quick reply @user1477249785. I feel better knowing that reception should be able to help. Not keen on seeing a dentist, but I'd choose that over the pain getting worse. Will definitely check insurance in the morning.

@Fidodidit oh I do hope when I wake up it's gone - once I manage to go back to sleep
That must've been so uncomfortable and awkward for you and your husband. Being away from home just makes these situations feel all the more difficult!

Reception were no help, I was just told to look on line!

The only one in Albufeira I can think of off the top of my head is the Clínica Pacífico which advertises in some of the English language press. But google should be able to come up with a few others. In my experience many Portuguese dentists speak perfectly acceptable English but if you want a native English speaker and can't find one, try searching for a Dutch dentist. There's plenty about.

You'll have to pay up front and then reclaim from your insurance. If a travel policy doesn't cover emergency dental treatment then it's not worth having.

If this is the first time you've flown since the filling was done, it's just possible that a small air pocket was left between the filling and the tooth and it has expanded/contracted with the changing air pressure (like when your ears 'pop').

@Otherpeoplesteens, that's interesting what you say about the air pocket - I had real problems with my ears in the flight and they still aren't quite right.

I have an appointment at 4pm

Hope it goes well and come back and update

Thanks @peanutpancakes, I will.

The dentist was lovely, but half an hour late. He had a look and filling is loose, he prescribed antibiotics, paracetamol and ibuprofen. I need to see my dentist when I get home to replace the filling.

The dentist was lovely, but half an hour late.

Unfortunately, while there are many professionals in Portugal who stick rigidly to schedules and are consummate professionals in this regard, this sort of thing is all too common. I've sat in lawyers' offices for an hour past my appointment time before, only for them to disappear for a two hour lunch when they've finished with the previous client.

Glad you got an answer though.

You should be able to get the prescription filled at any pharmacist (Farmácia - they all have green crosses and "Control" condom machines outside). For Portuguese citizens the SNS (NHS) subsidises some, all, or none of the drug price, depending on how vital it is to keeping you alive. If I recall antibiotics get a small subsidy but painkillers don't; you'll have to pay full whack anyway and then reclaim from your insurance.

@Otherpeoplesteens they also didn't have a receptionist, so you had to wait to go in and then wait a while afterwards to pay.

My consultation was €25 and the meds came in at just under €13.

Thank you so much for your helpful advice!