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Life can come at you pretty fast, and if you’re an avid traveler, you probably know that there will be times when you’ll encounter unexpected speedbumps that make things tricky while you’re overseas. Of these unanticipated occurrences, few are as aggravating as dental emergencies! But fortunately, you aren’t entirely helpless when these instances happen and you’re traveling abroad. Here’s a guide from your emergency dentist about handling urgent situations while you’re overseas so that you can ensure your oral health isn’t in any long-term danger.
What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is actually an umbrella term that refers to any abnormal symptom affecting one’s teeth, gums, or other oral structures. They’re quite a serious matter, and most of the time, they’re accompanied by pain and discomfort since nerves and blood vessels inside the mouth can easily become damaged. Here are a few common examples of dental emergencies:
- Avulsed (knocked out) teeth
- Fractured or broken teeth
- Abscessed teeth
- Damaged or lost dental restorations
Handling a Dental Emergency While Overseas
While it’s useful to know how to identify a dental emergency, it’s equally important to have a game plan for what to do when things turn south, and you suffer an unexpected incident! When you arrive at your destination, it’s always wise to have an idea of a local emergency dentist you can call if necessary, and ideally, one that accepts your insurance plan. It’s possible that your dentist at home might be able to come up with some recommendations. In any case, having a protocol in place for where to go during an emergency will ensure that you spend less time thinking and more time acting.
Depending on the nature of your emergency, there are also certain things you can do depending on your symptoms: for toothaches or inflammation, a saltwater rinse coupled with over-the-counter pain relievers can provide some comfort while you’re waiting to see a dentist. For lost or broken teeth, be sure to retrieve any scattered pieces and bring them with you to your appointment. Even though you’re overseas, how you go about quickly handling dental emergencies and addressing discomfort doesn’t necessarily change—rather, who you seek for help is the main difference.
If you’re unable to make it to an emergency dentist, you can still visit an emergency room; just note that they often aren’t fully outfitted for handling dental emergencies and can usually only provide effective symptom relief. It’s also worth noting that maintaining excellent oral hygiene prior to leaving will produce the best chance of you avoiding an emergency in the first place!
About the Author
Dr. Francisca A. Sanchez received her dental doctorate from the Columbia School of Dental Medicine and is a proud member of several professional organizations, including the New York Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Her practice is thrilled to assist patients and families in New York City and the surrounding area. If you have any questions about the article, don’t hesitate to contact the practice online or over the phone for further information. Telephone: (646) 669-7407.