For most people, a dental emergency near home is already bad enough. That situation, after all, can involve tooth infections, knocked-out teeth, or worse. Still, having a dental emergency on summer vacation is even worse. It means you’re in a crisis while in an unfamiliar place! Luckily, there are ways to manage that latter scenario. Your Painesville dentist can even share them with you. To that end, here are three crucial tips for handling dental emergencies on a summer vacation.
Remember to Pack a Dental Emergency Kit
To stay prepared, pack an emergency dental kit for your trip. Furthermore, make sure it includes the following items:
- A dentist’s contact sheet or card
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Gauze
- Handkerchiefs
- Saline solution
- A small container with a lid
You see, having the kit will help with sudden dental problems. Should you chip a tooth, for example, you can find the piece and store it in a saline solution. Similarly, you can stem any bleeding with the gauze. Such actions will help future care with an emergency dentist go faster.
Have a Plan to See a Dependable Dentist
It’s crucial to act fast in a dental emergency. In fact, speed makes the difference between saving and losing a tooth. So, have a plan ready beforehand to see a good dentist near your vacation spot.
When making this plan, there are a few things you should do. Firstly, research dentists in the new city who provide urgent care and work with your dental insurance. You should also ensure the potential dentist talks with your primary one and gets the necessary records. Last but not least, contact your insurance provider to see if they offer overseas plans for dental care.
If All Else Fails, Visit an ER
Unfortunately, there’s a chance you won’t find a qualified emergency dentist for your issue. Should that happen, don’t hesitate to seek medical care from an ER.
Remember, oral health is essential to overall health; pain related to it should be treated fast. An emergency room, fortunately, can alleviate much of your discomfort. It can even prescribe antibiotics and refer you to a local dentist for care. After working with one, though, try and contact a good emergency dentist as soon as possible. You’ll still need treatment for the underlying dental problem.
Ultimately, a dental emergency on summer vacation doesn’t have to derail things. Just follow the tips above so you can quickly get back on track.
About the Practice
Painesville Dental Group is based in Jefferson, OH. Led by Drs. Hammond and Pichler, our practice offers top-quality dentistry equipped with the latest technology. In particular, we perform preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, as well as emergency dental care. This comprehensive focus allows us to meet all your dental needs! For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (440)-576-7040.