Dental Emergency on Summer Vacation? Here’s What to Know

Summer vacation is synonymous with a few things, including relaxing, fun in the sun, and great photo ops. When you think of your upcoming getaway, you’re probably not imagining an injury to your mouth – but a dental emergency can happen at any time. If it does happen to you, you will want to be prepared. Keep reading to learn more about what to do if an urgent situation arises with your oral health while you’re out of town. An emergency dentist in Edmonton explains. 

First, Get the Situation Under Control

Some of the most common dental emergencies include a broken or dislodged tooth, a completely knocked out crown, a toothache, or a laceration to the soft oral tissues (tongue, cheek, gums, etc.). 

Immediately following an injury or as soon as symptoms arise, the first thing you should do is control the situation. That means stopping the bleeding, easing the ache, and/or collecting all pieces of tooth that have been lost. 

Remember these steps to take right after a dental emergency occurs:

• Apply a clean compress to an open wound to stop any bleeding. 
• Take pain medication to ease discomfort and swelling – but make sure to stick to Tylenol/acetaminophen, which will not thin the blood. Pain medication that is also a blood thinner will make it difficult to slow any bleeding.
• Use an ice pack to help with swelling and pain. Apply in 10-minute intervals. 
• In the event of a broken or knocked out tooth, collect and store the missing pieces for possible reattachment. 

When to Call an Emergency Dentist

There are some dental emergencies that need to be treated right away, others may be able to wait until you get home. If you have completely lost a tooth, don’t wait to get in touch with a professional nearby. Simply googling “emergency dentist near” the city you are in should help you find suitable care right away. 

For other, less urgent events, like a lost crown, filling, or a dull toothache, call your regular dentist during office hours to describe what’s going on. They can let you know how serious the situation is and provide advice on how to cope until you can receive treatment. 

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

The best way to protect yourself from a scary dental situation while you are out of town is to book a preventive visit with your dentist before you leave! During this appointment, they can check for cavities, injuries, and other things that need treatment – saving you time, money, and allowing you to truly relax on your upcoming vacation. Don’t wait to schedule that visit! 

Meet the Dentists

Sherbrooke Family Dental is headed up by Drs. Dalal Fawzi, Hanin Musbah, and Alaa Musbah. They work together to provide exceptional care for patients of all ages. Whether your trip is a quick car ride away from Edmonton or you’re going overseas, they want all patients to be prepared by scheduling a checkup and cleaning before summer vacation. You can do so through their website or by calling 780-455-8124 today.