The trip you have been waiting for finally arrived. While it started out great, the unexpected happened! A dental emergency is frustrating enough when you are sticking to your regular schedule. It becomes ever more difficult when you are in new location. Fortunately, by taking the following steps, your smile should be good as new in just a matter of time. Here’s how you can handle an emergency when you are away from home.
Determine the Urgency of Your Emergency
While all dental emergencies can be distressing, some are more urgent to address than others. If you have minor tooth pain or a lost restoration, it may be able to wait until you get home. However, if you have a more severe toothache, a badly broken tooth, or a knocked-out tooth, it’s important that you seek help right away. If that is the case, continue reading!
Find an Emergency Dentist
Many dental offices are happy to see patients on the same day if they are experiencing dental emergency. Just do a Google search for an “emergency dentist near me” and check out their reviews. Give the dentist a call to see if you can be seen that day. If you have a knocked-out tooth, it’s important that you see a dentist as soon as possible – ideally within an hour. By staying calm and explaining your situation, you should be able to find someone who can help relieve your pain and give you a treatment plan to restore your smile to health.
Staying Comfortable
You may have a few hours until you can see an emergency dentist. Dental emergencies of all kinds can be very painful. Until your visit, over-the-counter pain relievers can make a huge difference. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are great options for most people. Be sure to follow the package instructions and let your dentist know what you have taken when you get to the practice. Cold compresses are also a great way to numb the area. Saltwater rinses can be used to disinfect the area and reduce inflammation.
Dental emergencies are always stressful – especially when you are on vacation. By using the tips above and following up with your dentist when you get home from your trip, your smile will be good as new in just a matter of time!
About the Practice
At Ponte Vedra Family Dentistry, Dr. Josh Perry and Dr. Kristen De Bonis work together to treat patients in the Ponte Cedra Beach area. If your beach vacation has been interrupted by a dental emergency, they’d be happy to help! They offer same-day emergency visits, so the fun in the sun doesn’t have to stop. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (904) 280-1200.