How Do I Handle a Dental Emergency While Working Overseas?

Dental emergencies by nature are usually unexpected, but at least you can attempt to be prepared. When you are living abroad, it can potentially complicate your access to treatment. When you’re facing a dire situation in an unfamiliar location, several questions might run through your head as you’re probably unsure of what to do. Read on to learn how you should handle a dental emergency while overseas.

Identify a Quality Dentist and Formulate a Plan

As soon as you arrive at your destination, research local emergency dentists who provide urgent care and accept your dental insurance plan. It’s crucial to have a dentist in the area you can count on – they can potentially save your life! You can also ask your home dental office if they have any recommendations for providers in the area you’re going to. Make sure that any new dentist you see communicates with your primary one and can access necessary records.

Use ER Visit as Your Backup Plan

Some dental emergencies are unbearably painful and may cause fever and swelling. Unless you seek immediate treatment, these symptoms can spread to other parts of the body and possibly become life-threatening. If you’re unable to find an emergency dentist near you, visit an emergency room and seek medical care instead. They’ll provide you with prompt relief for your oral pain, prescribe antibiotics, and connect you with a local dental practice.

What to Do Immediately After a Dental Emergency Strikes

While searching for a local emergency dentist, here’s what you should do to manage your incident in the meantime:

Knocked-Out Tooth

If you have a knocked-out tooth, be sure to hold it only by the crown. Rinse the root gently if it’s dirty and attempt to reinsert it into the socket. If that’s not possible, place it in a cup of milk or salt water to keep it moist while you go to your dentist.

Toothache

Some people experience toothaches while flying because of air pressure imbalances. When air enters your tooth through a crack, cavity, or gap in your filling, it expands and can cause discomfort. It should go away when you land, but if it doesn’t, rinse your mouth, floss your teeth, and take pain medication. If you can’t wait for treatment until you return home, you might need to visit a local dentist.

Broken or Cracked Tooth

Did you break or crack a tooth? It requires immediate dental attention. While you wait for care, rinse your mouth, and apply a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.

Ultimately, the best thing you can do to avoid a dental emergency is to be prepared. Schedule a dentist appointment before you depart and be sure to maintain good oral hygiene while overseas. Taking good care of your teeth is the key to minimizing your chances of any unfortunate accidents!

About the Practice

At East Islip Dental Care, you can entrust your smile to a dedicated team of dental experts, and we’re open seven days a week with evening hours. With seven dentists on staff, we are ready to assist with any of your oral health needs. Also, we’ll help you maximize your dental insurance benefits. If you ever find yourself facing a dental emergency, we offer same-day appointments to help you as soon as possible. Schedule one on our website or by calling (631) 581-8600.