School will be starting back in a couple of weeks, and many families are preparing for their big summer vacation right before getting back into the routine of things. It’s a great time to get away – but as you pack your bags and check items off your pre-getaway to-do list, are you remembering to prepare for the unexpected, like a dental emergency? Now is a great time to ensure you aren’t surprised if something like a toothache or dental injury happens to you or a loved one. Keep reading to learn more from the emergency dentist Cary trusts.
Common Dental Emergencies & Next-Steps
A dental emergency can happen at any time. Some of the most common ones are listed below, along with what to do if you experience one:
- Knocked-out tooth: If a tooth is knocked completely out of the gum line, collect it – touching it only by the crown, or the part you chew with – and rinse off any debris with water only. Do not scrub the tooth or touch the root. For the best chance at successful reattachment, try to put it back in the gum line. If you cannot, store it in the cheek or in a cup of milk or contact solution. Contact a local emergency dentist right away.
- Toothache: If you are struck with a toothache that is bad enough to disrupt your vacation, you may not be able to wait until you get home to have it seen about. Contact your regular dentist for advice on how to handle the situation.
- Broken tooth: Collect any pieces that have broken off and rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any potential loose shards. Contact your regular dentist for advice on what to do next – depending on the particular situation, you may be able to wait until you get home for treatment.
- Lost filling or crown: Can you reattach the filling or crown using denture cream? Try to do so. If not, store the missing piece. A call to your regular dentist can help you understand what to do until you can make it home.
How to Find an Emergency Dentist Somewhere Else
It is scary enough to find yourself in one of the situations described above when you are at home – and it can be even more stressful when you are in an unfamiliar place. But, thanks to the Internet, there is no need to fear. If you find yourself in need of a professional to treat a dental emergency outside of Cary, you should be able to find one by simply searching “emergency dentist” and the city or region you are in. If time allows, you can also call your dental insurance (if you have it) to have them help you find someone in your network.
The most important thing to remember in this situation is to keep your cool. By taking the steps we have described here and also getting prompt attention, you should be back to your old self and enjoying your vacation again in no time!
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Bikram Singh is the experienced dentist at the helm of Cary Dental Rejuvenation. From routine checkups and cleanings to last-minute appointments for dental emergencies, families can trust him and his team for all their dental needs. Dr. Singh encourages his patients who haven’t been to the dentist in six months to schedule a visit before heading out of town – to do so, you can request an appointment online.