Canal Side Family Dental is a 42 North Dental Care, PLLC practice and is owned and operated by dentists Dr. Samuel Shames, DDM. and Dr. Ronald Weissman, DDM. Gentle Dental is supported by 42 North Dental, LLC, a dental support organization that provides non-clinical administrative and business support services to the practice. 42 North Dental, LLC does not own or operate the dental practice or employ dentists to provide dental services. Find more information about 42 North Dental, LLC and the dental practices it supports at 42northdental.com.
Do you frequently travel abroad for work? Perhaps you may enjoy being exposed to different cultures and cuisines. However, being far away from home also comes with its downsides. For example, if you experience a dental emergency, you might not know what to do! Do not panic. Here is some guidance to help you handle the situation:
Find a Dentist
If you are in the U.S., Canada, or another developed country, you can be confident that the local dentists must adhere to strict rules and guidelines about how they treat patients. You will probably be able to find a nearby practice via a simple online search. Call them, describe your situation, and request an emergency appointment.
If you are in a less-developed country, it may be more difficult to find a dentist. You can check with your travel insurance company. Your employer might also be able to provide information on local emergency services.
Care for Your Mouth
Here are some basic tips to help you care for your mouth when you are experiencing an urgent oral health problem:
- If you have a toothache, avoid using the tooth to chew. Use over-the-counter pain relievers as necessary, and keep your head elevated when you lie down.
- If a tooth gets knocked out, rinse it off and try to place it back in its socket. If you receive care within an hour or two, a dentist may be able to preserve your tooth.
- If a tooth is cracked or broken, rinse your mouth with warm water and avoid doing anything that might worsen the damage. For example, you should not chew with it.
- If you have a soft tissue injury in your mouth that is bleeding a lot, use a clean washcloth to control the flow of blood. If the bleeding is heavy, head to the local hospital for emergency care.
Follow Up and Prevent Future Emergencies
After a dentist provides emergency care, you may need additional appointments in the future to finish any recommended treatment. You can do this either abroad or with your dentist back at home (depending on when you will go back).
You may also find it wise to take steps to reduce the risk that a similar situation will occur again in the future. For example, you should:
- Attend regular dental checkups.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Maintain thorough oral hygiene.
- Be careful when you are walking/enjoying recreation so you do not fall or have an accident that could damage your smile.
Dental emergencies while traveling are a bummer, but with a few wise actions, you can minimize the damage to your smile and get your oral health back on track ASAP.
Meet the Practice
Canal Side Family Dental is proud to provide comprehensive oral care for our community. We provide fast and high-quality emergency treatment; we are often able to accept urgent cases on a same-day basis. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your oral health, we are ready to assist you. Contact our friendly team in Buzzards Bay, MA, at 508-375-3149.