You have requested time off work; you have the perfect week planned. Maybe you want to visit the beach most of the time. In short, you’re looking for a little relaxation and “me time.”
On the eve of your vacation (or staycation), you notice increasing tooth sensitivity or potential swelling in the lower jaw.
Don’t wait and see!
We urge you to act immediately to save your smile and enjoy your planned festivities.
Remember, a minor toothache today can graduate to excruciating pain in short order! Mild swelling can increase over just a few hours.
Emergency dentistry is crucial for saving the tooth and preventing complications.
In this blog, we explore:
- Recognizing a Dental Emergency Before You Hit the Beach
- What to Do If You Suspect a Dental Emergency
- How We Treat Dental Emergencies
- Preventing Dental Emergencies
- Enjoying Your Vacation Time in North Carolina
- Contacting Your Charlotte Emergency Dentist
Recognizing a Dental Emergency Before You Hit the Beach
It’s not always easy to recognize a dental emergency because there are so many potential scenarios. Still, the most common dental emergencies share at least one of these traits in common:
- Toothache or Increasing Sensitivity
- Jaw or Face Swelling
- Tooth or Restoration Damage
- An Oral Injury of the Teeth, Gums, or Soft Tissues
- A Knocked-Out Tooth
If you sustain an impact injury outside the mouth, such as a fall or auto collision, you must visit the local emergency room immediately and contact our dental office after you’ve been seen and stabilized. Your health and wellness are always priorities.
What to Do If You Suspect a Dental Emergency
As you await your emergency dental appointment, there are steps you can take to ease pain and help preserve your dental health.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends:
- Knocked-Out Tooth: You can replace the tooth in the socket if possible, or place it in a cup of milk. The dentist can sometimes restore the knocked-out tooth if you follow the proper steps to preserve it.
- Object Stuck Between Teeth: You can attempt to dislodge the object using dental floss to shift debris gently, but never force or use aggression.
- Cracked Tooth: Rinse with warm water and apply a cold compress to help prevent swelling.
- Tongue or Soft-Tissue Injury: Again, rinse with warm water and apply a cold compress. If there is bleeding, gently hold gauze against the injured area.
- Toothaches and Sensitivity: Try rinsing the area and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. Remember, you should not apply aspirin directly to the gum as it can cause burning or even worsen your situation.
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
We treat dental emergencies fast and always urge our patients to call us at the first signs of trouble. We never want a dental emergency to derail your vacation plans, your beach week, or put your dental health at risk.
The way we treat your dental emergency depends on the nature of the problem. Treatments may include, but are not limited to:
- Root Canal Treatment: A gentle therapy that removes infection from the canal of your tooth. This treatment eliminates pain and prevents tooth loss.
- Tooth Extractions: Extraction removes a painful or damaged tooth to make way for a new one. It’s vital to replace a lost tooth to preserve your oral health and the aesthetics of your smile.
- Restorative Dentistry: Using tooth crowns or other cosmetic restorations, we restore teeth that can be salvaged.
- Tooth-Colored Fillings: These composite fillings close treated cavities aesthetically.
- Tooth Replacement: A restorative dental implant or bridge stands in for your missing tooth.
In many cases, if your dental emergency requires more than one visit, we can stabilize the issues, eliminate your pain, and complete the work after your vacation. The dentist may send you off with instructions to help ensure there are no complications in the meantime.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
If you’re planning a beach weekend or other activities in Charlotte or the surrounding areas, we urge you to schedule your next checkup and teeth cleaning as part of your plans. A Checkup helps ensure you don’t experience a dental emergency during your much-deserved vacation week.
You should also be sure to brush and floss at least twice daily as part of your prevention plan.
During your time on the beach or sightseeing, take a few precautions. Don’t chew on hard objects like ice cubes and wear a mouthguard for beach volleyball to protect your teeth and gums.
Enjoying Your Vacation Time in North Carolina
Local events to consider in Charlotte this summer include:
- The Titanic Exhibit (Now Through September 7)
- River Jam (Now Through September 24)
- Crossroads Cinema Summer (Now Through October 30)
- Boileryard Brunch (Now Through October 25)
Click here to learn more about these events and others, including showtimes and venues.
North Carolina is a popular destination for beach vacations:
- Beach Mountain: A mountain escape for any season!
- Hatteras Island: Unspoiled beaches on the outerbanks
- The Smoky Mountains: Ziplining and gorgeous nature trails in one location
Topsail Island: Beautiful beaches, gentle waves, and laid-back charm
Click here to learn more about the hottest vacation spots in Charlotte!
Contacting Your Charlotte Emergency Dentist
Of course, we want to hear from you if you notice any changes in your oral health, such as lingering sensitivity or other differences. We can assess your symptoms to determine whether you’re experiencing a dental emergency. To learn more or to book an emergency dental visit, call us today.
We work with Cherry Financing and CareCredit and offer three convenient locations to serve you better.