David B. does not like to remember his last vacation when he visited the Maldives with his wife and grandchildren.
He lost his dental prosthesis while swimming in the sea and didn’t have a replacement prosthesis with him. Which may sound amusing, but it was not at all funny for David B. or his family. He had to spend the rest of the vacation with a toothless upper jaw, which was neither pleasant nor attractive. Samantha L. had a similar experience – her dentures broke during her vacation.
When someone plans a holiday, the preparations can be extensive. However, once all the arrangemnets are done, the fun can start. Some people enjoy a few weeks at a local holiday resort, while others set out for more distant destinations like a hike through the Pantanal, or a safari in Botswana. Others enjoy the beauty of Mauritius or a roadtrip through Mexico.
Whatever your destination, older patients in particular should be very careful when getting ready for their trip. Apart from getting all the recommended vaccinations and stocking up on any medications, a visit to the dentist should definitely be on their list.
Patients with dentures should always have a dental check-up before travelling. Many people have had the dreadful experience of a dental prosthesis breaking during what should be the most enjoyable and relaxing time of the year. The dentist will make sure that your prosthesis is in good order, and that it fits securely without uncomfortable pressure points before you set off on your trip.
Most importantly, your dentures will be examined for hidden cracks that might cause them to break. If necessary, the dentist can send your prosthesis to the dental laboratory where the dental technician will meticulously examine and clean them professionally. In order for patients not to be without their dentures for a long time, they can make an appointment with the dental laboratory after consulting their dentist.
Should patients consider getting a second prosthesis?
Patients with removable dentures should definitely consider having a travel prosthesis made. Having a second prosthesis means they have a replacement prosthesis on hand should something happen to their normal one.
It is often less expensive to order a second prosthesis when having a new one made, as it can be done in tandem with the the first one. Having a travel prosthesis quickly to hand in an emergency is great. The damaged prosthesis can then be repaired at leisure by your dentist or your local dental laboratory after you get home from your trip.
Go to an on-site dentist, or go to the family dentist after your trip?
If there are problems with dentures on vacation, many patients wonder what to do. Should they try to find a dentist on site? Or should they wait to see the family dentist and the dental laboratory at home after their trip? Basically, this will depend on the type of defect. If it’s just minor like a single tooth having come loose, or a slight crack in the veneer of a crown, treatment can often be delayed until the patient gets home.
However, if dentures have actually fallen out, particularly bridges and crowns, they should at least be temporarily replaced by a dentist at the holiday location, as this will prevent further damage.
And this holds true for all teeth. If you are experiencing toothache, have painful swelling of the gum, or large pieces of tooth have broken off, you should go to a dentist on site to get treatment.
With good planning, you can just relax and enjoy your holiday
David B. will be visiting Spain with his wife this year. His check-up appointment with his dentist has already been arranged. Before leaving on their trip, he will make sure his prosthesis still fits comfortably in his mouth. David B. has also had a travel prosthesis made, which did not cost him an arm and a leg.
Samantha L. has also already scheduled her next dental visit, as per her dentist’s advice regarding regular check-ups. After all, she doesn’t ever want to have another lovely holiday spoilt by a broken prosthesis!
Patients with removable dentures should definitely consider having a travel prosthesis made. Having a second prosthesis means they have a replacement prosthesis on hand should something happen to their normal one.
It is often less expensive to order a second prosthesis when having a new one made, as it can be done in tandem with the the first one. Having a travel prosthesis quickly to hand in an emergency is great. The damaged prosthesis can then be repaired at leisure by your dentist or your local dental laboratory after you get home from your trip.
Go to an on-site dentist, or go to the family dentist after your trip?
If there are problems with dentures on vacation, many patients wonder what to do. Should they try to find a dentist on site? Or should they wait to see the family dentist and the dental laboratory at home after their trip? Basically, this will depend on the type of defect. If it’s just minor like a single tooth having come loose, or a slight crack in the veneer of a crown, treatment can often be delayed until the patient gets home.
However, if dentures have actually fallen out, particularly bridges and crowns, they should at least be temporarily replaced by a dentist at the holiday location, as this will prevent further damage.
And this holds true for all teeth. If you are experiencing toothache, have painful swelling of the gum, or large pieces of tooth have broken off, you should go to a dentist on site to get treatment.
With good planning, you can relax and enjoy your holiday
David B. will be visiting Spain with his wife this year. His check-up appointment with his dentist has already been arranged. Before leaving on their trip, he will make sure his prosthesis still fits comfortably in his mouth. David B. has also had a travel prosthesis made, which did not cost him an arm and a leg.
Samantha L. has also already scheduled her next dental visit, as per her dentist’s advice regarding regular check-ups. After all, she doesn’t ever want to have another lovely holiday spoilt by a broken prosthesis!