treykion - I agree with you that seeing a dentist before the cruise is the best option.
I had put off seeing a dentist for a long time (using the pandemic as an excuse).
However, I was booked on a 24 day cruise in August. I saw my dentist in April
and I needed dental surgery. The oral surgeon was booked up, but he saw me in
July and I was given antibiotics to take after the surgery. The dentist saw me 2 days
before the cruise. It was a relief to have that done so I could enjoy the cruise.