Dental Problem While On A Cruise ???

[maltesemom]

In September, 2004 I woke up one morning on the Pride of Aloha looking like the elephant woman. My face was swollen three times the size. Went to see the ships doc, he said it was a sinus infection, put me on high doses of antibiotics, long story short, four days later wound up in a dentist office in Maui, had to have an emergency root canal, had to have the side of my nose cut open (on the inside of my mouth) to take out what the dentist said was a pound of infection. Thank god I went to the ships dr. and was on antibiotics or the dentist would not have touched me. That is another reason I take cruise insurance it cost me 850 for the root canal and about abohter 300 for the ships dr. Insurance covered it all plus.

[LuvBNatC]

For the record, I would NEVER recommend the use of super glue in the mouth. Cyanoacrylate is acidic, and the potential of damage to the nerve exists (if the tooth has not had a root canal), plus super glue is not that effective in a wet environment. (I could also tell you the story of the lips I had to surgically separate from superglue bonding them together)

 

I would pack some extra strength fixadent, make sure the tooth is dry, and reapply it as needed. Sure not the best fix, but super glue is NOT the answer.

 

As the victim of many glued-together fingers (which I've been able to peel apart without surgical intervention, :o ), I totally appreciate what you're saying about the dangers of Super Glue.

 

Thankfully, it worked and no long-term harm was done this time, because I don't think I could have gotten him to use duct tape. :eek:

[superjerryw]

I have not seen this topic discussed here before. Has anyone ever experienced any dental emergency's while cruising? What options are available (if any)

 

Your only option is to find a dentist in the next port as the ship does not have a dentist on board. The ship's medical center should be able to help you find a dentist if you need one. They will work with the local agent that the cruise line has in each port to do so. I needed to see a dentist in St. Thomas. They suggested I see the dentist used by the crew right in the pier area at Havensight. He said he was too busy to see me so they located another dentist. I had to wait several hours to see him, but he did provide a temporary fix for the problem.

[Barbee524]

Oh man this is my biggest fear whenever I travel. I see a my dentist at home 4 times a year with no fear. But, I am scared of having to go to a different dentist, then throw in the possibilty of language problems. Yikes!

[shipshape sam]

So.............. what should an emergency dental kit contain?

[Rodoverer]

In September, 2004 I woke up one morning on the Pride of Aloha looking like the elephant woman. My face was swollen three times the size. Went to see the ships doc, he said it was a sinus infection, put me on high doses of antibiotics, long story short, four days later wound up in a dentist office in Maui, had to have an emergency root canal, had to have the side of my nose cut open (on the inside of my mouth) to take out what the dentist said was a pound of infection. Thank god I went to the ships dr. and was on antibiotics or the dentist would not have touched me. That is another reason I take cruise insurance it cost me 850 for the root canal and about abohter 300 for the ships dr. Insurance covered it all plus.

 

Well I heard enough,

 

I started this thread because I am 18 days away from my first family cruise on the Grandeur 9N Eastern and have a rear molar that has been bothering me for some time now.

 

I went to my Dentist who informed me that I probably need a root canal done. He got me an appointment and within three hours (and a lot of driving) my root canal has been performed. The Orthodontist told me that it was a good thing I made this decision because of the amount it has abscessed. The elephant woman story is what I feared the most. Just to think I was real close to just going and taking my chances. Wow!

 

Now I can really start to look forward to our cruise.

 

Thanks All,

 

RS

[CHAMPDDS]

Smart move....Just remember the famous toothache in Tom Hank's "Castaway", and don't put a toothache off...ouch !!!

 

(I'll assume it was an ENDODONTIST (root canal specialist) and not an ORTHODONTIST (braces) ???)

 

David:D

[Rodoverer]

Ooops! You are correct Champ.