Summer is finally here! What happens if something goes wrong while you’re out of town or overseas after you’ve had dental work done, or if you start to develop pain? Dental complications, while rare, do happen. Being prepared and knowing how to respond can help you avoid stress, pain, and financial loss.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do if you experience problems with your dental work while abroad.

1. Recognize Common Dental Complications

Not every discomfort is a sign of failure, but be on the lookout for these signs of complications:

  • Prolonged or severe pain
  • Bleeding or swelling beyond the expected healing time
  • Loosening crowns, implants, or bridges
  • Ill-fitting dentures or restorations
  • Signs of infection (fever, pus, foul taste or smell)

Early recognition allows for prompt treatment, which can prevent further damage or complications.

2. Contact the Clinic Immediately

As soon as you suspect something is wrong:

  • Call or email the clinic where you were treated
  • Send photos and describe symptoms in detail
  • Ask for their advice on whether to return, seek local help, or monitor your condition

Rockside Family Dental offers aftercare instructions and remote support, and we always have a dentist on call over the weekends.

3. Recognizing an “Urgency” vs an “Emergency”

True dental emergencies are rare. If you develop severe pain, and more importantly, swelling, that is affecting your ability to breathe or swallow, this would be considered a dental emergency. 

  • Emergency – Visit the emergency room or urgent care as soon as possible if your dental office is closed or unavailable.
  • Urgency – Schedule an appointment with your dentist, but if it is not a same-day appointment it is still safe to wait for an appointment without going to the emergency room. This includes, but not limited to:
    • Crown/veneer coming off a natural tooth or implant
    • Temporary crown/veneer coming off
      • obtain temporary dental cement from a drugstore and place it back on your tooth if you are having discomfort and cannot see a dentist
    • Tooth breaking with no associated pain
    • Inflammation of gums
    • Discomfort on chewing, but not any other time
    • Tooth coming out of a denture or partial

4. Find a Local Dentist if Urgent

If you’re experiencing significant discomfort or infection and can’t wait to travel back:

  • Visit a qualified local dentist immediately
  • Bring your dental records, x-rays, and details of the treatment you received abroad
  • Ask the overseas clinic to share any necessary files directly with your new dentist

Keep all receipts and documentation. If your original clinic accepts responsibility, they may reimburse you.

5. Consider Dental Travel Insurance

If you’re still planning your trip, consider dental travel insurance that covers:

  • Complications during or after treatment
  • Emergency dental care
  • Trip cancellation or delays due to health reasons

Standard travel insurance typically does not cover elective medical treatments or their complications.

6. Document Everything

In case you need to file a complaint or request reimbursement from travel insurance:

  • Take clear photos of the issue (inside and outside the mouth if applicable)
  • Save all communication with the clinic (emails, WhatsApp chats, call logs)
  • Keep receipts for treatment, travel, and medications

Final Thoughts

If complications arise while you’re abroad, swift communication, proper documentation, and knowing when to seek help locally can make all the difference. Always research thoroughly, choose clinics with solid reputations, and build in time for healing and backup plans—just in case.

Safe travels and healthy smiles!

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