Dental emergencies can strike at any time, but they seem to prefer to do so at the least convenient moments. Unfortunately, some patients experience splitting toothaches in the days before an important flight, and traveling by plane can complicate the healing process after extraction. Here’s a quick look at when you can expect to be able to fly without complications after tooth extraction as well as how to stay comfortable and mitigate the risks if you have to fly sooner than that.
Why Is Flying After Tooth Extraction Risky?
It’s important to get twenty-four to forty-eight hours of rest after having a tooth extracted so your gums and jawbones can begin the healing process, and the excitement and hustle-and-bustle of traveling can stress your surgical sites. To make matters worse, changes in altitude during flight can cause pressure shifts that strain your healing tissues. This can make discomfort and infection more likely, especially if it results in dry socket.
Ideally, you will wait to fly for at least two days after having your tooth extracted. However, some patients may not be able to spare that much time before they need to travel.
What If I Need to Fly After a Tooth Extraction?
If you need to fly soon after a tooth extraction, it’s best to stick to the following precautions:
- Try to avoid physical activity in the terminal and on the plane when possible.
- Have your prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication stored in your carry-on bag.
- Bring a cold compress to help relieve discomfort.
- Buy a room-temperature bottle of water in the terminal to make sure you can stay hydrated.
- Stick to a diet of soft, bland foods.
- Keep clean gauze in your carry-on bag if you need to periodically change your bandage.
- Note the contact information and location of a trusted dentist near your destination.
Most patients report that the discomfort after a tooth extraction will begin to fade after several days. However, contact your dentist if your pain seems to be getting worse or if you notice signs of infection such as swelling or a foul taste in your mouth.
Adhering to your dentist’s instructions can allow you to enjoy a smooth and complication-free recovery after tooth extraction. Consulting with your dentist before your procedure can help you understand when it will be safest to fly afterward.
About the Practice
Complete Dental Care of Renton offers the most excellent oral health services in town. Led by Drs. Manpreet Dhaliwal, Soumya Sadineni, and Navi Dhaliwal, the staff treats each patient with courtesy and respect in a calm and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as extractions. To learn more about recovering after an extraction, contact the practice online or dial (425) 226-5940.