Is your schedule filled with flights toward your next destination? Maybe you are heading out for work or fun, but if you have an upcoming dental treatment, you may wonder if you should postpone your travel plans. That is especially true when it comes to tooth extractions. Continue reading to learn more about how flying can affect this procedure, so you can get ahead of planning.
Can I Fly After My Tooth Extraction?
In short, it’s not recommended to get on an airplane right after getting your tooth extracted. Instead, you should try to wait about two days. During this time, your mouth will begin the healing process by filling in the empty socket with a blood clot. Flying comes with changes in altitude and air pressure, so you may feel more discomfort or dislodge the much-needed clot.
Rest and relax for a couple of days before you travel, regardless of whether it’s a simple or surgical extraction. Follow your dentist’s post-care instructions, and you can ensure you have a smooth recovery.
How Can I Make Flying After a Tooth Extraction Easier?
If you do have to travel, it’s recommended to wait at least three to four days or even a week before you fly. If you have to hop on a plane sooner, here are some tips to help make the trip a little easier:
- Bring over-the-counter medication in your carry-on, in case you start to feel some discomfort.
- Take a small plastic baggie and ask the flight attendant to fill it up with ice. Wrap it in a cloth to create a cold compress to help reduce swelling.
- Buy a couple of bottles of water to prevent the risk of dehydration and dry mouth. These conditions increase your risk of causing dry socket, which is when the blood clot becomes dislodged.
- Have extra gauze handy if you are flying right after the procedure and need to switch out the one in your mouth.
Even though flying after a tooth extraction isn’t recommended, following these tips can make it a bit more comfortable for you. When you reach your destination, set aside plenty of time to rest. Your body deserves the chance to rest and heal, so you can finish up with your recovery and enjoy your trip!
About the Practice
At EMA Dental of Westfield, we benefit from a team of skilled dentists who have chosen to build upon their knowledge by continuing their education. They want the best for our patients, and with their expertise, we can give them the high-quality care that they deserve.
We try our best to save your natural teeth, but if one cannot be saved, then we can extract it to protect your oral health. State-of-the-art technology and modern techniques allow us to perform this treatment while keeping you as comfortable as possible. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call our Westfield location at (413) 568-1698.