Dental problems can pop up at any time, leading to the need for one or more emergency tooth extractions. Such situations are always inconvenient, but they may be especially bothersome if you are getting ready to leave on a trip. Is it safe to fly after a tooth extraction, or should you attempt to rearrange your travel schedule? This blog post discusses what you should know before boarding a plane.
You Should Rest for 48 Hours
The initial 48 hours after your extraction are the most critical part of your healing period. It is also the window when the risk for dry socket is highest. Dry socket is a painful condition that occurs when the blood clot at an extraction site gets prematurely removed (or fails to form in the first place). Unfortunately, flying can further increase the chances that you will develop dry socket.
Additionally, the physical exertion involved in traveling — for example, you might have to do quite a bit of walking in the airport — may be challenging if you are still in the first part of your recovery period. Plus, the exercise can slow down your body’s healing process and delay your return to normalcy.
For the above reasons, it is highly recommended that you avoid flying for at least 48 hours after a tooth extraction.
Flying During Your Recovery Period
After the first 48 hours of your recovery, it will probably be safe for you to fly. However, you should prepare yourself for some increased discomfort. For example, changes in altitude and air pressure might irritate your sinuses. If you had one of your upper teeth removed, sinus problems may cause pain at your extraction site.
Also, symptoms that people normally experience when flying, such as toothaches and headaches, may be exacerbated when you are recovering from a dental procedure.
Safe Flying Tips
If your circumstances permit, you should wait at least a week after your extractions before you get on a plane. If that is not possible, you should take some steps to make yourself as comfortable and safe as possible during your trip:
- Pack pain medication. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen both work well for reducing oral pain.
- Bring gauze. You might experience some light, intermittent bleeding during your flight. Gauze can keep it under control.
- Bring a plastic bag. You can ask the flight attendant for ice and create a makeshift ice pack to minimize swelling and discomfort.
- Bring soft snacks. It might be tricky or exhausting to find soft foods in airport restaurants that will not bother your extraction site. Bring applesauce, pudding, or other snack softs with you so you can keep hunger at bay.
- Know how to contact your dentist. If you have problems with your extraction site while you are at the airport, give your dentist a call. They will provide guidance on how to handle the situation.
Flying after tooth extractions can be inconvenient and uncomfortable, but it should be safe after the first 48 hours of your recovery period. Use the above tips to make your trip as low-risk as possible.
Meet the Practice
The talented team at Santavicca Dental Professionals proudly offers tooth extractions and a range of other restorative and emergency services in our welcoming, modern office. To learn how our team may be able to serve you, contact us at 603-215-7108.