Can i fly after wisdom teeth removal

Tooth extraction procedures can cause pain and discomfort for up to 24 to 48 hours following surgery. Depending on your level of pain tolerance, your dental professional may prescribe bed rest or refraining from strenuous physical activity for the time being for a smooth recovery. However, if flying after tooth extraction is non-negotiable, you should be aware of the risks and plan accordingly. Looking for a periodontist in Sugar Land, TX? Contact Dr. Dyer today.

What Are The Risks of Flying After Tooth Extraction?

At some point in their lives, most people will get one or more of their teeth removed for several reasons, e.g., tooth cavities, decay, or infection. The first few days after tooth extraction can be uncomfortable. Many patients experience side effects, such as swollen or tender gums, redness around the surgical site, and slight fever or chills.

If you plan to fly anytime within 48 hours of your tooth extraction appointment, be sure to speak to your dental professional about dealing with the pain. Changes in altitude and cabin pressure as well as constant vibrations of airplanes can increase the pain and discomfort in the gums and jaws of patients who have recently had a tooth extraction. Flying immediately after having a tooth pulled can also increase the risk of having a dry socket. A dry socket is a painful condition where the blood clot at the extraction site fails to develop and dislodges from the gum.

Flying After Tooth Extraction: What To Do Before And During Your Trip

Planning for any contingencies is the best way to ensure that flying after tooth extraction is as comfortable as possible. Packing your dentist-prescribed OTC pain medication before a flight can help ease pain in your gums and jaws during a flight. You can take your medication before getting on your flight to allow some time for the effect to kick in. Also, avoid brushing your teeth within the first 24 hours following tooth extraction and carry extra gauze if you’d need to change it during the flight (you can do this in the aircraft lavatory).

Placing ice on the cheeks as a cold compress may help to reduce swelling and pain in the mouth after tooth extraction. Ask a flight attendant for a pack to use during the flight. Also, avoid eating crunchy (hard) foods or drinking hot and cold drinks during your trip. Instead, opt for softer and easy-to-chew foods, such as yogurt, smoothies, or Jell-O at a moderate temperature. If you need to rinse your mouth during the flight, gargle some lukewarm salt water and spit it out gently.

Keep Your Dental Health in Tip-Top Shape With Dr. Bret!

The decision to have a tooth extraction can be unsettling. That’s why Dr. Bret Dyer and his team at Fort Bend Periodontics and Implantology in Sugar Land aim to minimize extraction pain as effectively as possible and eliminate any underlying infection for faster recovery. Dr. Dyer offers the best treatment options and flexible payment plans to suit your needs and budget. For more information about our dental services or to schedule an appointment, please call us at (281) 980-2344.

No one enjoys learning that they must undergo a tooth extraction, especially when you have a vacation planned with your family. The idea of recovering while attempting to enjoy your time away seems impossible, but what can you do? Although it’s not technically unsafe, many dental professionals recommend waiting when it comes to flying after a tooth extraction. In this article, we’ll take a look at the potential problems you could face if you choose to board a plane as well as what you can do to ensure your recovery is successful no matter if you’re home or away.

Potential Problems with Flying After a Tooth Extraction

Your dentist recommends that you wait at least two days before flying but you’ve already booked your family’s flight to the Caribbean. Instead of abiding by their recommendation, you choose to “tough it out” and go anyway. While it is up to you, there are some potential problems you could face once your up in the sky, some of which include:

• Swelling
• An increased risk for dry sockets
• Intense pain due to cabin pressure
• Bleeding

Although some of these are completely normal and will occur whether you’re on a plane or at home on your couch (i.e., swelling, bleeding, minor discomfort), it can be difficult trying to manage these symptoms when you’re not in your normal environment.  

What You Can Do to Ensure Proper Healing

If you decide that you’re not going to postpone your family’s summer vacation just because you had a tooth removed, it’s best to make sure you’re fully prepared for what will lie ahead. You will still need to recover and take added precautions to avoid complications. To ensure that you heal swiftly and successfully, make sure that you:

• Have your dentist’s number in your phone in case of an emergency.
• Pack a cold compress to reduce swelling but be sure to notify TSA agents before being screened at the airport.
• Make sure you have any antibiotics and prescriptions filled and packed in your carry-on.
• Try to sit next to the restroom while on the plane, as you will likely need to replace the gauze or rinse your mouth throughout your flight.
• Make sure you’re consuming only lukewarm water, as extreme temperatures can dislodge a dry socket, and remember never to use a straw.
• Pack plenty of gauze to ensure there is no continuous bleeding.
• Eat only soft foods during your travel.
• Get plenty of rest during your flight.

Taking care of yourself after a tooth extraction is imperative, no matter where you plan to be following your procedure. While the decision is yours regarding your choice to travel, following the instructions of your dentist and keeping these crucial tips in mind will ensure that you fully recover on the beach or at home.

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