As the holidays approach, you may have an upcoming flight to catch, as well as a tooth extraction procedure. While flying after a tooth extraction can be safe, the timing of the procedures versus when your flight takes off matters. Read on to learn more about the risks of flying after a tooth extraction in Glastonbury and how you can do it safely.
Recovering from a Tooth Extraction
Patients typically feel fully back to their normal selves about two weeks after a tooth extraction, and it takes about eight weeks to fully heal. However, that largely depends on whether you received a simple or surgical tooth extraction. During this recovery period, it’s critical that you protect the exposed bone in the socket by preserving the blood clot, all while maintaining good oral hygiene to limit the risk of infection.
The Risks of Flying After a Tooth Extraction
There are several risks that you will be taking by flying after your tooth extraction that could increase your chances of experiencing post-operative complications. These include:
- Change in Sinus Pressure: When you fly, the pressure changes can lead to greater post-operative pain, especially if your extraction site is on the top arch and located near your sinuses.
- Risk of Dry Socket: The dry air in the airplane cabin and changes in pressure can increase your risk of dry socket.
- Concerns of Infection: Recirculated cabin air, limited access to proper oral hygiene (especially if you’re on a long flight), and dehydration can all increase your risk of post-op infection.
Staying hydrated and remaining mindful of how flying after a tooth extraction can affect your oral health can go a long way in ensuring that you make a speedy recovery.
The Ideal Waiting Period Before Flying After Treatment
While your busy schedule may not be able to accommodate planning your trip a month after your extraction, it is ideal that you wait at least a little bit before boarding a plane. At minimum, you want to wait four days following your procedure before getting on a plane—ideally, about 10 days. If you had impacted wisdom teeth removed, it’s best to wait about two weeks before flying.
If you have any concerns about your healing process and how your travel plans will impact it, never hesitate to reach out to your dentist for guidance. While you may not think that flying after your procedure is a big deal, knowing how it will affect your oral health can be the difference between developing dry socket or an infection and not!
About the Practice
Our skilled team of three experienced dentists at Glastonbury Dental Associates is able to perform most dental procedures in-house, minimizing the need for referrals to outside offices. Our team even includes an endodontic specialist for thorough and precise root canal treatment. If you’re in need of a tooth extraction, don’t hesitate to contact our office by either visiting our website or calling 860-633-3671.