We all lead busy lives, whether it’s during work, play, or family time, and sometimes regardless of how much time we have to make plans, we need to travel. If you’re booking a flight for business, pleasure, or any other reason, navigating the friendly skies can be stressful enough without the additional pressure of an injury. But what happens when you need to fly following a tooth extraction? Before you pack your bags, be sure to read up on why you should stay grounded for as long as possible after this oral health procedure.
Flight Delays
Nobody likes a delayed flight. Sitting on the tarmac or in the terminal waiting for time to pass can be so frustrating. But when it comes to flying after a tooth extraction, the longer the wait, the better. In fact, you shouldn’t even attempt to fly at all for at least 24 to 48 hours after your procedure. This will allow your mouth time to heal and help prevent a condition called dry socket which occurs when the clot in your extraction site becomes dislodged. The clot acts as your body’s own barrier to stop bleeding, keep out bacteria, and protect the sensitive nerves, bone, and tissue inside the incision area.
Making Plans
While not all travel allows you to plan, experts recommend that you book any extractions as far away as possible from your travel plans. Even though the rule of thumb is 24 to 48 hours at a minimum, the longer you wait to fly, the more comfortable you will be. This is because the changes in air pressure can still cause sensitivity and discomfort to the incision site until it has completely healed.
Pack Your Bags
If you do need to fly soon after an extraction, be sure to pack some essentials to help in case of unexpected pain. You should include:
- Prescription or over-the-counter pain medication
- Gauze
- Room-temperature water
- Your dentist’s contact information
- A cold compress
- Soft, bland foods
Furthermore, be sure to avoid hot liquids and foods and do not drink with a straw, as all of these can easily dislodge a clot.
Bon Voyage!
If you do need to fly following your extraction, preparing yourself for the unexpected and waiting for as long as possible to take off can help ensure a safe and timely healing process. If you cannot rearrange your flight and your extraction is not an emergency, you may also want to consider rescheduling it for when you return.
About Dr. Pham
Dr. Jennifer Pham is a skilled dentist and Virginia native who has been practicing for well over a decade. She holds current memberships to the American Dental Association, the Virginia Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry, just to name a few.
When she’s not practicing in her office, she enjoys spending time volunteering with several local organizations, including Northern Virginia Dental Clinic, Mission of Mercy, and Remote Area Medical. To schedule a tooth extraction with Dr. Pham, please visit our website or call 703-260-8344.