You’ve had that cross-country flight to see your folks scheduled for several months now, but it caught you by surprise when you to get that tooth pulled yesterday. Now, you’re wondering if you can head out on the flight as planned.

You aren’t in any pain after the extraction, but is it okay for you to proceed with your plans? Keep reading to learn about potential problems with flying after tooth extraction and what can you do to ensure that your mouth heals properly.

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WHAT ARE POTENTIAL PROBLEMS IF I FLY AFTER A TOOTH EXTRACTION?

Your dentist recommends for you to wait at least two days before flying, but it won’t quite have been 48 hours after extraction when your plane takes off. You know how much your parents are looking forward to seeing you, so you’re going to skirt by the two-day rule and see if everything will work out okay.

If you do have problems in your mouth, they could potentially include:

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

Although some of these issues are completely normal even if you were resting at home instead of flying after having a tooth removed, it could be more difficult to cope with them if you are not in your usual environment.

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HOW CAN I MAKE SURE I HEAL PROPERLY IF I FLY AFTER HAVING A TOOTH PULLED?

If you decide to go see your parents right after getting your tooth pulled, it’s important to be prepared for what lies ahead. After all, you still need to take it easy enough to recover and do all you can to avoid complications.

To heal as quickly and completely as possible, make an effort to:

• Rest as much as you can during your flight
• Eat only soft foods during your travels
• Pack plenty of gauzes so you can avoid continuous bleeding
• Be sure you are only drinking lukewarm water since extreme temperatures can dislodge a dry socket, and do not use a straw
• Sit as close as you can to the restroom during the flight, expecting you will need to replace the gauze or rinse your mouth with water along the way
• Have any antibiotics or prescriptions you might need filled and accessible in your carry-on
• Bring a cold compress to reduce swelling, but make sure to let the TSA agents know you have it before you are screened upon arrival
• Have your dentist’s number stored in your phone in case you have an emergency

No matter what your plans are after an extraction, it’s going to be important to take care of yourself. While the decision to travel is up to you, be mindful of the instructions your dentist gave and remember these tips so that your mouth returns to excellent condition whether you are sitting on the back porch at your parents’ house or on your couch thousands of miles away.

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ABOUT THE PRACTICE

At Aesthetic Family Dentistry, we strive to create an anxiety-free experience that helps patients of all ages enjoy strong, healthy smiles that brim with self-confidence. We promise to only recommend care that makes sense for your needs, and we will always do our best to ensure that your appointment starts on time. We understand that you lead a busy life so it’s hard to sit still for long after a tooth extraction, but you do need to do what it takes to fully recover. If you have any questions about extraction or need to schedule a follow-up appointment due to complications, you can visit our website or call (281) 843-1708.