If you’ve recently undergone a tooth extraction, then your dentist has performed a necessary procedure that is certain to get your smile back on track. However, you might be wondering if this procedure will have any impact on your upcoming travel plans. Keep reading to learn more from your dentist about the inherent risks of flying after a tooth extraction in Royal Palm Beach and what you can do to help ensure that things go smoothly.
Are There Any Risks to Flying After a Tooth Extraction?
The first few days following a tooth extraction are usually the most painful and can often leave people in bed or missing work. Others can bounce back from it and barely be bothered afterwards. This varying degree of pain often comes from a person’s natural level of pain tolerance, so if you know your teeth are touchy when it comes to painful procedures, flying a couple of days after a tooth extraction will be rough.
Due to the high altitude that planes fly at, the sinuses often take a beating with the pressure changes experienced at those heights. The ears, face, and teeth often get the brunt of this pressure, and the effects can sometimes be felt for days following a flight. This pressure can sometimes cause immense pain for those that have just had their teeth extracted. That said, although it’s considered safe to fly after getting a tooth extracted, it might not feel so great.
How Can I Prepare for Traveling After My Tooth Extraction?
Although you might need to postpone your trip a few days, it is strongly recommended that you wait the appropriate length of time before flying. If there is simply no way you can delay your flight, here are some added precautions you can take:
- Fill any necessary prescriptions before leaving on your trip and bring them in your carry-on bag so you have easy access to them. Over-the-counter pain relievers are also useful.
- Bring a cold compress with you to help relieve any discomfort.
- Try to eat only soft, bland foods and be sure to drink plenty of room-temperature water.
- Rest as much as possible while on the plane and once you arrive at your destination.
- Don’t hesitate to call your dentist if you have questions or need support.
Even though you should consider waiting a week or more after your tooth extraction to fly, you can try these few tips to make your trip more bearable!
About the Practice
South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery has proudly served the dental needs of the Royal Palm Beach area for several years under the leadership of five skilled specialists: Dr. Paul Weinstein, Dr. Travis Thompson, Dr. Jeronimo Guzman, Dr. Christopher Chafin, and Dr. Monika Ducharme. To request additional information or to schedule a visit, feel free to visit the practice’s website or give them a call: (561) 566-6016.