No matter what kind of oral health problem you’re dealing with, life just doesn’t stop. Even if you’re missing teeth, replacing them is something you’ll have to make room for in your likely busy schedule.
That being the case, people who travel for work often wonder how long it will be after their dental implant surgery before they’re going to be able to get on a plane again. It’s a good question; if you’re in that situation, here’s what you should know.
Can I Fly After Dental Implant Surgery?
The answer depends a little bit on the nature of your particular situation. If you’ve received a single dental implant and no other preliminary procedures, the risk of travel should be mild. However, the more complex the procedure, the greater the possibility to complications—if you’ve received a bone graft, sinus lift, or several dental implants, it may be worth waiting a while before you get on a plane.
It’s generally a good idea to talk to your oral surgeon if you need to travel in the days after your implant surgery. It may be necessary to wait as long as 10-14 days before flying in the case of more complicated dental implant procedures. If you’re unsure about whether waiting will be necessary, it may be a good idea to adhere to these guidelines just in case.
Other Dental Implant Aftercare Guidelines
In addition to caution around flying, there are a few other things work keeping in mind if you want to get through dental implant aftercare smoothly:
- Begin Proper Care Immediately After Surgery:
- Rest on your way home after the surgery.
- Avoid touching the implant area and vigorous mouth rinsing.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home as the effects of anesthesia wear off.
- Control Bleeding:
- Bleeding from the implant site can continue for up to 72 hours.
- Bite down on gauze for about an hour to control bleeding. Repeat every 6-10 hours as necessary.
- Avoid bending over, lifting heavy objects, forceful spitting, smoking, and using a straw.
- Manage Pain:
- Tylenol (acetaminophen) is recommended for pain relief.
- Avoid NSAIDs (such as Advil or Aleve), as they may interfere with healing.
- Take Tylenol just before anesthesia wears off or when discomfort is severe.
- Follow the instructions on the packaging and consult your dentist if needed.
- Minimize Swelling and Bruising:
- Use ice packs to reduce swelling.
- Rest with your head elevated to prevent excess blood flow to the head
- Follow the Right Diet:
- Avoid hot meals and drinks, as well as hard and crunchy foods for at least a week after surgery.
- Opt for soft foods like fruit purees, smoothies, and yogurt to avoid pressure on the implant site.
- Give Up Smoking and Alcohol:
- Smoking and alcohol can impact the healing process. Try to refrain from smoking for two weeks following the surgery.
About Our Practice
At South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we work hard to provide our patients with 5-star dental care. From the moment you step into our office until your oral surgery is complete, you can expect to feel comfortable and attended to. We also know that our patients are busy, which is why we design our treatments to fit you and your unique needs.
If you have any questions about dental implants, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (561) 203-5744.