Can You Fly After Oral Surgery?

Recovery from Oral surgery is a dreadful thought, and it's understandable, no one wants to deal with discomfort and inconvenience. But, if there's a business trip or vacation planned, and it involves flying to the destination, it can feel like even more of a challenge.So, can you fly after oral surgery? Yes, but changes in altitude and cabin pressure can exacerbate minor discomforts. So, it's best to wait at least 48 hours after oral surgery before taking a flight.

But what about emergencies? What if you can't reschedule your trip or simply don't want to miss out on a well-deserved vacation? In this article, we'll dive into the potential issues you could face and offer some tips to ensure a successful recovery no matter where you are. So, if you're wondering if flying after a tooth extraction and bone graft is a good idea, keep reading; we've got you covered.

What Are The Risks of Flying After Oral Surgery?

The first few days after oral surgery can be tough, with many patients experiencing side effects such as swollen or tender gums, redness around the surgical site, and even a slight fever or chills. When you add air travel to the mix, it can create even more discomfort and complications.

Changes in air pressure during takeoff and landing can cause intense pain, swelling, and bleeding at the surgical site. The dry air inside the cabin can further aggravate this condition, leading to drying out of the surgical site and increasing the risk of infection. 

If you are wondering, can flying cause dry socket?

Yes, that’s another potential complication. This condition occurs when the blood clot that forms after a tooth extraction is dislodged, exposing the underlying bone and nerves. A dry socket can cause severe pain and require urgent attention from a dentist or oral surgeon.

Finally, if you had a general anesthetic during your oral surgery, the effects of the anesthesia can linger for several hours. This would make it harder to stay alert and react quickly in case of an emergency.

So, how soon can you fly after getting wisdom teeth out to minimize the risks? We recommend waiting at least 48-72 hours before boarding a plane. 

How Do You Prepare for Air Travel After Oral Surgery?

If you're planning to fly after oral surgery anyway, it's essential to prepare yourself for a safe and comfortable flight. We have some tips to help you.

• Pack Your Medications and Supplies

Before leaving for your trip, ensure you have all the necessary medications and supplies, such as painkillers, gauze pads, and a travel-size water bottle. You don't want to be caught without any pain-relief meds during your flight.

• Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol, which can exacerbate dry mouth and dehydration. Dehydration can cause further pain and complications after oral surgery. 

• Avoid Eating and Drinking Before Takeoff and Landing

Eating or drinking anything immediately before takeoff and landing can cause discomfort and pain due to changes in air pressure. Avoiding this can help reduce the risk of complications and discomfort during your flight.

• Use Saline Nasal Spray or Humidifier

Consider using a saline nasal spray or a humidifier to keep the air moist and reduce the risk of dry mouth. The dry air inside an airplane cabin can cause discomfort and dry out the extraction site, leading to further pain and complications. 

• Move Around and Stretch Your Legs

Try to move around and stretch your legs periodically during the flight to prevent blood clots and encourage circulation. Sitting for an extended period can delay healing and increase the risk of complications, so move around and stretch whenever possible.

At Smile Select Dental, we understand that flying after a tooth extraction can be a concern for many of our patients. We want to assure you that with the right preparation and precautions, you can have a safe and comfortable flight. If you have any concerns or questions about flying after your dental surgery procedure, please do not hesitate to reach out to our dental team. You can call us at (909) 334-4015 or visit our website. We are here to provide guidance and support as you recover and travel.