Sometimes, urgent dental emergencies happen, even if you’ve got other plans. If you find yourself needing a tooth extraction but are set to take a flight soon, here’s why you should consider delaying your trip or procedure if possible.
The Dangers of Flying After Tooth Extraction
Flying after tooth removal doesn’t seem all that dangerous. After all, unless you’re the pilot or flight crew, you won’t need to do a whole lot. But the real danger lies in your extraction site. You see, the pressure changes you experience in flight can sometimes be uncomfortable even under the best conditions. Perfectly healthy people often experience headaches, ear popping, and even tooth pain that high up in the sky. Following an extraction, these problems can be greatly exacerbated. Not only that, but the pressure can dislodge or prevent a clot from forming in your mouth, causing a painful condition called dry socket.
What is Dry Socket?
Dry socket occurs when the clot forming in your extraction site becomes dislodged. This can cause the bone to become exposed and can open the area up to an increased risk of infection. It is often very painful when it happens on solid ground. Add in the additional pressure of being in flight, and the pain could be unbearable. Worse yet, if you do develop dry socket, you’ll need to be seen by your dentist as soon as possible to treat it. That could pose a challenge if you are flying somewhere that you don’t have access to dental help, or you don’t speak the language.
How to Prevent Dry Socket
Dry socket is preventable; however, you must use caution. First, don’t do anything to dislodge the clot on your own. Do not drink from a straw for at least a week after your extraction. Also, be sure not to spit, as the force from this can cause the clot to come out. Finally, don’t fly or perform any activity that might expose you to pressure changes. The days following your tooth removal should be spent resting, recuperating, and healing. This is best done by staying home, avoiding strenuous activities, and sleeping as often as possible.
Remember, sometimes we need to travel for work, pleasure, or other reasons, but you should avoid flying for 48 hours after a tooth extraction. If you absolutely must, speak to your dentist about your options for rescheduling your procedure. It could save you a lot of pain and unnecessary complications.
About Dr. Bal
Dr. Gus Bal believes that the key to keeping his patients happy is to treat them exactly how he’d like to be treated. That philosophy guides his every action. Whether he’s recommending a cosmetic procedure that will boost your confidence, a restorative treatment that will alleviate your pain, or simply providing you with a thorough exam, he’s passionate about making patients’ lives better through excellent oral health!
To schedule a tooth extraction at Fisher Dental, please visit our website or call us today at 613-727-0990.