3 Things You Should Do if You’re Flying After Tooth Extraction

It’s generally not ideal to have a flight scheduled soon after your tooth extraction. But life happens, and canceling a flight at the last minute can be inconvenient and costly. Is there anything you can do to protect your treatment site and remain comfortable?

Luckily for you, there are – in fact, there are at least three things you should definitely plan on doing! Keep reading for the best post-extraction travel tips.

#1. Wait at Least 48 Hours

It’s important to note that regardless of the reason for your flight, taking off within 48 hours of your extraction is a bad idea, plain and simple. This is because your body will be creating a blood clot in your empty socket to help protect the area as it heals. Air pressure and altitude changes during take-off are more likely to dislodge this important clot within the 48-hour timeframe, resulting in an extremely painful condition known as dry socket. For the sake of your comfort and recovery progress, the goal is to avoid dry socket!

#2. Be Smart with Your Carry-On

You have to carefully consider the best way to pack your belongings on any flight, but if you’ve recently had a tooth extraction, you’ll want to have easy access to items that will help you feel more comfortable. Here’s a list of a few carry-on essentials:

• Gauze to help control any bleeding.
• Pain relievers to manage discomfort and reduce swelling.
• Resealable bags can make for a nice ice pack in a pinch.
• A water bottle – fill it up after passing through TSA so you can stay hydrated.
• Your favorite pillow or jacket will give you a comfortable headrest to snooze on.
• Earplugs or headphones are essential for blocking out airplane noise that could disrupt your sleep.

#3. Get Plenty of Rest

Healing is hard work! To promote a smooth extraction recovery, it’s important to avoid strenuous activity and give your body plenty of time to recuperate. If possible, arrive at the airport even earlier than you would normally so you’re not having to run to your gate. Try to pack light and minimize the amount of bags you have to carry. And last but certainly not least, get plenty of rest once the plane levels out and is moving smoothly.

If you have a flight to catch after your tooth extraction, be sure to keep these points in mind, but also ask your dentist for more advice. They’re the pros, after all, and could have more personalized tips for your specific situation. When in doubt, it never hurts to talk to your dentist!

About the Practice

Dr. DeMartino and Dr. Garcia-DeMartino are a phenomenal husband-and-wife dentist team in Philipsburg. Together, they’re able to provide patients with comprehensive and prompt emergency dental care, ensuring they get compassionate care when they need it most. If you’re concerned about your upcoming tooth extraction and how it may impact your travel plans, don’t hesitate to give them a call at 908-859-5260.