Whether you’re headed into the friendly skies for business or pleasure, if you’re scheduled to have dental implant surgery, you may want to put a pause on your travel plans if going by air. That’s because following any surgical procedure, air flight can cause a variety of uncomfortable side effects. Here’s a closer look at what could happen if you fly too soon, and how long you should wait to “take off” following your dental implant procedure!
The Dangers of Flying too Soon
When it comes to any surgical procedure, there are always risks involved. With dental implants, the most common dangers include infection and failed osseointegration (when the implant fuses with the bone). Flying is generally considered very safe following dental implant treatment; however, it may not be very comfortable. For starters, within the first day or so you may experience bleeding, which can be messy and embarrassing, and may require a few trips to the lavatory to change your gauze. If you’re not concerned about that or don’t have the luxury of waiting, you should be safe if you’ve just had a single implant. It is ideal, however, that you allow yourself at least one day to rest if possible.
When Can I Fly After Multiple Implants?
If you have received multiple dental implants or another preliminary procedure such as a sinus lift or tooth extractions, it is advisable to wait at least 10 to 14 days before flying to minimize the risk of complications and to give your body a chance to heal. If you know that you’ll be needing to travel soon, speak to your surgeon about scheduling your dental implant surgery so that you’ll have plenty of time to heal before flying, or delay your procedure until your return.
Other Methods of Travel
If you’d prefer to travel by land or sea, the good news is that you can safely travel a lot sooner than you can via air. Same-day trips should be okay following a simple one-implant procedure, but you may want to allow several days before heading out if you’re getting multiple implants or if you need any preliminary treatments. Be sure to pack the appropriate supplies, including your aftercare instructions, pain relievers, oral hygiene tools, and your dentist’s contact information. Furthermore, if you are taking strong prescription pain relievers, driving is not advisable so speak to your dentist first about the side effects and warnings of any medications before hitting the road.
Remember, traveling following dental implant surgery isn’t impossible, but the longer you can wait, the better. If you must take an after-treatment trek, speak to your dentist about the timeline and be sure to understand all the risks involved and how to avoid them. Save travels!
About Our Practice
At Texas Dental Surgery, Dr. Walker and Dr. Houari are committed to helping make your dental implant journey as safe, comfortable, and successful as possible. If you’re ready to restore your smile with the most realistic and durable tooth restoration option available today, don’t let your busy schedule hold you back. We’ll be happy to work with your availability to help ensure you have the best outcome possible. To schedule an appointment for dental implants, visit our website or call us today at 469-296-8680.