Are you constantly on the move? Perhaps you travel a lot for business, or maybe you take frequent vacations. Either way, you may be curious about how oral surgery might affect your plans. For example, if you will get dental implants, how long should you wait before you hit the road or the skies again? This blog post provides practical guidance.
Flying Right Away: Safe but Not Ideal
Technically, it is safe to be on a plane right away after oral surgery. A properly pressurized cabin should not increase the risk of bleeding or interfere with your body’s ability to heal.
However, waiting is better! You can expect to be sore for a week or two after your surgery. Walking through an airport, carrying luggage, and dealing with the stress of a crowded space can be extra difficult in the initial stages of your healing process. It can also be challenging to get adequate rest in a cramped airplane seat. Plus, it is not always easy to find tasty foods that fit the required soft diet after oral surgery when you are in an airport. Generally, it is best to wait 10 – 14 days before you fly.
If you decide to fly sooner, try to get a seat close to the lavatory. You might have to get up periodically to place fresh gauze, rinse your mouth, or check on your surgical sites. You should also let the flight attendant know if you are taking a narcotic medication (so they do not become concerned if you are overly sleepy). Additionally, you can ask for a bag of ice if you need it to minimize any swelling.
Road Trips After Dental Implant Surgery
What if most of your travels take place in a car?
If your surgery involved sedation, wait at least 24 hours to drive. You want to make sure that any medications that could slow your reaction times or interfere with your judgement are out of your system. If you take strong prescription painkillers, such as narcotics, after your surgery, do not drive while under their influence.
If you will simply be a passenger, you can take a road trip right after your surgery. Bring water, pain relievers, and no-chew foods. Wear comfy clothes and consider bringing an extra pillow so you can keep your head elevated as you rest.
Traveling after dental implant surgery requires advanced planning and some patience. Talk to your oral surgeon to find out what they advise in your unique case.
Meet the Practice
At Piney Point Dental Implant Center, we are a leading provider of oral surgery services in the Houston area. We provide even advanced dental implant procedures, and we are qualified to offer sedation to keep our patients comfortable. If you have questions about the dental implant process or what to expect as you heal, we are ready to speak with you. Request a consultation by contacting our office at 713-597-7340.