Dental implants are one of the most popular tooth replacement options, but they’re also the only one that requires surgery. That means that dental implant aftercare tends to be much more involved than other tooth replacement options.
If you took time off to recover from dental implant surgery, you may want to live that to the fullest. For you, that might involve taking a trip. However, flying can sometimes be a problem after certain surgeries. If you’re looking to take a flight after dental implant surgery, here’s what you should know.
Can I Fly After Getting Dental Implants?
The answer is complicated. As with any surgery, there are some issues that could arise if you fly directly after the procedure. However, other patients could be fine. The answer depends on a few factors:
When Can I Fly?
Of course, after any surgery, there could be complications, and you should make sure that you’re in good health before you fly. That said, for simple dental implant procedures— single implants without bone grafts or sinus lifts—you could be able to travel as soon as the next day.
(By the way, it’s worth noting that your dental implant won’t set off any security sensors. They’re made of titanium, which those sensors don’t test for.)
When Should I Hold Off on Flying?
That said, if you’ve had more complex dental implant surgery, you may want to hold off on flying. Some patients may need a bone graft, a sinus lift, or multiple dental implants during the same procedure. For these patients, it’s recommended that they wait anywhere from 10-14 days before getting on a plane.
It is possible to fly with these conditions in an emergency, but doing so puts you at an increased risk of developing complications. Changes in air pressure during a flight can potentially disrupt blood flow, causing swelling and bleeding around your new implant. This is not only uncomfortable, but can also significantly delay the healing process.
If you’re at all concerned, you could always talk to your dentist about your travel plans. They can give you an answer based on your unique situation.
About Our Practice
At Cornerstone Dental we know that there are all kinds of things that may have brought you into our office, but no matter what it was, we can guarantee that you’ll leave us with a smile! Dentistry can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be—we’re happy to make the process of getting the care that you need as easy as possible!
If you have any questions about dental implants, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (701) 237-3583.