Some people do a lot more traveling than others, whether it’s part of their jobs or simply due to a desire to see as much of the world as possible. So if you’re planning on getting dental implants, you may be wondering whether you will need to put off any upcoming trips until your mouth has fully recovered. When will it be safe for you to travel after dental implant surgery? The answer to this question can be found below.
What Can You Expect to Happen After Dental Implant Surgery?
Your mouth will need some time to heal after dental implant placement. Many patients make a full recovery after about two weeks (although it can take as long as three to six months for the implant posts to finish fusing with the jawbone). As long as you stick to the recovery guidelines, you should be able to keep your discomfort under control and ensure that the healing process stays on schedule.
So, Is Traveling an Option While Your Mouth is Recovering from Dental Implant Surgery?
Dental implant surgery won’t put you out of commission for very long; many people are able to return to their normal routines after just one or two days. As such, even if your mouth is currently recovering from getting dental implants, you will likely still be able to travel, whether it’s by car, by boat, or by airplane.
That being said, the complexity of the procedure does make a difference. People who only receive one dental implant are often able to get on a plane right away. However, if you are planning on having multiple dental implants placed, you may want to wait at least a couple of weeks before flying.
Tips for Traveling After Getting Dental Implants
When you’re in the middle of recovering from dental implant surgery, you will need to focus on taking care of your mouth while you’re traveling. Here are some tips for looking after your dental implants while you’re on the go.
- Remember to take any pain medications that you were prescribed.
- Make sure that you only eat soft or liquid foods while your mouth is recovering. When flying, it may be a good idea to grab some soup or a soft snack before you get on the plane.
- If possible, pack a cold compress so that you can hold it against the side of your face for 10 minutes at a time.
If you have further concerns about traveling with dental implants, be sure to let your dentist know and see if they have any recommendations.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Camenzuli is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, which is something that only 6% of dentists in the United States and Canada have achieved. At his New Orleans practice, Camenzuli Dental Excellence, he can replace any number of missing teeth with dental implants. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Camenzuli, visit his website or call (504) 584-4225.