Flying after extraction

[berry]

Hi, I'm getting braces in 2 months and have just had my lower molar extracted. I'm paranoid about developing dry socket, and also - I'm going on a plane in 2 days!

Has anyone else done this and is it safe to fly? I didn't think it was a problem until someone mentioned it might be

thanks!

[braceface418]

Dry socket usually develops within 48 hours (basically, your pain gets worse rather than staying the same or getting better, so you'll have a pretty clear idea if it's a problem). I don't think flying will cause it -- the clot would probably have failed to form already. If you do develop while you're out of town, I'm sure a local oral surgeon or dentist could treat it pretty easily -- standard of care is usually placing gauze soaked in a solution that tastes like clove into the extraction site as far as I know.

I seem to recall sleeping with my head elevated for a few days afterward to help reduce swelling. It may be worth it to take some ibuprofen to help with any swelling related to changes in pressure, but you should be okay. I've flown the day after a root canal with no problems as well.