Although dental implants will bring many positive benefits to your life in both the short and long run, you also need to make some changes in the interim to ensure that the procedure has the greatest chance of success. In the days after you have undergone dental implant surgery, you may need to remain less active to promote the best possible oral health. You should wait before you go on a lengthy trip, especially if you intend to fly.
The Initial Days After an Implant Procedure Can Be Challenging
You should not schedule a procedure shortly before the time that you know that you must travel. In addition, you should wait to feel better after your procedure before you make travel plans. You would likely experience some discomfort in the days after the procedure. After all, the oral surgeon has made incisions into your gums and jaw to place the implant.
Your oral surgeon would prescribe you pain medication to take for discomfort. It is not advisable to travel when you are taking pain medication. Not only would you be tired, but there could be some harm to your health.
Try to Avoid Flying or Long Trips Right After Your Procedure
You should also reconsider any plans to fly in the days after dental implant surgery. The change in altitude can increase the pressure in your mouth. Not only can this be painful, but it could also potentially set back your healing process. You would be in pain during the flight. Then, when the pressure in your mouth recedes, it could also affect the surgery site.
Driving long distances should also be avoided after an implant procedure. Because you are on medication and may be in discomfort, you would not be at your sharpest behind the wheel. It is difficult enough to drive long distances under the best of circumstances, and it would certainly be more challenging in the aftermath of oral surgery.
Not long after the surgery, the soft tissue in your mouth would begin to heal. Usually, this begins to happen within 10 to 14 days after the procedure. At that point, you would be better able to travel, whether by car or by flying. Even still, if you are traveling not long after a dental implant procedure, you should prepare ahead of time.
Make sure to bring pain relievers with you in case you need them. You should also have resealable plastic bags with you just in case you experience pain. Then, you could ask the flight attendant to fill the bags with ice to place them on your jaw.
Listen to Your Oral Surgeon’s Advice
Your oral surgeon will advise you of all potential restrictions that can affect what you are able to do after your surgery. It is vital that you follow what your surgeon tells you because going against their instructions could increase the chances that the implant will fail. They would likely tell you to curtail your activity for a little bit of time to allow the surgery site to heal.
When in doubt, always ask an oral surgeon about specific plans that you want to make to get their opinion. You should run anything major by them, both during the initial consultation and before your procedure, to learn whether it can affect the chances of success of your procedure.
Contact the South Jersey Dental Implant Surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Today
The South Jersey dental implant surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons can perform a complete evaluation and let you know whether you are a suitable candidate for an implant procedure. To schedule an appointment with one of our oral surgeons, contact us online or call 856-582-4222. We have offices in Washington Township, Haddonfield, and Woolwich Township, New Jersey, and we treat patients throughout South Jersey.